Writer SARA PONTES
On October 21, 2014, the fashion world mourned the loss of one of its great masters. Oscar de la Renta passed away at the age of 82 at his home in Connecticut, after losing his battle with cancer. A tireless worker and owner of a captivating personality, De la Renta became the couturier who made generations of women as diverse as Jackie O. Kennedy, Hillary Clinton or Laura Busch dream until conquering the entire Hollywood star system.
Amal Alamuddin, the wife of George Clooney
The mix of urban elegance and glamour of his creations was indescribable. His latest work was the romantic wedding dress he created for Amal Alamuddin, George Clooney’s wife, last September.
Amy Adams in this stunning dress with sweetheart neckline and large skirt.
Diane Kruger in a beautiful sky blue Greek-inspired gown.
Taylor Swift absolutely nailed it in this gorgeous pink tailed dress with gold embellishments.
Sarah Jessica Parker at the Met Gala 2014.
Freida Pinto in an original dress with tails and golden appliqués.
Born in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and, being very young, arrives in Spain to study Fine Arts and meet Cristobal Balenciaga, with whom he would begin to take his first steps in the world of fashion and where he would be forged as a figure of a “couturier” who designed by and for women. From Madrid, he moved to Paris and later to the United States, where he debuted as Creative Director of Elisabeth Arden. It was there that he decided to create his own brand of Pret-à-porter, which would make him a true emblem in the fashion industry. The prestige he acquired during those years allowed him to return to Paris in 1993 as a designer of Haute Couture for Balmain, a position he held for almost a decade.
Colleagues and great friends, as Diane Von Furstenberg or Carolina Herrera, praised his fun and generous character, seductive and elegant shapes, and owner of an innate charm. His personality coexisted in coherence with his designs, which were characterized by their stylized and feminine silhouettes, cut with a classic tendency, and which defended the idea of a fashion dedicated to the pleasure of the exquisite. In them, one could perceive the spirit of a creator who drank from the European and American tradition, able to perfectly interpret the essence of both cultures.
Oscar de la Renta with Diane Von Fursnberg
The designer with his great friend Carolina Herrera.
Oscar de la Renta’s success was based on collections that radiated color, romanticism and an elegance without stridency based on details and a deep respect for women. The last fashion show, Spring/Summer 2015, is an exciting explosion of vitality full of flowers, revealing once again, his maxim of creating garments that women fall in love with. Over the years, his creativity spread to all kinds of products, from perfumes, jewelry and even furniture, creating an empire synonymous with prestige and good taste.
A month before his death, the incorporation of Peter Copping as the new creative director was confirmed, thus ensuring the creative relay of the brand. The present and future without the magic Oscar will not be the same. His departure leaves the fashion industry orphaned of a great talent and sensitivity, of the class and style of a personality that went beyond his designs.
Peter Copping
