Dressed

Sad News: Oscar de la Renta Has Died

Sad news in the world of fashion: Oscar de la Renta has died. A de la Renta family member confirmed the passing of the legendary designer with ABC News. He was 82. The Dominican Republic native got his start in fashion as an apprentice to the Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga and followed with stints at Lanvin and eventually the house of Balmain in the '90s, where he designed haute couture for the French fashion house. But de la Renta truly soared under his eponymous label, which has long been favored by ladies who lunch and those who frequent the red carpet. Sarah Jessica Parker (and her Sex and the City alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw) brought newfound fame to the house of de la Renta—and his divine pouf skirts—in the late '90s and then again recently in May, when she wore a custom dress, signed by the designer to this year's Met Costume Institute Gala celebrating the late Charles James. I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. de la Renta, who was always gracious and warm to this onetime young reporter. His kind smile, dapper elegance, and phenomenal dresses made you believe, if only for a moment, that fashion

Sad news in the world of fashion: Oscar de la Renta has died.

A de la Renta family member confirmed the passing of the legendary designer with ABC News. He was 82.

The Dominican Republic native got his start in fashion as an apprentice to the Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga and followed with stints at Lanvin and eventually the house of Balmain in the '90s, where he designed haute couture for the French fashion house. But de la Renta truly soared under his eponymous label, which has long been favored by ladies who lunch and those who frequent the red carpet.

Sarah Jessica Parker (and her Sex and the City alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw) brought newfound fame to the house of de la Renta—and his divine pouf skirts—in the late '90s and then again recently in May, when she wore a custom dress, signed by the designer to this year's Met Costume Institute Gala celebrating the late Charles James.

I have nothing but fond memories of Mr. de la Renta, who was always gracious and warm to this onetime young reporter. His kind smile, dapper elegance, and phenomenal dresses made you believe, if only for a moment, that fashion could change the world. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Oscar de la Renta.

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Our Editor-in-Chief, Cindi Leive, discusses Oscar de la Renta's impact:__

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