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. More 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 late 1960s dress
Courtesy of thevintagepeddler
from a 1970s wrap dress
Courtesy of bigchief173
from a 1970s suit
Courtesy of coutureallure.com
from a 1970s evening dress
Courtesy of vintage martini
from a 1970s blouse
Courtesy of Joyatri
from a late 1970s dress
Courtesy of tangerineboutique
from a 1970s sun dress
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1980s evening gown
Courtesy of Vintagiality
from a 1980s caftan
Courtesy of listitcafe
from a mid 1980s 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 dress
Courtesy of claireshaeffer
from a 2003 opera coat
Courtesy melanie zamora
from a 2004 dress
Courtesy of claireshaeffer
