Legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta passed away at the age of 82 Monday evening (October 20th).
De la Renta died at home in Connecticut, surrounded by his family and friends. A handwritten statement signed by two of his company’s executives, Alex Bolen and Eliza Bolen, reads:
“While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar’s hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company,” the statement said. “All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar’s example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.”
Though the cause of his death was not entirely clear, in 2006 de la Renta was diagnosed with cancer. Last year he told the International Business Times in an interview that he was “totally clean,” however it may be that the complications from cancer returned.
“The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die,” he said. “We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.”
Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, the fashion designer traveled to Spain to study painting and apprenticed with Cristobal Balenciaga before moving to Paris to work at Lanvin and Balmain. After making his move to New York, he began working with Elizabeth Arden shortly before launching his ready-to-wear label in 1965.
De la Renta dressed many celebrities ranging from former first ladies, such as Jacqueline Kennedy (where he first rose to fame) and Laura Bush, to Hollywood stars, such as Audrey Hepburn and Sandra Bullock.
“We will miss Oscar’s generous and warm personality, his charm, and his wonderful talents,” Bush said in a statement. “My daughters and I have many fond memories of visits with Oscar, who designed our favorite clothes, including Jenna’s wedding dress. We will always remember him as the man who made women look and feel beautiful.”
De la Renta gave up the title of chief executive of his company in 2004, handing over business duties to the Bolens. He is survived by his wife, Annette, and son, Moises, as well as stepchildren and step-grandchildren.
Below are just a few of the many celebrities who have posted on Twitter to mourn the designer’s death.
We lost one of the most brilliant and elegant men who exemplified true glamour…may he rest in peace #legend #myhero pic.twitter.com/JD48qDLCAw
— Rachel Zoe (@RachelZoe) October 21, 2014
My all-time favorite designer has passed away. Oscar, it was an honor to wear your creations and to… http://t.co/AOfPZbHg1i
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) October 21, 2014
Sad to hear of the death of #OscardelaRenta. What a remarkable life and career, and a kind and generous man.
— Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) October 21, 2014
RIP iconic designer Oscar De La Renta,who was a big part of 3 of my life’s biggest moments.Much love & peace2 his family& all who loved him!
— Gloria Estefan (@GloriaEstefan) October 21, 2014
What a creative genius! #RIPOscar pic.twitter.com/Y9LpCNOQV1
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) October 21, 2014
In shock. I saved an oscar de la renta dress for 4 yrs to wear to a special occasion #TheAngelBall & he passes away. #riposcar
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) October 21, 2014
We’ve lost a legend. RIP Oscar de la Renta
— Project Runway (@ProjectRunway) October 21, 2014
Very sad to hear of the passing of Oscar De La Renta. He was a master, and an inspiration to me and so many other artists. He made beauty.
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) October 21, 2014
