Mary McFadden is one of fashion’s true artisans, whose designs were inspired by exotic cultures and historical references.  The “Delphos” Fortuny pleat was the inspiration for Mary McFadden’s synthetic Marii pleat.  The Marii textile is her signature fabric treatment, and the example shown at the CFDA exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum was  one of her Marii gowns.  Here is a selection of OgoVintage Mary McFadden Marii pleated dresses and gowns, some of which are currently for sale at OgoVintage.

The single item chosen for Oscar de la Renta’s inclusion in the Council of Fashion Designers of America exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art is a lavish evening gown, with a black, intricately embellished top and a voluminous bright yellow duchesse satin skirt.  Here are two examples of  Oscar de la Renta gowns available on OgoVintage now.

Oscar de la Renta apprenticed with Balenciaga, then worked with Lanvin-Castillo, and joined Elizabeth Arden in the early 60s,  opening his own design house in 1965.  His designs have been worn by jet setters and movie stars, including Jackie-O.  Fortunately, he has apparel lines in addition to the mesmerizing gowns that he is most famous for.  The items shown below are excellent examples, to add to any wardrobe.

L:  Jersey Lounging caftan Gown       R:  Iridescent Silk Chiffon cocktail dress

Any museum exhibit featuring fashion, present or past,  informs the public that fashion is not passing frippery, but a form of art in and of itself.  Having said that, some exhibits  raise the bar with rare and exotic apparel and accessories, such as the Iris Apfel “Rare Bird of Fashion” exhibit, which commenced at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America presently has a 50 year retrospective currently on exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, in which approximately 50 of the 600 past and present members each exhibit one piece.  Those designers with a long and comprehensive legacy could not be sufficiently represented by only one item.  OgoThe Magnificent’s extensive inventory includes dozens of items for each of those chosen designers.

Ralph Lauren exhibited an outfit from the late 70s, from his early Western Wear collection.  Here are some of OgoVintage’s Ralph Lauren vintage western wear, and more current Ralph Lauren western styled items:

Ralph Lauren Western Wear horse shoe shirt

L:  Ralph Lauren early Western Wear label       R:  Ralph Lauren fringed suede jacket

L: Ralph Lauren deerskin ensemble          R:  Ralph Lauren suede shirt dress