As of yesterday around 10pm, the world was notified of the death of a legend. My phone lit up with CNN reporting the loss of the the infamous Oscar de la Renta. At the age of 82, one of the most influential style icons passed away from causes associated with his long battle with cancer. Oscar was known as the "sultan of suave." Always dressed to the nines in high fashion, celebrating the utmost trend.
De la Renta, born in the Dominican Republic, mixed his knowledge of that fashion with European fashion he learned while studying in Paris. When he came to the New York in the early 1960’s, he began his own label.
His good looks and friendly personality not only made him a beloved designer, but also a go-to plus one to parties by actresses, models and royalty.
He dressed the country in haute fashion and was known for styling the most admired celebrities. From Audrey Hepburn to Sarah Jessica Parker, his gowns were seen in the fashion industry for decades. Many of his pieces were highlighted in Sex and the City. One of the most memorable was in season six, Carrie sported his hot pink dress when she was out on the town with Aleksandr Petrovsky. Only Carrie could wear an Oscar de la Renta while eating a hamburger. Moreover, his fashion was never limited to the runway as actresses proudly wore them on camera.
He dressed many celebrities of all ages and talents. After recently dressing Taylor Swift for one of her events, she tweeted yesterday, "My all-time favourite designer has passed away. Oscar, it was an honour to wear your creations and to know you. In loving memory."
According to Vogue Online, British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman tweeted this morning: "Of all the designers in the world, Oscar de la Renta was the most reliable at designing clothes that made you feel beautiful, He stuck to his conviction about how women should look - elegant, joyful, feminine - no matter how fashion changed, but his designs never felt old or hackneyed. If you wore one of Oscar's dresses you felt you looked your best, which is one of the reasons that he was so often a first choice for ball gowns, weddings and public appearances throughout the world."
Oscar de la Renta won many awards during his time in fashion. One of his most recent awards was in 2007 when he was awarded Womenswear Designer of the Year.
One of his most memorable gowns seen on the red carpet was in May 2014 by Sarah Jessica Parker. I think we all remember drooling over SJP’s black and white gown and long white gloves. The breathtaking dress had Oscar de la Renta printed on the train of the dress. The pearl beads which closed the gown on Carrie's back truly encompassed Oscar's immense talent.
Recent Indiana University graduate and Oscar de la Renta employee Alexandra Joern commented on the passing of the legend. "Thank you for giving me the most cherished experience of my life. This year with you was beyond enriching. I will always remember you sitting nearby in your chair, inspiring me day after day as beautiful works of art were created. You are truly a wonderful man in every way. Rest in peace, Oscar."
