Oscar de la Renta: the best for women
«My job is to make women feel their best»
On July 22, Oscar de la Renta could have celebrated his 92nd birthday, but the designer passed away in 2014. He was a great couturier and a man with a big heart.
Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic into a family with seven children. He was the eldest child. He spent time at the art school in Santo Domingo before moving to Madrid to continue his studies in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Photo: SPOTLIGHT/ Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta could only dream of working with the First Ladies of the United States, but one of his first clients was the daughter of the American ambassador to Spain. She ordered a debutante ball gown from the young designer, which ended up on the cover of the iconic Life magazine. This turn of events brought Oscar an invitation from the House of Balenciaga.
Young Oscar attracted the attention of Christian Dior and Lanvin. He chose the second brand, assuming he would be overshadowed in the first. Thus, he began working as an assistant to a Spanish designer Antonio del Castillo.
Photo: SPOTLIGHT/ Oscar de la Renta
The House of Oscar de la Renta emerged after his stint at Jane Derby – the owner passed away, and Oscar bought and renamed the brand. In 1967, the globally renowned House of Oscar de la Renta was born.
«Never confuse what happens on the runway with fashion. The runway is a spectacle. Fashion is what is worn by women in real life. Dressing well does not equal having exclusive clothes. It’s a matter of good balance and common sense»
Photo: SPOTLIGHT/ Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta’s popularity soared. It was said that the Oscars were incomplete without one of his designs. He captivated everyone with his sleek silhouettes and impeccable reputation.
Oscar de la Renta combined various cultures with classic styles. His first collection was dedicated to Spanish culture, particularly the traditional flamenco dance costume. The designer added abstract prints and Eastern elements.
Photo: SPOTLIGHT/ Oscar de la Renta
The 1967 collection caused a sensation – Oscar executed it in a gypsy style. Luxurious fabrics, embroidery, and vibrant colors dazzled fashionistas of the time. Evening pants revolutionized fashion, as pants had previously been considered exclusively casual wear. The designer was also fascinated by avant-garde fashion: bright elements, mini-dresses, and embroidered blouses became part of Oscar de la Renta’s collections.
Three years after founding his fashion house, the designer launched a men’s clothing line. Three years later, he became president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
«I am restless. I never stop doing something. The creative process never stops»
Oscar de la Renta’s dresses were favored by the world’s most famous women. Starting with Jacqueline Kennedy, he dressed every U.S. First Lady – Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton.
In 1993, Oscar was invited to work at Balmain. He remained there until 2002. By then, his house had begun producing accessory collections, bags, shoes, and home decor items. In 2004, Oscar de la Renta returned to his brand after a two-year break.
Photo: SPOTLIGHT/ Oscar de la Renta
Wedding dresses are one of the key highlights of the House of Oscar de la Renta. Every girl dreams of the creation of her dreams for the big day. His works are distinguished by their simplicity and luxurious fabrics, variety of styles, and textures.
By 2005, Oscar had opened Oscar de la Renta stores on Madison Avenue, and later in Athens, Madrid, and Dubai. Two years before his passing, the designer also began producing children’s clothing.
One of the last works of the American designer of Dominican descent, Oscar de la Renta, was the wedding dress of Amal Alamuddin, the bride of actor George Clooney.
