On October 20, 2014, the fashion industry lost one of its most talented, well known designers, Oscar de la Renta. Born in the Dominican Republic to a middle class family, de la Renta rose to the top of the industry and went on to dress celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Emma Watson, Tina Fey, Oprah Winfrey, Anne Hathaway, and countless others. From First Ladies to A-list celebrities, Oscar de la Renta has been one of the most influential designers in Hollywood.
Oscar de la Renta’s career began in Spain in the 1950s and has spread to many fashion capitals of the world, such as Paris and New York. According to Cathy Horyn of the New York Times, de la Renta lost his battle with cancer at the age of 82 at his home in Kent, Connecticut. He was able to design for the runway and the red carpet causing many people all over the world to be influenced and inspired by his work.
Many celebrities and designers expressed their sadness this past week for his death and their appreciation for his designs.
Taylor Swift (pictured above) at the Met Gala this past May wearing one of Oscar de la Renta’s designs turned to Twitter to express her feelings about his death. Swift says “My all-time favorite designer has passed away. Oscar, it was an honor to wear your creations and to know you. In loving memory.”(x)
http://bigcitylifeny.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/sarah-jessica-parker-met-gala-2014.jpg
Sarah Jessica Parker has been a longtime friend and supporter of the designer and has written, “It was an enormous privilege to be dressed by Mr. de la Renta for so many occasions over the last 15 years,” according to USWeekly. SJP wore this beautiful black and white gown to this past May’s MET Ball which featured the designer’s name embroidered in scarlet red on its train.
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2190736/thumbs/o-JENNIFER-LAWRENCE-900.jpg?16
The Hunger Games star, Jennifer Lawrence gave tribute de la Renta by wearing a short, lace dress to the “Elle Women in Hollywood Celebration” on the day of his death.
Even other designers have weighed in on his death such as Vera Wang who tweeted, “One of the most passionate, sophisticated, and iconic designers in fashion. To Annette, his beloved wife, and his children, our deepest most profound condolences. Oscar created a whole world of luxury, style, and elegance.” Oscar de la Renta will forever be missed in the fashion world and it is an unfortunate loss to no longer see his beautiful designs on the runway and the red carpet. He has influenced so many people throughout his career and will be forever missed. His family has put together a private funeral that will occur in New York City on November 3.