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 An individual taking calls at the designer's residence in
Connecticut on Monday night confirmed his death, first reported
by ABC News. The New York Times said de la Renta died of
complications from cancer.
De la Renta was born to a prominent family in the Dominican
Republic and went to Spain to study art, but was drawn to
fashion and started working alongside Spanish designer Cristobal
Balenciaga.
He made his name in the 1960s dressing one of the major fashion
icons of the day, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and established
his company in New York in 1965.
De la Renta was known as one of the industry's classic creators,
famous for elegantly feminine designs marked by flattering
silhouettes with full skirts and cinched waists, often rendered
in soft hues and floral patterns.
Most recently, de la Renta made the wedding dress for human
rights lawyer Amal Clooney for her marriage in Venice, Italy,
last month to Hollywood actor and director George Clooney.
"George and I wanted a wedding that was romantic and elegant,
and I can't imagine anyone more able than Oscar to capture this
mood in a dress," Amal Clooney told Vogue magazine.
The slim de la Renta cut an elegant figure himself in the New
York fashion world, where he was a favorite of Vogue magazine's
powerful editor, Anna Wintour, and fashion-savvy actresses like
Sarah Jessica Parker.
"So sad for the loss of this legend. Oscar de la Renta, thank
you for all the beauty and inspiration you shared with us,"
tweeted Nina Garcia, the Marie Claire creative director and
judge on TV's fashion designer competition "Project Runway".
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De la Renta's classic looks were popular on Hollywood's red carpets
and particularly well-suited to the tastes of the first ladies at
the White House, most of whom were repeat clients.
"My daughters and I have many fond memories of visits with Oscar,
who designed our favorite clothes, including Jenna's wedding dress,"
Laura Bush, wife of former President George W. Bush, said in a
statement. "We will always remember him as the man who made women
look and feel beautiful."
Earlier this month, de la Renta appointed Nina Ricci's artistic
director, Peter Copping, as creative director of his company, a new
position that he was to assume in early November, working closely
with de la Renta.
"Our industry has not always done the best job when it comes to
changes in design leadership," de la Renta said in a statement on
Copping's appointment. "My hope is that, in leading this selection,
and actively participating in the transition, I can ensure the right
design future for our company and brand."
Beyond its signature ready-to-wear women's collection, the company
grew into a major luxury goods purveyor with lines of shoes,
handbags, jewelry, home decor and fragrance.
De la Renta is survived by his wife, Annette.
(Writing and reporting by Mary Milliken in Los Angeles; Additional
reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Steve
Gorman and Ryan Woo)
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