The world lost another good one today. The esteemed designer Oscar de la Renta died today at the age of 82. His name grew to have as much esteem as nearly any other designer in the business, where just the mere mention of it conjured images of high fashion. For more than forty years, he has gifted the world with his haute couture, dressing any number of celebrities and notable historical figures along the way. He revolutionized the very nature of the industry, and raked in a good showing of awards for it. Many celebrities can thank de la Renta for some of their most iconic ensembles. He has famously styled everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy and subsequent First Ladies of the US to Oprah to Sandra Bullock to George Clooney’s recent bride, Amal Alamuddin. He was a constant presence for women’s most salient moments in their life and career.
Though he was diagnosed with cancer back in 2006, the cause of death is not clear at the moment. Friends, family and fans alike are all mourning the loss. Tyson Beckford, Johnny Weir, Bethenny Frankel, Christian Siriano, and countless other celebrities and fellow designers have taken to social media to voice their respects.
Rachel Zoe tweeted “We lost one of the most brilliant and elegant men who exemplified true glamour…may he rest in peace #legend #myhero.” Others used the #RIP hashtag and commemorated his life and career. Isabelle Fuhrman called him “a genius” and said she was “so lucky to have worn some of his masterpieces.” Other stars also exalted the man and his legend, using other terminology all centered around his design acumen. La Toya Jackson called him “A Legend of Fashion,” whereas Ivanka Trump called him “one of the greatest fashion icons of all time,” and Christian Siriano took a similar approach in calling him “a master, and an inspiration to [him] and so many other artists. He made beauty.” Nicky Hilton called it “a sad day for the fashion industry.” Taylor Swift mourned the loss of her “all-time favorite designer,” calling it “an honor to wear [his] creations.” Gloria Estefan acknowledged his large role in 3 of her “life’s biggest moments” and send “much love and peace2 his family& all who loved him!” Jamie Lee Curtis remembers having “worn Oscar de la Renta’s signature fragrance [her] whole adult life. It is like his designs & life. Classic, soft, feminine & elegant.” Piper Perabo thanked him “for all the beauty [he] gave us.” And, as Kris Jenner and many others quoted in commemoration, “Fashion is a trend, style lives within a person.” Whether stars were remembering key moments in their life while wearing his designs, acknowledging his astounding skill and presence in the fashion world, or merely mourning the loss of a legend, many sent out a loving RIP in his honor.
The designer continues to leave an indelible mark on the fashion world, and his legacy will continue. He will clearly be missed. RIP, Oscar.
Written by Ryley Johnson
