Oscar de la Renta, rhe American designer known for his glamorous style has passed away at 82.
-PJ Gach
Oscar de la Renta, a man known for his graciousness, brilliance and breath-taking designs has passed away today at age 82, according to CNN. His graceful, elegant clothing hit the runways and stocked closets and shelves for 50 years.
Mr. de la Renta was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 22, 1932. His intention was to be a painter, and at 18, he left the family home to study art at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. Whilst in Spain, he began creating fashion sketches for Spanish designers. Also while in Spain, he met designer Cristobal Balenciaga and apprenticed for him. One thing led to another and he became a couture assistant for Lanvin in Paris.
He then worked for Arden and then for Jane Derby in 1965. By 1967, he was flying high as a designer; he won the COTY Award and again the following year. In 1973, they inducted him into their hall of fame. Mr. de la Renta was one of the first designers that Jackie Kennedy wore in the White House.
His style was the epitome of “gracious living,” or you could say the “ladies who lunch” set. Everything he created was made with exquisite detail.
Mr. de la Renta was known for his warmth, style and wit. He once told a reporter, “Never, ever confuse what happens on a runway with fashion. A runway is spectacle. It’s only fashion when a woman puts it on. Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense.”
He passed away from complications from cancer. Mr. de la Renta is survived by his wife Anette, son Moises, three sisters, three step-children and nine step-grandchildren.