October 23rd, 2013
The letter is O, for Oscar de la Renta
What I knew about Oscar de la Renta before I started a little research was his Eau de Parfum, which I loved in younger days, before I made Crepe de Chine my 'signature' scent, - in the days when a faint perfume was pleasing to people as they brushed past you, before so many people began to throw up their hands in horror and complain about their 'allergies'!
And doctors and dentists and optometrists and even chiropodists put up signs saying 'No Perfume, No Perfume - we are pure in this office and will not be seduced by your Eau de Parfum'.
I know of a lady who changed churches because she was so outraged by the faint perfume a
pew sharer refused to give up when she got dressed for church.....good for her, (the lady) say I.... I'm not sure what the outraged parishioner's thoughts were on after shave lotion....
This particular Perfume, pictured above, is L'Esprit de Eau de Parfum Oscar de la Renta. Its 'Base' is Heliotrope, Muskt, Tonka Bean, Vetiver and Amber. The 'Heart' is Egyptian Jasmine, Orange Flower, Tuberose, Parma Violet and Iris, and it is 'Topped' with Sicilian Lemon and Cedrat.
Who could object to such a lovely potpourri - in moderation, of course.
Oscar de la Renta left his native Dominican Republic when he was 18 to study painting in Madrid, and while living in Spain he became interest in the world of design and became apprenticed to Balenciago, Spain's most renowned couturier. In 1963 he came to New York to work with Elizabeth Arden, and in 1965 began his highly successful signature ready-to-wear label.
He has received many awards in the industry and from his native country he has been honoured as one of its most distinguished citizens with the order al Merito de Juan Paqblo Duarte and the order of Cristbal Colon. In 1996 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Heritage Society and in 2000 he marched down Fifth Avenue as Grand Marshall of New York City's Hispanic Day Parade.
He is the recipient of the Gold Medal of Bellas Artes from the King of Spain, and even more importantly he has helped build a much needed school and day-care centre in the Dominican Republic for 1200 children. As a tireless patron of the arts he serves on many boards of important cultural institutions, and I would say his life has been one of excellent citizenship, besides his contribution to a sweet scented world.
You will find more interesting O's here at ABC Wednesday, with thanks to Roger, Denise and all their visiting helpers.
16 comments:
Oscar is looking quite handsome! I used to wear scent and still occasionally wear a bit of scented lotion, but mostly none. I'm really good at attracting bears even without scent!
I really do love how you let the Alphabet meme lead you down free association paths and I always look forward to seeing where you lead me!
Funny the cultural changes we've lived through isn't it? I remember loving cigarette smoke scent b/c my dad smelled of it when he came home from work. And mom always used perfume. I pretty much stick to scented body lotions now, so far nobody has complained too much ;>)
I do love good perfume and put a tiny spray on every day so far no one has complained not sure what i would do if they did!John likes it so it cant be too bad.
I used to work in a department store cosmetic department and so used make up and fragrance.
As time has gone by, I seem to have become allergic to fragrance ( and makeup as it has scent too) and it literally seizes me up and I can't breath. Its not just perfumes but scented flowers like lilies and hyacinths etc.
My MIL wears fragrance (quite a lot actually) and its White Diamonds. We always come home sick...
It not something we have control over and breathing is kind of important :)
Susan
I love a slight scent that is a bit citrus in flavor.
So many wear too much and my head pounds.
Very interesting information about Oscar. I really knew nothing about him...thank you for this post.
I know I said it before but I really like the sunflower header of yours.
Very elegant choice for O and interesting post about Oscar!
O is for...
Indeed a very handsome man! I like a bit of perfume occasionally.
Good choice Hildred!
Have a great week!
Wil,ABCW Team
Great post for O. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
Stylin'!
ROG, ABC W
It really is too bad most women don't know how to wear a perfume. And because they OVER spray themselves, so many places are supposed to be "fragrance-free" now. If I wear any, I lightly spray the air in front of me and just walk through the mist - and that is plenty to wear. I do love Oscar's scents.
Leslie
abcw team
This is absolutely fascinating, Hildred. I had no idea Oscar de la Renta was from the Dominican Republic. It is one of my favourite places, but I thought all its famous expatriots were baseball players.
I am so glad to know de la Renta did not turn his back on his native country after all his amazing success in Spain and the US. The school sounds like an especially good gift to the Dominican Republic.
I agree with Sallie, you do provide us with interesting information.
K
Interesting information about the perfume.
That bottle has such a classic look. Great idea for 'O'. Love your shots.
I was fascinated with the story of Oscar. I was not familiar with his story. I am a perfume user. Have been for years and years. Probably because my mother wore perfume and I loved her smell. I think I wear it appropriately as I'm only got compliments. I like Tresor from LancĂ´me. The lotion is also very nice. My daughters keep me in supply for Mother's Day and Christmas.
I really think there are more people who suffer from allergies today. I wish I liked perfume, but I never wear it because allergies in my family are bad -- yet my son wears way too much cologne and has for years. I would love to live in the desert because of my fibromyalgia, but my allergies in the .desert are worse than my fibro.... Oscar looks very suave.
I just now saw THIS is your ABC Wednesday post...I am a bit late with mine today 25 minutes Pacific time to spare! I agree there is nothing wrong with a light touch of a pleasant scent, I am fond of White Ginger myself for daily wear.
The mix in the one you described sounds heavenly...I must remember to check on that one at the Mall next time I visit!
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