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30 W yatt's longtime friendship with the late designer and Tinterow's connection to the family facilitated coopera- tion not only from the house of ODLR but also from Vogue contributing editor André Leon Talley, who had curated the San Francisco exhibition and contributed to the subsequent book on the designer's career. The MFAH fashion blockbuster, "The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta," opened early October and was celebrated at three glorious events saluting the designer's legacy. The first of the Oscar fêtes was a sponsor's dinner and exhibition preview. Tinterow applauded Wyatt as the "godmother" of the exhibition, along with major underwriters Cherie and Jim Flores, who also chaired the ball. It was a record-breaking $2.3 million success, not to mention one of the most sublime evenings ever. As Tinterow noted, "It is safe to say that there has never been a more beautiful room and more beautiful women in beau- tiful dresses by Oscar de la Renta than tonight." Indeed, the tableau of 79,000 flowers dancing across soaring backdrops of fresh boxwood with women in stunning designer gowns, created a scene of rare opulence in the museum's Cullinan Hall. Cherie Flores, an award-winning gardener in her own right, tapped Richard Flowers and The Events Company to turn her vision of a splendid floral setting — a nod to de la Renta's passion for gardens — into reality. THE OSCARS (continued on page 32) (continued from page 28) Oscar de la Renta custom evening coat, and evening dress with cape Ileana & Michael Trevino Linda & Dr. Walter McReynolds Ceron, Karol Barnhart, Todd Fiscus, Kelly Barnhart Kyle Walstad, Claire Rinehart Laura Kim, Patricia Jefferies Steph & Al Walker Fady Armanious, Hallie Vanderhider (continued on page 32)