Dearly Departed

Iconic fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, dies at 82

The fashion world was saddened on Monday, October 20, 2014 to hear of the death of the legendary, Oscar de la Renta at his home in Kent, Connecticut. He had been battling cancer but it is not clear if his death was related to the disease.

“We will miss Oscar’s generous and warm personality, his charm, and his wonderful talents.” [Laura] Bush said in a statement. “My daughters and I have many fond memories of visits with Oscar, who designed our favorite clothes, including Jenna’s wedding dress. We will always remember him as the man who made women look and feel beautiful.”

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De la Renta was originally from the Dominican Republic, and he maintained close ties to the country. He rose to fame during the 60s after Jacqueline Kennedy wore his designs. Ultimately, his designs were worn by first ladies, movie stars, and politicians alike. Most recently, he designed the wedding dress of Amal Alamuddin for her wedding to George Clooney.

Along with being a favorite of the Ladies-Who-Lunch crowd, the always tanned and smiling de la Renta was popular on the red carpet. Through the years, his elegant yet showy creations were worn by celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Lea Michele,Jennifer Garner, Sarah Jessica Parker and many more. Politicos loved him, too. He dressed first lady Nancy Reagan in the 1980s, and provided the gowns for inaugural events for both Hillary Clinton in 1997 and Laura Bush in 2005. Michelle Obama, who had irked the designer by not wearing his clothes throughout her seven years as First Lady, finally wore one of his dresses this month.

Read the full story: Legendary designer Oscar de la Renta has died

Oscar del la Renta won many awards for his designs, including CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Fashion Critic’s Award. He was also awarded the Order of Juan Pablo Duarte and the Order of Cristóbal Colón by his home country.