The designer, who reportedly passed away at his home in Connecticut
Oscar de la Renta, who reportedly passed away at his home in Connecticut. Photo: AFP
NEW YORK: Legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, whose classic-lined formal wear made US first ladies starting with Jacqueline Kennedy shine, has died at 82, US media reported Monday.
The Dominican-born American fashion icon was called on to dress first ladies -- from Kennedy to Nancy Reagan to Laura Bush among others -- when the event called for something with a regal touch.
He was also a go-to man for something elegant for actress and fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker, of 'Sex in the City' fame.
The Dominican-born De la Renta - who also lived in Spain and France before coming to New York - was among a group of designers that also included Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene who helped put the U.S. on the map in the late 1960s as a home of serious fashion. De la Renta worked at Lanvin in Paris.
His specialty was elaborate, embroidered eveningwear. First ladies Laura Bush and Hilary Clinton both wore de la Renta gowns to inaugural balls, and Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock wore his work on the red carpet.
De la Renta catered mostly to his socialite friends and neighbors, but eyed more mass appeal with several fragrances and accessories licenses
The designer, who reportedly passed away at his home in Connecticut, had been awarded the lifetime achievement award of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
( Source : afp/ap )
Next Story
