One of America's great icons of the fashion industry passed away this week. Oscar de la Renta had been battling cancer intermittently since 2006. Although it was announced last year that he was clear of his cancer, he succumbed to his illness on Monday, as confirmed by his wife, Annette de la Renta, to the New York Times. The designer was 82 years old.
Born in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta has been a legend of the fashion industry ever since he entered the scene in the 1950s, first as a designer for big fashion houses like Lanvin in the fashion mecca of Paris and Elizabeth Arden in the United States, and then launching his own brand in 1965.
His work has been admired and coveted by Hollywood A-listers on the red carpet of movie premieres and award shows, as well as by high-society women for daytime functions and high tea.
Most recently, a gown of his creation was worn by Amal Alamuddin when she wed George Clooney in Venice.
In addition to his work in fashion, de la Renta was also a patron of the arts and served on the board of The Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.
He also had a generous spirit and donated to many children's charities in New York, as well as in La Romana and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
"Oscar's remarkable eye was matched only by his generous heart. His legacy of philanthropy extended from children in his home country who now have access to education and health care, to some of New York's finest artists whose creativity has been sustained through his support," Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a statement published by the Huffington Post.
De la Renta is survived by second wife, Annette; an adopted son, Moises; three stepchildren; three sisters; and nine step-grandchildren.
