Oscar de la Renta: Recordando A Fashion Genius.

“I think that probably what has made my business so successful today is because the most important consumer now is the professional woman”- Oscar de la Renta

Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 22, 1932 to a Puerto Rican Father, and a Dominican Mother. Both maternal and fraternal relatives were heavily involved in the arts, business and politics. De la Renta’s paternal Great-Grandfather, Jose Ortiz de la Renta was the first mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico by popular vote in the early 1800’s. His maternal uncle Aristides Fiallo was a prominent lawyer, doctor, and architect that successfully received every degree the University of Santo Domingo had to offer. Oscar learned he had much potential at an early age.

At 19 years old, preceding the death of his Mother, de la Renta moved to Spain to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando, in Madrid. As a means to generate some extra cash, he sketched clothing for local newspapers, and fashion houses. It wasn't until he caught the eye of Francesca Lodge , (wife of U.S. Ambassador ot Spain John Davis Lodge) that Oscar would bring his visions to life. He was asked by Francesca to design a gown for her Daughter. Shortly after, the dress appeared on the cover of Life Magazine that fall, signifying the beginning of a new passion. He quickly became interested in the world of fashion design. Sketching numerous designs for notable Spanish fashion houses.

In the early 1960's, with much experience and passion, de la Renta became fascinated with design. His impeccable talent and drive lead to an apprenticeship with Spain's most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga whom he considered to be a mentor. In 1961, Oscar left Spain to join Antonio del Castillo as a couture assistant at Lanvin in Paris. In 1963, de la Renta grew an affinity for ready to wear. He expressed to a friend Diana Vreeland (editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine at the time) on how he felt about launching a line. Diana replied “go to Arden, because you will make your reputation faster, she's not a designer, so she will promote you faster!" Oscar took the invaluable advice, and worked for Arden for two years in New York before he went to an American fashion house Jane Derby. In 1965 when Derby died, de la Renta took over the label.

Throughout the 70's and 80's Oscar de la Renta's reputation as an elegant, graceful, and sophisticated brand lead to countless ventures in fashion design, and beauty. Dressing socialites, celebrities, and first ladies, as well as launching fragrance "OSCAR". Oscar had become a much sought after designer. De la Renta was a two-time winner of the American Fashion Critic Awards, and The Coty Awards (U.S. Fashion Industry). He also served as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America or CFDA. King Juan Carlos of Spain bestowed de la Renta with two awards, The Gold Metal of Bellas Artes, and The La Gran Cruz de la Orden de Mento Civil. Oscar was also recognized by the French government with the Légion d’honneur as a commendeur.

In the 1990's he would begin designing the haute couture collection for the house of Balmain, becoming the first Dominican to design for a French couture house. By the early 2000's de la Renta's ready to wear brand saw international wholesale growth-resulting in seventy five locations, including online retailers with a select wholesale partner worldwide. It was at this time that his label diversified into bridal wear. In 2004 he launched a less expensive line of clothing called " O Oscar". With fashion under his belt, he then ventured into interior design, designing signature century home furnishings such as, dining tables, upholstered chairs, and couches. In 2006 he turned to hotel design- launching Tortuga Bay, a luxury boutique hotel in Puntacana Resort and Club. Tortuga Bay is a one of the leading small hotels of the world as is a member of virtuoso.

After his cancer diagnosis in 2007, de la Renta gave his thoughts on his life at the Council of Fashion Designers of America event saying” Yes, I had cancer. Right now, I am totally clean. The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life”

On October 20, 2014 at his Kent, Connecticut estate Oscar succumbed to his illness at the age of 82. Leaving behind his wife of 24 years, Annette Englehard, one adopted son, four stepchildren, and granddaughter.

Oscar de la Renta is by far one of the most innovative fashion designers of our time. Using women's style as a muse; his charm, eye for detail, and reputation has made him a house hold name among the elite. Famous women such as first ladies, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Michelle Obama along with Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Jennifer Lopez, and Angelina Jolie are a few dynamic canvases to showcase Oscar's art. He leaves a legacy of sophistication, class, and royalty for many aspiring designers to emulate. Gracias Oscar!

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