A brief biography of Oscar de la Renta, his fashion, and its influence worldwide.
Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominion Republic in 1936.At eighteen he traveled to Madrid to study painting at The Academy San Fernando.It was here that he became interested in design and he secured an apprentice position with the great Spanish designer, Balenciaga.After several years there, de la Renta moved to Paris to work as a couture assistant at the House of Lanvin.Two years after that, he moved to New York City to head the couture department at Elizabeth Arden.In 1965, he formed his own company and introduced his signature "Oscar" ready-to-wear label.His career has been moving forward every since.
Oscar de la Renta was the first American to design for a French couture house (Pierre Balmain in 1993,) and he was awarded the French Legion d'Honneur for his efforts. He is the first American designer to earn this honor.
His runway collections have included the trend-setting, carefree gypsy and Russian styles of the 70s, close-fitting waists with deep v-necklines of the 90s, and always sumptuous evening gowns.Ever ladylife and elegant, his latest collection includes voluminous white blouses paired with simple, black, cocktail skirts; evening gowns covered with rhinestones and sequins; and Empire-style toile princess gowns.Oscar de la Renta is famous for his bold use of rich colors like spicy red or deep, azure blue; his exotic flourishes like fringe, sequins, or embroidery; ruffles; and fur.He has been quoted as saying he designs for women who want to buy clothes.These seem to be plenty of such women including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Barbara Walters, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Oscar de la Renta's fashion empire today encompasses fashion, housewares, swimwear, eyewear, furs, jewelry, lingerie, "Oscar" jeans, swimwear, and perfume.His men's lines include suits, sportswear, and formal wear. He created a plus-size line, called "Oscar," in 1999.His accessory line, begun in 2001, includes belts, scarves, shoes, and handbags.
Mr. de la Renta has received numerous awards for his work.Among them are the CFDA (Council of Fashion Design Award) lifetime achievement award, the American Association of Perfumes's Living Legend award, the Coty American Fashion Critiques award, and the Coty Hall of Fame award.
Mr. de la Renta donates his time and resources generously to many cultural and civic organizations.He sits on the board of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and is active in supporting Carnegie Hall there.He also gives time and money back to his native Dominican Republic.He recently helped to build a much-needed day care and school facility there for 1200 students.
Oscar de la Renta, now in his 70s, is married and has one son, Moises, also a fashion designer.When not designing fashion, he spends his time working in his garden.
