On Monday night, shocking news flooded our Facebook and Twitter news feeds. Oscar de la Renta, one of the world’s most renowned fashion designers to have ever graced the industry, died at the age of 82. Tragically, he lost his decade long fight with cancer. His glamorous gowns have graced the red carpets countless times and his runaway shows never failed to amaze, but more importantly, he made a profound effect on the fashion world that will help to carry his legacy on forever.
Everyone interested in fashion knows who Oscar de la Renta is, but not all of us know the details behind the name. Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, Oscar De La Renta first studied painting in Madrid before embracing fashion.
When he was studying in Spain, he would sketch clothes for newspapers and fashion houses for extra cash. His sketches left many fascinated and wishing for more. Oscar de la Renta’s fashion career flourished after the wife of the U.S Ambassador for Spain asked him to design a dress for her daughter. Little did he know that this dress would appear on the cover of Life Magazine. After this, he became an icon in the fashion industry
It wasn’t long until he relocated to New York City and launched his own fashion label. Although designing fashionable clothes and embracing trends was important in becoming successful, de la Renta also wanted to make women feel confident and beautiful with his designs.
Like he once said, “Walk like you have three men walking behind you.”
Oscar de la Renta is known for dressing a fair share of influential women and celebrities. He’s dresses many first ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura W. Bush, Hilary Clinton, and Michelle Obama. Hilary Clinton’s famous pantsuits can also be attributed to de la Renta. Oscar de la Renta most recently designed Amal Alamuddin’s wedding dress
It’s impossible to watch an award show, especially the Oscars, without spotting a celebrity wearing an extravagant de la Renta creation. His dresses are far from simple, usually having a glamorous and feminist edge to them.
Oscar de la Renta was not just about the glamorous gowns; he expanded his brand by releasing fragrances, scarves, eyewear, sleepwear, and many other products.
In the past he said, “I’m a very restless person. I’m always doing something. The creative process never stops.”
Oscar de la Renta showcased his Spring 2015 line at New York Fashion Week in September. His spring line didn’t fail to impress. His collection consisted of classic pieces, pencil skirts, tailored pants, sweaters embellished with sequins and ostrich feathers, and of course beautiful floral print dresses.
One of Oscar de la Renta’s most admirable characteristics was his kindness. Those who knew him have expressed that he was incredibly personable. When his death was announced, countless of celebrities and designers, including Laura W. Bush, Naomi Campbell, Taylor Swift, Kathy Griffin, and Rebecca Minkoff, used social media to post tributes to de la Renta.
The Oscar de la Renta label will live on. The fashion world might have lost an amazing designer and individual, but his legacy and creations will forever remain intact.