The death of celebrity fashion icon, Oscar de la Renta, has been announced. The death, which occurred late yesterday, October 20, 2014, was confirmed by his wife, Annette de la Renta with cause of death linked to complications from cancer, against which the celebrated fashion legend, who clothed stars for decades, fought for about 8 years.
With a business that grew by 50 percent to not less than $150 million in sales and his name linked to celebrity events like the Oscars, de la Renta would be remembered as a star in his own right especially with the likes of Amy Adams, Sarah Jessica Parker and Penélope Cruz among actresses who wore his clothes in recent times.
Despite his terminal illness, he forged ahead with remarkable resilience and even the recent celebrity wedding between Amal Alamuddin and George Clooney in Venice didn’t do without his distinct designs in which the bride sparkled. Renowned for clothing several Hollywood celebrities as well as four American first ladies including Nancy Reagan, Hilary Clinton and Michelle Obama, de la Renta’s legacy as a consummate artist noted for his classic designs is firmly established. With two homes in the Dominican Republic, Oscar de la Renta is noted as a fearless fashion guru who once chided Michelle Obama for wearing foreign labels. He is survived by the former Annette Engelhard Reed, whom he married in 1989 following the death of his first wife, Francois, also from cancer in 1983 and a son, Moises as well as 3 sisters, 3 stepchildren and 9 step-grandchildren. Oscar Aristedes de la Renta was born in Santo Domingo on July 22, 1932. The youngest of seven
children and the only boy, he finished high school in Santo Domingo, and although his father preferred that he join him in the insurance business, young Oscar persuaded his mother to send him to Madrid to study art. Unknown to all, it was the beginning of a journey to global fame and fortune for the 19-year old who left home shortly after.
Oscar De La Renta: For the love of fashion
De La Renta’s love for fashion grew when he moved to Madrid at 18 years old. Under the apprenticeship of Cristobal Balenciaga, De La Renta became immersed in the craft of fashion design. At this point in his life De La Renta was only working with the best of the best. In 1960, he flew to Paris to work with Fashion Designer Antonio Castillo at the house of Lanvin. Castillo at the time was hired by Jeanne Lanvin to relaunch the brand’s name. “Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work. Today, I apply some of that same detailing and artistry in my own designs,” De la Renta mentioned on his website. What really put his name on the map was when he was promoted on Elizabeth Arden’s label.
Years of working with fashion’s greatest names finally paid off. In 1965, the house of Oscar De La Renta’s ready-to-wear label was created. His Latin American inspired vibrant garments and luxurious fabrics were finally available for women. As a womenswear designer his mission is to make women look and feel good. “I have always felt my role as a designer is to do the very best I can for a woman to make her look her best. Fashion is only fashion once a woman puts it on,” the designer said on his website.
De La Renta’s designs do not come cheap. His clothes and bridal gowns can be expensive. Ask Mr. De La Renta himself who his customers are and he replies: “All the women who can afford to buy my clothes! My customers are successful working women. They might be spending less at the moment, but my approach is that fashion must always be optimistic,and that a woman will always be enticed by beautiful clothes,” the designer
Oscar’s collections are well known for being very bright and colorful and full of life. His spring 2012 ready to wear collection was very upbeat which could be seen in the bright silk taffeta ball gowns. But this is of no surprise since De La Renta is well known for his bold colors and prints. When designing his collections the designer keeps in mind a woman for whom is creating a garment. The woman that he was designing for in the 60’s has changed greatly. Today he designs for the career woman, the woman who has dreams and loves life.
Speaking of loving life, De La Renta has recently released a new perfume called “Live in Love.” The story behind this new fragrance is about women being themselves, living life, and loving whoever they want to love.
De La Renta is also well known for his bridal collection. His gowns are to die for. What may come as a surprise to some is that he waited over 40 years since the launch of his fashion house before starting his bridal line. The designer’s gowns are well known for their beautiful embroidery, romantic detail and are always so dreamy. It may have taken him a while to help brides find the dress of their dreams, but since then he hasn’t looked back.
Creating fashion for women is not his only passion. He also loves giving back to the community and his homeland. He built an orphanage and a school called La Casa del Niño. The orphanage was founded to help the mothers and children of La Romana and other areas in the Dominican Republic. La Casa del Nino cares for about 1,200 children and offers support to their parents.
Oscar De La Renta is every woman’s dream come true. Not only are his designs amazing every season, but he is a true gentleman and adores women. When he is creating a collection it has always been his principle to make a woman feel wonderful about her. Whenever anyone puts on an Oscar de la Renta dress they are sure to feel empowered and inspired to reach their aspirations.
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