As we mourn for the loss of an icon, let's celebrate his fashion creative genius and creations with a look back at some of his most unforgettable dresses in recent years.
Oscar de la Renta
The fashion world was rocked this morning with the the passing of one of the most legendary fashion designers this century.
Oscar de le Renta died at his home in Kent, Connecticut, at 82 years of age, leaving behind a legion of fans, who included Sarah Jessica Parker, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Garner and many more.
Born in the Dominican Republic on 22 July 1932, he moved to to France in 1960 to become an assistant at Lanvin in Paris, where he embedded himself in the world of haute couture, before moving to the United States to work for Elizabeth Arden.
He created his eponymous label in 1965 and over the decades became one of the most lauded designers in New York. He created clothes of timeless elegance, regal glamour and sophistication beloved by generations of women. His frocks and gowns were worn by American first ladies from Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan to Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
He was twice president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and honoured with a string of awards.
In a career that spanned five decades, de la Renta saw his company grow into a multi-million-dollar empire that included ready to wear, fragrances, accesories, a home line and a bridal collection, which he launched in 2006.
Most recently, his name cropped up again just the previous month as the designer of the wedding dress of Amal Clooney, new wife of one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, George Clooney.
In de la Renta’s passing, as we mourn for the loss of such an icon, let's also celebrate his fashion creative genius and undying, timeless creations. Below are some of the most unforgettable dresses from the designer extraordinaire in recent years.
(Photos: Oscar de la Renta)