Iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, has reportedly died, aged 82. Just last month De la Renta’s health was described as “precarious”.
De la Renta had previously said this on the subject of death after overcoming his first bout of cancer in 2006:
“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.”
Oscar de la Renta was trained and mentored by Cristóbal Balenciaga and designed for French fashion houses Lanvin and Balmain.
He became an industry icon when he began dressing Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, and became the go-to designer for first ladies from then on.
The designer went on to found his epynomous label in 1965, and has dressed the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway, Emma Watson, Taylor Swift and notably Sarah Jessica Parker throughout his 50 year career.
Oscar de la Renta most recently made headlines as the designer for Amal Alamuddin’s wedding dress for her nuptials with George Clooney.
Alamuddin has told US Vogue of her choice, “George and I wanted a wedding that was romantic and elegant, and I can’t imagine anyone more able than Oscar to capture this mood in a dress.
“Meeting him made the design process all the more magical, as he is so warm and such a gentleman.”
The designer leaves behind his wife Annette, 82, an adopted son and several step children.
De la Renta appointed a new creative director, Peter Copping, for his iconic brand just last week.