Imogen CalderwoodOSCAR de la Renta, one of the most sought-after fashion designers of the last century, has died aged 82 following ‘complications from cancer’.
Born to a prominent family in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta moved to Spain to study art.
Drawn to fashion, however, he soon found success working alongside Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga.
His flattering designs and classic silhouettes, known for their full skirts and cinched in waits, were a favourite of American first ladies and Hollywood stars alike, including Penelope Cruz and Amy Adams.
De la Renta sprang onto the fashion scene in the 1960s after dressing first lady Jacqueline Kennedy – one of the major fashion icons of the day – and established his company in New York in 1965.
He most recently designed the wedding dress for human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, for her Venice wedding to Hollywood actor and director George Clooney.
“We will always remember him as the man who made women look and feel beautiful,” said Laura Bush, wife of former US President George W. Bush.
