“Every season I am inspired by women” –Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta led the American dream in every way from his humble beginnings to one of the world’s leading fashion designer. The fashion industry is remembering Oscar de la Renta today after he lost his battle to cancer late last night. His long-standing contribution and legacy he left behind continues to inspire designers, editors, fashion writers and most of all women everywhere.
Photo (above): Designer Oscar de la Renta before his runway show.
Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, de la Renta soon rose to sketch for Spanish fashion houses at age 18 before moving onto working with renowned couturier Cristobal Balenciaga. At the advisement of editor Diana Vreeland in 1963, he took a position to design a collection for Elizabeth Arden. It was a wise decision for de la Renta as the collection was received with great excitement from the public, which soon bolstered de la Renta’s name as a stand-alone designer. His journey as designer was not always an easy decision. “I wanted to study painting, but my father did not recognize that as a profession. You see, there had been many doctors, lawyers and diplomats in my family”, says de la Renta in 1967.
Oscar de la Renta’s vision for womenswear has always been about the woman. In every way, his collections defined true American elegance, which transcended around the world. There’s no doubt that one of de la Renta’s biggest contribution was his ability to bring femininity to a well-tailored suit for women. Oscar de la Renta has been a favorite among first ladies who included Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama. De la Renta has also remained current with celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Garner.
Photo (above): Sarah Jessica Parker in an Oscar de la Renta gown.
Beyond his clothing line, Oscar de la Renta has expanded his brand to include a bridal line, children’s clothing line, jewelry collection and perfume line. He was presented the Designer of the Year Award in 200 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Lifetime Achievement award in 1990 and the Founders Award in 2013 presented by long time friend Hillary Clinton. He also served as board member for the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, New Yorkers for Children, Americas Society and the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute. A humanitarian, Oscar de la Renta helped build a school and day care centre in the Dominican Republic for 1200 children, which included basic health and dental care for children in need.
For myself, Oscar de la Renta was an icon, a true standard for fashion and every bit a role model. For decades, Oscar’s collection has hung in many women’s closet and his distinguished skill as a designer is seen in his ability to design for the women. His strongest message through fashion: to have a point of view.
Photo (Above): A personal favourite from Oscar de la Renta's collection.
Oscar leaves behind his wife, three stepchildren, his son and nine grandchildren. He passed away at home last night surrounded by family and his beloved dogs.
Visit Oscar de la Renta's site for his family's heartwarming letter to his colleagues.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
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