By Erin Garry
STAFF WRITER

Private funeral arrangements have been set for iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta for November 3rd. Vogue has published that the private service for close family and friends will take place at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan.

Oscar de la Renta passed away at his home in Connecticut on October 20th at the age of eighty-two after battling cancer for close to eight years.

The Dominican Republic born designer set out to study painting in Madrid when he was eighteen but soon discovered his love for fashion. His exceptional illustrations quickly landed him an internship with the well-known Spanish couturier, Cristobal Balenciaga.

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta passed away last week at the age of 82.
Photo Credit: Pursuitist.com

He has worked for designers from Balmain to Lanvin and Elizabeth Arden. He was also the first American designer to show at Paris Fashion Week in 1991.

De la Renta married French Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Francoise de Langlade, who introduced him to the highest of the fashion society. Unfortunately, Langlade died from bone cancer in 1983 and de la Renta re-married to socialite Annette Engelhard Reed in 1990.

His first clothing lines were seen as a “casual luxury.” Women loved the causal yet romantic elements to his designs and how flattering his pieces were to their figures.

De la Renta’s talent was greatly admired among America’s first ladies and he dressed Nancy Reagan, Hilary Clinton, and Laura Bush for inaugural events. He also designed couture gowns for famous women like Amy Adams, Penelope Cruz, and Jacqueline Kennedy. Amal Alamuddin showcased his most recent work when she wore a de la Renta ivory gown at her wedding to George Clooney in Venice.

Tributes are being paid to the designer from people like Cara Delegvine, Pharrell Williams, and Diane Von Furstenberg. Close friend, Sarah Jessica Parker, paid a heart-warming tribute to de la Renta and told US Weekly that it was a “privilege” to work with him.

The company is being passed down to British designer, Peter Copping, in November.

Oscar de la Renta, a legendary man, leaves behind a significant legacy in the fashion world and will be greatly missed.