Since its opening, Centro León has developed an exhibition program with a mission to promote and spread culture and to contribute to a more sensitive, conscious and integrated society. On this particular occasion, Centro León presents an exhibition about Oscar de la Renta, a diverse creator who, during his career always kept his homeland of the Dominican Republic in his mind and in his heart.

Being Oscar de la Renta is an exhibition that presents a journey through the life, work, and influences of this Dominican yet international designer. A visual and spatial narrative organized around themes that span from the widely known aspects of his life, into other interests, moments and spaces.

It is of great importance to produce this project in the Dominican Republic in order to present a new vision of Oscar de la Renta, originating from his birth country and identifying the diverse connections with other territories that the designer weaved throughout his life and career.

Oscar de la Renta is one of the most internationally renowned Dominicans. He was an unofficial ambassador of Dominican culture, a labor he carried out elegantly through his work in fashion and design, and also through the relationships he cultivated thorough his life.

His frequent phrase “I’m just an island boy”, helped conjugate his Dominican and American identities with a spirit of universality, and experiences he lived all around the world.  This created a unique combination of styles and elegance that became the seal of his transnational identity.

Most people knew the Oscar de la Renta that appeared in both national and international press stories. Celebrity, nonetheless, is just one facet of a much more complex man, with clear interests, a tireless work ethic, and an endless enthusiasm.

Oscar knew how to take risks and adapt to the changes in the fashion and design industry through more that 50 years of career. This allowed him to remain as a relevant and established designer.

Oscar understood that elegance is something that supersedes the physical beauty of a woman and that it’s composed of a series of elements, attitudes, and details that complement what she is, or is not, wearing. He confirmed this in a 2013 interview with Adela Micha when he said, “to feel good when you’re dressed, you need to feel good when you’re nude”.