The Biography of Oscar De La Renta
The Biography of Oscar De La Renta
originallyJanuary 17, 2022
Oscar de la Renta was born on July 22, 1932 in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic to a middle-class family, alongside 6 sisters. He left home at 17 years old and headed for the Caribbean to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. Enticed by fashion, he soon switched his focus to that and found work as an illustrator for fashion houses- a position that led to him assisting Spain’s leading designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Of this time he says, “Soon I found that I was more interested in fashion design than I was in continuing as an illustrator. I think that any experience you have; anything you pay attention to is part of what I call the ‘baggage’ you carry with you all your life. My early involvement with painting, even the fact that I come from a tropical country, are part of who and what I am today.”
Oscar de la Renta graduated from the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid and worked for several other designers, including Antonio del Castillo in Paris and Elizabeth Arden- who brought the designer back to America in 1963. From there, De la Renta started his own line back in 1966. His first collection was a boutique line that already exuded the romantic flare the designer is still best known for today.
While his first line flourished, De La Renta began making strides in his personal life as well, which included marrying Françoise de Langlade, the editor of French Vogue. This partnership proved incredibly advantageous for the designer and his lines began to clearly show her influence and molded to suit her taste. The pairing gained De la Renta lots of publicity not only with Vogue- the biggest name in fashion- but throughout the media, as the couple was viewed as high profile internationally.
His work continues to gain popularity internationally as it is a flattering and feminine blend of European style with American ease. The designer is well known for dressing several First Ladies throughout the years. Here are just a few…
Wearing Oscar de La Renta is about as American as the presidency. Another occasion perfect for a beautiful gown by De La Renta? The Red Carpet! Here are some of the best red carpet looks from this fabulous designer throughout the years.
As you can see, Oscar de la Renta has created some of the best looks seen on the red carpet and has dressed some of the most famous celebrities. The designer was strong from the start of his brand back in 1966 and only gained in popularity, becoming a household name, until until he died from cancer complications in 2014 at the age of 82. Since then, Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim- two designers that worked closely with Oscar De La Renta towards the end of his career- have taken over as the Co Creative Directors of the brand and have continued to dish out the deliciously feminine masterpieces the brand is known for.
As of recent, De La Renta got some great fashion publicity from playing a leading role in the debut of of the reboot of Sex and the City: And Just Like That. In the show, Charlotte- one of the main roles of the show- buys three dresses very different dresses from the brand: one for her, and 2 for her daughters (one girly and one a tomboy). The message here was clear, Oscar De La Renta designs for everyone and particularly the brand is aiming more towards the youth, which is reflected in it’s most recent collection.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, you may also want to learn more about another fabulous New York based designer, Christian Siriano, who’s biography I’ve linked HERE. I appreciate you taking the time and invite you to keep following along!
XOXO,
Amy
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