Emili Lanno – Copy Editor
Oscar de la Renta is known as one of the most acclaimed fashion designers that have ever lived in the fashion world and changed the way of fashion forever. His designs have graced the runway and his collections will be remembered by everyone, even those that aren’t into the fashion ways.
De la Renta passed away from his battle with cancer since 2006 on Oct. 20. In honor of de la Renta, let us admire and remember some of the great accomplishments in both his career and what led him to his success and his passions that he brought to the world.
Reaction from worlds of fashion and Hollywood to death of iconic designer Oscar de la Renta http://t.co/gOXrIWbImN
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 21, 2014
When de la Renta was 18 and studied at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, he started drawing designs for many known fashion houses. Shortly after his designs began to get notice, he then landed a chance at an apprenticeship with Cristóbal Balenciaga, who was once known as very famous Spanish fashion designer. This gave de la Renta is start and made his designs noticed.
De la Renta spent many of his early years in the fashion industry in Paris and constantly traveling to this area. This also gave him more of an “in” in the fashion industry and received experience through his drawings and sketches.
He began his time in America at around 1963 where he became very close to the Vogue editor-in-chief, Diane Vreeland. Having the connection with Diane gave him a chance to work for Elizabeth Arden.
Throughout his career, de la Renta has had the chance to dress many of the first ladies, starting with Jackie Kennedy. De la Renta actually dressed Kennedy in 1962 when he was still in Paris designing clothes.
Many of the other first ladies that he has dressed include, Nancy Reagan in 1989, Hillary Clinton in 1997, Laura Bush in 2005 and most recently, Michelle Obama, seen wearing a dress from de la Renta’s collection of Fall 2014 at a cocktail party.
De la Renta served the title of President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He served as this president from 1973-76 and 1986-88. During this time he started the CFDA Awards.
Aside from designing stunning clothing throughout his life, de la Renta also designed fragrances, bridal collections, and in 2002 the “Oscar de la Renta Home” collection was first released.
This collection included amazing home accent pieces that were said to have the theme of “country and island” which was also to replicate where de la Renta was born, Dominican Republic.
Not only is de la Renta widely known in the fashion area, but has also made is name in other charitable fashions. De la Renta was very passionate about the Dominican Republic and where he came from and in the people that lived in that area. He decided to help build and became the founder of La Casa del Niño, which was an orphanage located in La Romana.
This was a place that helped over a 1,000 children in that area. De la Renta’s goal was to provide a place for children to stay, get daycare treatment, schooling, and having a place to stay so the mother’s of those children can work and make a living.
These are some of the many accomplishments and talents that de la Renta has achieved during his lifetime. Many people know him as a fashion designer, but considering the work that he did for the orphanage and the influence that he had on people around the world, he was more than just a fashion designer; he was a man of inspiration to all. We will always remember your impact and your legacy will live on forever, Mr. de la Renta.
Photo Credit: InterContinental Hong Kong, Kris Krung
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