Fashion

O is for Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta has had a huge impact on the fashion scene as a designing icon whose career spans 50 years. His name has been on everything from perfumes to Barbie dolls to fine china, and his diverse talent has sparked notable trends such as the boho gypsy and Russian styles of the 70s.

Not that the fashion heavyweight is stuck in a time warp. Widely recognised for his delicate and luxurious designs made with the finest of materials, and famous for his opulent eveningwear and lavish coats, de la Renta's collections are still hugely popular with both youthful socialites and celebrities, with a list of star followers including Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce.

He has also made a name for himself by dressing many First-Ladies, such as the ever-chic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and nobles such as the Duchess of Windsor – women who exuded style as naturally as de la Renta creates it.

Oscar De la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic to a Dominican mother and Spanish father in 1932.At the age of 18, he moved to Spain where he studied painting in Madrid, though he quickly changed his focus to fashion.

While living in Spain he became interested in the world of design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses, and in 1963 – torn between designing custom clothing for Elizabeth Arden and designing ready-to-wear for Christian Dior – de la Renta turned for advice to Vogue Editor-in-Chief Diana Vreeland, who advised him that working for Dior would mean he would always be overshadowed by the already established Dior name. De la Renta proceeded to work for Arden for two years before launching his own label, which instantly gained attention world wide.

In 2001, de la Renta debuted his accessory collection, which includes ballroom gowns to cocktail dresses, bags, belts and shoes. Known for feminine, luxurious designs, and often including exotic flourishes in his pieces such as embroidery, fringes or sequins, ruffles, fur, silks, rouching, and lace, de la Renta is also best known for using lots of colour – in particular rich, spicy colours like deep red.

In a bold move against the fashion circuit he once said, "Women think black is the most flattering colour, but they're wrong. Pink adds a cosmetic-like radiance and warmth. Black drains the skin of colour; pink delights the eye,” proving himself to be a designer that is not afraid to take risks and go against the grain in creating the best look for women lucky enough to step out in his designs.

For men, his products include sport coats, suits, and trousers. Other products in his women’s line include cosmetic cases, eyewear, furs, jewelry, scarves and sleepwear – and a range that has become just as famous as his striking clothing – Oscar de la Renta fragrances.

By Nikki Webber - Christchurch