US Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta Dies at 82

The U.S. fashion designer Oscar de la Renta died at 82 on Monday. His evening wear and red carpet gowns were sported by numerous celebrities including first ladies.

De la Renta was surrounded by his family in Connecticut when he breathed his last. Eliza Bolen and Alex Bolen, the executives of De la Renta's company, issued a hand-written statement confirming his death. The statement said that, De la Renta's death was heart-breaking; he was still with his dear ones. It appreciated De la Renta's hard work, intelligence and love of life that were "at the heart" of his company. "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," the statement said.

Fox News reported that several first ladies wore the designs made by the Dominican-born designer. The list of first ladies who wore his designs includes Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan, Betty Ford and Jackie Kennedy. Clinton and Bush wore De la Renta's designs at their inaugural balls. De la Renta's most recent notable work was the wedding dress of Amal Alamuddin who got married to George Clooney in Sept. The New York Times reported that De la Renta was a major name in high profile celebrity events like the Academy Awards. Hollywood biggies like Penélope Cruz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Adams were some of the most prominent celebrities who wore his designs.

Laura Bush expressed her emotions in a statement. She said that she would miss De la Renta's personality which, according to her, was warm and generous. She also said that De la Renta had wonderful talents and charm. Bush said that she as well as her daughters had "many fond memories of visits with Oscar." She said that their favourite clothes had been designed by De la Renta. She said that the acclaimed designer had "made women look and feel beautiful."

De la Renta is survived by designer Moises, his adopted son.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au