Designer Oscar de la Renta Dead

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta presenting his Fall 1968 Collection June 3, 1968. Image: Sal Traina/Conde Nast Archives.

Oscar de la Renta who dressed first ladies, socialites and Hollywood stars for more than four decades, died Monday evening at his Connecticut home. He was 82.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, De la Renta was trained by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Antonio del Castillo. An award-winning designer, he worked for Lanvin and Balmain; his eponymous fashion house continues to dress leading figures, from film stars to royalty, into the 2010s. De la Renta is particularly known for his red carpet gowns and evening wear. 

From 1993 to 2002, Oscar de la Renta designed the haute couture collection for the house of Balmain, becoming the first Dominican to design for a French couture house. In 2006, the Oscar de la Renta label diversified into bridal wear.

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