Oscar de la Renta was born in 1932 in the Dominican Republic and although he passed away from cancer complications in 2014, he is remembered for his widely loved fashion designs and generous charity.
De la Renta was the youngest and only boy in his family, having seven older sisters. His mom passed away when he was 18 and the same year he began to study painting in Madrid. While attending the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Frando, he would draw illustrations for small fashion companies and newspapers.
De la Renta’s designs began to gather interest after appearing in a LIFE magazine where the American ambassador to Spain’s daughter wore his dress. Gaining popularity in the fashion industry, he received an apprenticeship with Cristobal Balenciaga, who was one of Spain’s most famous designers. De la Renta would later move to France to work under Antonio del Castillo who was head of a French fashion house.
De la Renta became notable for his ability to blend European and American styles. In 1965 he established his own company which became famous for his styling of notable women in society. His brand has dressed many first ladies including Jaqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, and Michelle Obama.
Not only did De la Renta’s designs make a big impact in the fashion industry but he is also known for charitable nature. He founded an orphanage in La Romana, the Casa del Nino orphanage which focuses on child care and proper education. His donations also helped establish the construction of two schools in the Dominican Republic with classes especially for deaf, mute, and blind children.
In 2006 De la Renta was diagnosed with cancer and in 2014 he retired, ultimately dying later that year. He will always be remembered for his sophisticated designs and his honorable philanthropy.
