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Oscar de la Renta
Oscar De La Renta: His Life & Legacy
- Born on July 22, 1932 --> Dominican Republic
•The Island was often his design inspiration |18,travelled to Spain to study art - The Academy of San Fernando, Madrid|
•Sketched for leading design houses
- landed apprenticeship w/ Cristóbal Balenciaga (Spain's most revered couturier at the time)
•1960 De La Renta travelled to Paris --> couture assistant @ Lanvin
•Parisian fashion scene, immersed in extravagant world of haute couture
- sketching 24/7 & gaining invaluable experience [benefit him throughout his career]
• In 1963 --> America & mentorship of then editor-in-chief of Vogue Diana Vreeland
-Secured role @ Elizabeth Arden, haute-couture gowns for the label's custom-made line
•Tenure --> valuable contacts (networking/relationships)
- 1965 - Oscar de la Renta the label
- 1967 - Married Françoise de Langlade (editor at French Vogue)
• The union made for one of the industry's most famous partnerships.
** 1973 to 1976 & 1986 to 1988 = pres. of CFDA
- CFDA Awards replaced the Coty: American Fashion Critics' Awards. • He was a recipient of both Coty and CFDA awards
•Coty: 1967 and 1968
•CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award: 1990
•Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2000 & 2007 |when he tied with Proenza Schouler.|
1977 - launch of Oscar, the label's first fragrance, now for both men & women [sold in 70+ countries around the world]
1989 - 6 yrs. after the death of his 1st wife --> married Annette Reed |Respected American publisher|
•1993 to 2002 - designed the haute couture collections for Pierre Balmain --> prior to this = disappointing sales
•2002 - Oscar de la Renta Home line; Inspired by his homes in various parts of the world w/3 distinctive themes; • city •island •country
- "There is no more important expression of this concept than that of my own personal living space" -
• 2006 launch of Oscar de la Renta Bridal collection: "My designs are known for their beautiful ornamentation, details, fabrics, and embroideries - which are never more important than on a wedding dress."
** Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex&the City) wore one of his creations for American Vogue photo-shoot in 1st Sex & the City film.
•Charitable nature
•Commitment to helping the inhabitants of his birthplace-foundations of La Casa del Niño |orphanage/school built for children of La Romana; 1,200 children on a daily basis - schooling, day-care --> mothers can work|
• Dominican Republic has honoured him with the Order of Juan Pablo Duarte and the Order of Cristóbal Colón.
•Designer &. his label = very family-orientated
- His son-in-law Alex, his step-daughter Eliza, and his adopted son Moises all work for the label
_ After a career spanning over FOUR decades in the fashion industry, the designer remained at the forefront with his exquisite designs, having been worn by everyone: Jacqueline Kennedy ---> modern starlets,Gisele Bundchen, Ann Hathaway & Liv Tyler_
• Spring/Summer 2012 - campaign feat. Karlie Kloss [one of the label's favorite supermodels]
• De La Renta's specialty = Evening-wear
- Chic daytime suits...women who would gather at the Four Seasons or Le Cirque at lunch
•His signature looks were voluminous skirts, exquisite embroideries and rich colors
The worldly, iconic, legendary man (designer) died at the age of 82. He was at home, in Connecticut surrounded by family, friends & "more than a few dogs..."
--> Article: http://www.people.com/article/oscar-de-la-renta-dead-at-82?xid=rss-topheadlines
Stay Tuned...He Will Be Missed.
Monday, October 20, 2014
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