1. Style

Oscar de la Renta

The Ladies' Man

I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant. -- Oscar de la Renta
oscar de la renta

Oscar de la Renta

Scott Gries/Getty Images

Vital Stats

  • Born in July 22, 1932 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
  • Educated at National School of Art, Santo Domingo; Academy of San Fernando, Madrid.
  • Married to Françoise de Langlade from 1967 until her death in 1983; married Annette Reed in 1989.
  • Stepchildren from both marriages; one adopted son, Moises de la Renta

Resume

  • Oscar de la Renta launched his own label in 1965.
  • Council of Fashion Designers of America Womenswear Designer of the Year, 2000 and 2007.
  • Awarded CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1990.
  • Former president of the CFDA.

Trademark Design

  • Ladylike sportswear, suits and evening dresses.

What You Might Not Know About Oscar de la Renta

  • He apprenticed with couterier Cristobal Balenciaga.
  • He dresses both First Lady Laura Bush and Senator Hillary Clinton.
  • Was first American to design for French couture house, Balmain, in 1993.

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