Master the art of occasion dressing, with Oscar de la Renta

One need only consider the fact that designer Oscar de la Renta was known as the Sultan of Suave, Couture Conquistador and Guru of Glamour during his decades-long career outfitting the world’s most stylish women to realise the brand is a failsafe choice when it comes to dream dresses. It was in the 1960s, after cutting his teeth at Balenciaga and Lanvin, that the Dominican-born de la Renta wound up in New York City, where he soon established his eponymous label. Heralded for his unique ability to imbue unbridled femininity with a sense of modernity, the designer went on to dress the likes of Jackie Onassis and Princess Diana.

In 2016, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia – the design duo behind cult label Monse – took the reins at the house, which had, by that time, become an American fashion institution. The announcement was met with a rapturous reception within the industry and beyond, not least because Oscar de la Renta was where both Kim and Garcia began their design careers, straight out of college. Since then, the label has entered a new era. It’s a testament to Kim and Garcia’s skill, innovation and sensitivity that they have helped the brand acquire a new relevance with a younger audience without alienating de la Renta’s traditional clientele. This awards season alone, the house dressed a spectrum of Hollywood stars, including Oscar nominees Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie, plus Zoë Kravitz and Glenn Close.

One notable way the designers have achieved this remarkable feat is by staying true to the essence of the house, which is built on fantasy and femininity. As ever, Oscar de la Renta is the final word when it comes to occasion dressing – no matter the myriad events in your diary. A strapless lace gown, complete with feathered midi skirt, is the perfect choice for a cocktail party, the gently cinched waist and full skirt creating a dramatic and endlessly flattering silhouette. On the hunt for a sophisticated yet understated look for a destination wedding? A yellow pleated gown is a faultless choice. Not only do the vertical pleats elongate the legs, they also lend this stunning piece a sense of ease. Let the gold-chain embellishments set the tone when it comes to your accessories: statement earrings and sun-kissed skin are the perfect accompaniments to this dress.

If it’s all-out glamour you’re after, then an Oscar de la Renta gown is a sure-fire way to turn heads. Ensure you’re the best-dressed guest at any gala in the house’s show-stopping taffeta gown. This dream dress is finished with delightful details, from a cut-out front and train to an asymmetric hem, ideal for showing off a pair of suitably enviable heels. There’s no denying the power of this look, which is why it’s best worn with slicked-back hair and pared-back beauty, to keep your outfit feeling clean and contemporary.

Managing a hectic schedule can often take the fun out of events, but with a bevy of beautifully crafted Oscar de la Renta dresses in your arsenal, you can RSVP with a renewed sense of excitement.