Fashion world mourns loss of iconic designer Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta, who passed away on Oct. 20 at the age of 82 will be set to rest at a private funeral in New York City. De la Renta passed away surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Connecticut due to complications from cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2006. The renowned designer left behind his wife Annette, and his adopted son Moises, who is a designer at his label.
The designer was known for dressing Hollywood stars, wealthy socialites, and even American first ladies. De la Renta has been a favourite of First Ladies ranging from Jackie Kennedy, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, to the most recent, Michelle Obama.
During his career, the Dominican Republic-born designer made a name for himself with his classic sophisticated suits with fitted jackets, extravagant dresses in flowered prints, and embellished evening gowns. He was a favourite among many actresses such as: Jennifer Lawrence, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Audrey Hepburn just to name a few. The well known names who showed off de la Renta’s gowns on the red carpet for over 40 years, received attention by fashion critics and viewers from all over the globe.
One of the last of the designer’s projects was the creation of Amal Clooney’s wedding dress, who married George Clooney on Sept. 27. Amal Clooney, who was pictured in a Vogue photo shoot alongside de la Renta told Vogue, “George and I wanted a wedding that was romantic and elegant, and I can’t imagine anyone more able than Oscar to capture this mood in a dress. Meeting him made the design process all the more magical, as he is so warm and such a gentleman.”
It’s to no one’s surprise that Oscar de la Renta has been viewed with such appreciation and admiration, as he has perfected the style of breathtaking, intricate gowns that show off the silhouette of a woman with elegance and class. De la Renta has dazzled the fashion industry with gowns that flatter women in all the right places, and accentuate the feminine aesthetic. The designer was never one to shy away from rich colours, exquisite embroideries, and voluminous, draping shapes. His appreciation and love of the female figure has made him one of the most sought after designers, being most famously quoted saying, “The qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.”
Oscar de la Renta was born in 1932 in the Dominican Republic, and moved to Madrid at the young age of 18 to study painting. He was first mentored by the well known Cristobal Balenciaga during his apprenticeship, before moving to Paris where his career truly began. De la Renta worked for Arden for two years, and then began working with Jane Derby in 1965, where he launched his own label. De la Renta is also known for designing haute couture for 10 years at Balmain, which has attracted the likes of fashion icons Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
In 2006, Oscar de la Renta expanded his creations through to bridal wear, something he is very well known for today.
De La Renta was not one to let his illness affect his outlook on life, and when asked about his cancer battle last June, he replied by saying, “Right now, I am totally clean. The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.”
Oscar de la Renta was a master craftsman and legendary designer who was able to do what many designers could only dream of. The iconic fashion designer has shaped the wardrobes of many over his career, and has left a footprint in the fashion industry that will model future designs for centuries to come.