Lynn Wyatt's Big Rescue

Lynn Wyatt helps Oscar de la Renta out of fashion jam in Clinton Library exhibit

When Hillary Clinton asked Oscar de la Renta to put together a retrospective of his work at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, the famed designer was in a bit of pickle. Although he has been in the fashion business for more than 50 years, de la Renta is never one to look to the past and had not saved many of his designs.

"Unfortunately, only in the last 12 years have we been keeping our archive of clothes because before that I never ever thought that anyone would ever have the slightest interest in my clothes,” he told Women's Wear Daily.

"These golden oldies, I can't bear to get rid of them, whether I want to or not."

So he called his friend, Lynn Wyatt, who was inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1977 and has meticulously cared for her designer wardrobe (she even occasionally brings out a classic outfit to wear to a Houston society event). "Those golden oldies, I can't bear to get rid of them, whether I want to or not," she tells CultureMap with a laugh.

Wyatt went into her "summer and winter closets" and found some of her favorite de la Renta creations. "He realized that he didn't go back far enough, so he asked me if I had something and I said, ' I certainly do,' " Wyatt explains. "I sent him three or four things and he was thrilled. He remembers them like they're long-lost children. He's so happy to have them come back home."

The Wyatt-donated ensemble of a stylish pair of pale green embellished slacks and a long tunic with a V-shaped hemline that de la Renta designed in 1968 is the earliest piece in the exhibition, which will be on display through Dec. 1. "I could wear it today," she says. "It's timeless."

Also in the exhibit are five looks worn by several first ladies, including a reproduction of the burgundy velvet gown that Hillary Clinton wore on the cover of Vogue, a red suit that Laura Bush wore in 2008 and a tan coat and dress worn by Nancy Reagan in 1988. Large reprints of photos from Vogue, including the Clinton cover — the first time a first lady was featured on the magazine's cover — are included.

Recent red carpet and runway looks worn by Chelsea Clinton, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker and Taylor Swift, along with a gown worn by actress Carey Mulligan on the May 2013 issue of Vogue are also included in the exhibition of more than 30 de la Renta pieces.

See a video of the exhibit, with interviews by the Clintons, Barbara Walters, Anna Wintour, and Diane von Furstenberg:

A long tunic and pants ensemble, center, donated by Lynn Wyatt, is the earliest piece in the de la Renta exhibition.

Clinton Foundation Oscar de la Renta Lynn Wyatt pantsuit

Photo by Nelson Chenault Clinton Foundation

A long tunic and pants ensemble, center, donated by Lynn Wyatt, is the earliest piece in the de la Renta exhibition.

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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