Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta died this past Monday.
The 82-year-old left behind a legendary title under his name.
He was best known for designing womenswear and bridal gowns. His talent for creating whimsical and elegant pieces for celebrities, women in power and the everyday woman is something that possibly no other designer can match.
De la Renta extended his creative and artistic mind outside of the fashion world. He expanded his empire and made his name known across multiple platforms.
He branched out by creating a fragrance and a home decor and furniture line.
I personally remember first hearing his name when I was a young tween watching E! News.
His designs were extravagant, flawless and magical to a certain extent. I remember watching B-roll of his 2006 line during New York Fashion Week.
In later years I remember stumbling upon a headline stating that Oscar de la Renta had designed George W. Bush’s daughter’s wedding dress.
I immediately googled ‘Jenna Bush wedding dress‘ to see what the fashion mogul had made for her.
It was beautiful to say the least.
Intricate, delicate and perfectly fitted, Bush’s wedding dress, along with many others he’s created, somehow capture the essence of romance and beauty in the brides he dresses. (Another personal favorite was none other than Amal Alamuddin Clooney‘s gown).
As I recall de la Renta dressing Bush, I reminisce when he constructed well-fitted business wear and dress suits for many first ladies. From Jacqueline Kennedy to Michelle Obama, de la Renta never failed to make his first ladies stand out in fashion.
De la Renta also stood out because of his personality.
Many of his close friends and colleagues poured their hearts out on social media remembering this brilliant fashion designer.
Anna Wintour, aka the Jesus of fashion and editor-in-chief of Vogue, wrote a eulogy remembering de la Renta for being a “optimistic, fun, sunny, romantic” designer and his deep love of life.
Given Oscar de la Renta’s success as a businessman and fashion designer along with maintaining balance with his personal life to find happiness and contentment, I find it hard to believe that he is truly gone.
A tweet from fellow fashion designer Kenneth Cole accurately expresses how most feel about his passing.
The fashion business says goodbye to a mentor, a legand & an icon. He defined a standard we can only aspire to. #RIPOscarDeLaRenta
— Kenneth Cole (@KennethCole) October 21, 2014
