Legendary Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta Dead At 82
Oscar de la Renta the fashion designer who shaped the wardrobe of socialites, first ladies and Hollywood stars for more than four decades, has died. He was 82.
While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar’s hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company. All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar’s example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.
The late ’60s and early ’70s were a defining moment in U.S. fashion as New York-based designers carved out a look of their own that was finally taken seriously by Europeans. De la Renta and his peers, including the late Bill Blass, Halston and Geoffrey Beene, defined American style — and their influence is still spotted today.
De la Renta’s specialty was evening wear. His signature looks were voluminous skirts, exquisite embroideries and rich colors.
Most recently, Amal Alamuddin wore a de la Renta-designed wedding dress for her wedding to George Clooney. And just earlier this month, first lady Michelle Obama wore an Oscar de la Renta dress for the first time.
De la Renta had criticized her several years ago, for only wearing foreign designers.