Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014) by Mary A.
Rising through the competitive fashion
ranks, Oscar de la Renta’s story is truly noteworthy. From dressing First
Ladies' Michelle and Jackie O to making the everyday girl look regal, de la
Renta has done it all !
Born in the Dominican Republic in an elite family, he focused on painting at Madrid’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts. His full skirts are evidence of his time at Balenciaga (an iconic and formerly haute couture brand) while his focus on femininity and strength of the woman is shown through his time being an assistant at Lanvin and also working at Elizabeth Arden. A Life Magazine cover kick started his career, making him a household name in the late 60’s.
He broke racial barriers by
designing for Balmain’s haute couture collections in the early 90’s. De la
Renta has also been President twice (twice !) for the Council of Fashion Designers
of America (basically Olympic gold for fashion designers) amongst other impressive
accolades.
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| Balmain by de la Renta 1995 |
The de la renta look is a true
classic. The 1950’s and 60’s full shapes that are making a fast-fashion comeback
today in circle, bell, and a-line skirt variations? You can thank de la Renta for that! But he always made sure that his looks were beautiful, feminine, but not stuffy nor severe. Case
in point-his last collection is scattered with skirt suits and separates that
are perfect for interviews, but also great for a day in the park with the eyelet
crop-tops and gingham shorts (#youthful).
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| Oscar de la Renta ss15 |
Oscar de la Renta has been an inspiration for many popular
designers today, such as Zac Posen, by making age nothing but a number for style and always placing classics first. The
world may have lost a legend, but his creations will always stay with us!
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