NEW YORK: Legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, whose classic-lined formal wear made US first ladies starting with Jacqueline Kennedy shine, has died at 82, US media reported Monday.
The Dominican-born American fashion icon was called on to dress first ladies -- from Kennedy to Nancy Reagan to Laura Bush among others -- when the event called for something with a regal touch.
Though he hails from the Dominican Republic, de la Renta moved to New York in 1962, and found a kinship with American designers over their lack of pretense in aesthetic.
When automobile heiress and socialite Anne Ford married in a quiet home ceremony in 1965, she chose de la Renta to create this knee-length gabardine gown with crystal beading.
He was also a go-to man for something elegant for actress and fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker, of 'Sex in the City' fame.
The Dominican-born De la Renta - who also lived in Spain and France before coming to New York - was among a group of designers that also included Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene who helped put the U.S. on the map in the late 1960s as a home of serious fashion. De la Renta worked at Lanvin in Paris.
His specialty was elaborate, embroidered eveningwear. First ladies Laura Bush and Hilary Clinton both wore de la Renta gowns to inaugural balls, and Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock wore his work on the red carpet.
De la Renta catered mostly to his socialite friends and neighbors, but eyed more mass appeal with several fragrances and accessories licenses.
Appart from dressing top Hollywood actresses, he even dressed some of our very own Bollywood divas. Actress Sridevi stunned in this black ensemble at the IIFA awards.
'Slumdog Millionaire' star Freida Pinto also walked the Cannes red carpet in a red and gold Oscar de la Renta creation.
Hollywood star Kristen Stewart chose to wear this gown at the movie premier of the last instalment of the 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2'.
Singer Taylor Swift at the MET Gala in an Oscar ensemble.
George Clooney's wife Amal also chose this stunning custom made gown for their wedding in Paris last month.
The exhibit featuring designs from the beginning of de la Renta's career in the 1960s to present day is arranged by themes.
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The designer, who reportedly passed away at his home in Connecticut, had been awarded the lifetime achievement award of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
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