For over 5 decades, Oscar de la Renta has been of the biggest icons of fashion design. Raised in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta quickly developed an appreciation for beauty found through island life. When he was 18, he left home and traveled to Spain to study art. After a short period of time, he came to a realization that sketching fashion designs was his favorite form of art. His career took off when the ambassador of Spain’s wife asked him to design a debutant gown for her daughter to be worn on the cover of Life Magazine. Following the success from his Life Magazine cover, many famous designers offered to work with him. These designers included, Dior, Lanvin and Balenciaga. He accepted the position at Lanvin. But in 1963, he moved towards American design and began working for Elizabeth Arden in New York. Finally in 1965, Mr. de la Renta began his own ready-to-wear line and took the fashion world by storm. Throughout his entire career, his goal was to make women feel beautiful and empowered. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he wanted to be sure his brand would remain the same, so he built his designing empire accordingly. He lived everyday with a positive outlook on life and donated much of his time and money to charity. Sadly, de la Renta passed away October 20^th, but his legacy will never die, along with our fond memories of him, the beautiful dresses he created, and his wise words to live by.

“The qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.”

“I’ve lived every day to the fullest, and I’ve had a marvelous time. I’ve tried to be nice to the people I care about, and ignore the ones I don’t. I enjoy what I’ve done.”

“Walk like you have three men walking behind you.”