stylessed

“A runway is spectacle. It’s only fashion when a woman puts it on. Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense.” – Oscar de la Renta

All the inspiring things Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta said in his lifetime, almost serve as the indisputable laws of style. He wasn’t interested in arbitrary trends or following the crowd and this was probably the secret to his enduring success. His designs were noted for their flamboyance, colour and opulent evening wear.

He originally studied painting in Madrid, earning money on the side by drawing clothing for newspapers and fashion houses. This led to his fascination with the world of design and fashion. As a young man he worked for Cristobal Balenciaga who became his mentor. He named Balenciaga along with Coco Chanel as being the most talented designers of the 20th century. In 1967 he married the editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Francoise de la Languade, later marrying socialite Annette Reed. He was also noted for his services to various charities, even setting up a children’s home in his native country.

His fame increased internationally when he became one of the couturists of Jackie Kennedy. His other famous clients included Liza Minelli, Nancy Reagan, Joan Collins and Faye Dunaway.

Oscar de la Renta sadly died in 2014 at the age of 82.

Check out some more of his quotes below.

“It’s not about what you wear, but about how you live your life” – Oscar de la Renta

“Be the designer of your own destiny.” – Oscar de la Renta

“Elegance is a discipline of life.” – Oscar de la Renta

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” – Oscar de la Renta

“We live in an era of globalization and the era of the woman. Never in the history of the world have women been more in control of their destiny.” – Oscar de la Renta

Featured Image Credit: Oscar de la Renta photo by Matti Hillig shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA 3.0) license