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Oscar de la Renta (July 22, 1932-October 20, 2014) was born in the Dominican Republic and worked in Europe during the 1950s, first as staff designer for Balenciaga, then as assistant designer to Antonio Castillo at Lanvin-Castillo, Paris from 1961-1963. In 1963 he came to the U.S. where he was chief in-house designer at Elizabeth Arden through 1965. He then went to Jane Derby, where he was head designer before buying the company in 1969, changing it to his own label.

From evening gowns to peasant dresses, his clothing has always been opulent, romantic, extravagant, feminine, and even ornate. De la Renta’s simpler day wear is defined by detail.

Between 1993 and 2002, de la Renta was also Artistic Directeur for the House of Balmain. Most recently, de la Renta was responsible for the 2005 inaugural wardrobe of Laura Bush.

Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense, a knowledge of who you are and what you are.” Oscar de la Renta.

Written by pastperfectvintage.com

See vintage Oscar de la Renta from VFG members on Etsy (paid link)


from a mid 1960s dress - Courtesy of antiquedress.com

from a mid 1960s dress

Courtesy of antiquedress.com

from a late 1960s dress - Courtesy of thevintagepeddler

from a late 1960s dress

Courtesy of thevintagepeddler

from a 1970s wrap dress  - Courtesy of bigchief173

from a 1970s wrap dress

Courtesy of bigchief173

from a 1970s suit - Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1970s suit

Courtesy of coutureallure.com

from a 1970s evening dress  - Courtesy of vintage martini

from a 1970s evening dress

Courtesy of vintage martini

from a 1970s blouse - Courtesy of Joyatri

from a 1970s blouse

Courtesy of Joyatri

from a late 1970s dress  - Courtesy of tangerineboutique

from a late 1970s dress

Courtesy of tangerineboutique

from a 1970s sun dress - Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1970s sun dress

Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1980s evening gown - Courtesy of Vintagiality

from a 1980s evening gown

Courtesy of Vintagiality

from a 1980s caftan - Courtesy of listitcafe

from a 1980s caftan

Courtesy of listitcafe

from a mid 1980s dress - Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a mid 1980s dress

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from an early 1990s dress - Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from an early 1990s dress

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a 2000s sweater - Courtesy of 1st oliveoyl

from a 2000s sweater

Courtesy of 1st oliveoyl

from a 2000s dress - Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 2000s dress

Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 2003 opera coat -  Courtesy melanie zamora

from a 2003 opera coat

Courtesy melanie zamora

from a 2004 dress - Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 2004 dress

Courtesy of claireshaeffer