Iconic Fashion Designer Dies At 82

Oscar de la Renta, the  Iconic fashion designer who shaped the wardrobe of socialites and Hollywood stars for more than four decades, has died at 82 years.  He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.  De la Renta died at home Monday evening in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends and "more than a few dogs," according to a handwritten statement signed by his stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and her husband, Alex Bolen.

Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, de la Renta left home at 18 to study painting in Madrid. It was there he developed a love of fashion design and began an apprenticeship with Cristóbal Balenciaga, who became his mentor, and then, landed a job with Lanvin in Paris. Soon after, he moved to New York City.

 

De la Renta's specialty was eveningwear, though he also was known for chic daytime suits favored by the women who would gather at the Four Seasons or Le Cirque at lunchtime. His signature looks were voluminous skirts, exquisite embroideries and rich colors.

Most recently, Amal Alamuddin wore a de la Renta-designed wedding dress when she married George Clooney. First lady Laura Bush wore an icy blue gown by de la Renta to the 2005 inaugural ball and Hillary Clinton wore a gold de la Renta in 1997. On the red carpet at the Academy Awards, Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock were among the celebrities to don his feminine and opulent gowns. His clothes even were woven into episodes of "Sex and the City" with style icon character Carrie Bradshaw dropping his name - and comparing his designs to poetry.

 

De la Renta also is survived by an adopted son, Moises, a designer at the company. May His soul rest in peace.

 

 

7online.com