Remembering Oscar De La Renta: How The Timeless Designer Will Live On

Oscar de la Renta’s name is synonymous with timeless, mesmerizing style.

With a career that spans over half a century, the Dominican-American fashion icon dressed everyone from first ladies and Academy Award winners to women like you and me, who were lucky enough to find his pieces at high-end consignment stores.

With an incomparable knack for creating the most mind-blowing patterns, drapings and embellishments, the fashion community wholeheartedly mourns the loss of one of its dearest friends.

With an international background, having studied and honed his craft in the houses of Balenciaga and Lanvin in Spain and Paris, respectively, de la Renta called New York home, and is perhaps one of the most popular and talented American designers of our generation.

Just three months ago, he was putting final touches on the wedding dress of the year for Amal Alamuddin’s wedding to George Clooney, a testament to his incomparable abilities even in his final weeks.

The subtle ivory, off-the-shoulder dress had a timeless beauty to it that only Oscar del la Renta could pull off as evidenced by some of his most iconic red carpet moments.

There was Sarah Jessica Parker’s dramatic black-and-white ball gown for this year’s Met Gala, with his signature embellished in red on the hem line, as well as Amy Adams' dramatic ice blue tulle gown from last year’s Oscars.

But we would be remiss in forgetting how many iconic women the designer has dressed in his long and visionary career.

First ladies Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama all sought Oscar de la Renta as their designer of choice for some of America’s most important functions and occasions.

Hollywood royalty from Oprah Winfrey to Sandra Bullock and today's it-girls like Jennifer Lawrence and Taylor Swift all swore by de la Renta for red carpet perfection.

His most recent runway collection from New York Fashion Week S/S 2015 inspired optimism and true femininity with pink and white floral arrangements draping the wall behind the runway.

Models sported beautifully tailored pieces that were feminine with a preppy edge. The collection was full of blue and pink pastels, checkered patterns and lace details.

It progressed to black-and-white, flared evening gowns with the designer’s signature aptitude for featuring the most jaw-dropping fabrics.

The runway show concluded with color blocked gowns that made a bold, yet undoubtedly chic statement.

Leaving us with nothing but fond memories, Oscar de la Renta’s latest collections, designs, looks and red carpet moments are a testament to both his talent and undying love for the fashion community.

Working tirelessly throughout his battle with cancer over the past six years, Oscar de la Renta was driven by his passion to make women look and feel their most elegant and beautiful.

As the fashion community mourns the loss of a father to some of its most iconic moments, there is solace in the fact that so much of his work remains in his wake. Though the world is duller today, his collections will remain timeless in their appeal and global in their reach.

Beyond the reputation of his work, Oscar de la Renta was also remembered for his kind heart, impeccable taste and gregarious nature.

From his charitable work in the Dominican Republic to his reputation for throwing New York’s most sophisticated parties, de la Renta made an impression in every aspect of his life, not just within the world of fashion. This is also his legacy, and just as remarkable as his unmatched talent.

So thank you, Mr. de la Renta, for giving the world so many beautiful gifts, tactile and otherwise.

Photo Credit: Getty Images