First Ladies, starlets and absolutely stunning brides — all are among the fortunate women who have had the pleasurable opportunity to be dressed by the late legendary designer Oscar De La Renta. One of the most influential fashion designers in the industry for more than half a century, the Dominican Republic-born couturier helped women embody the true essence of grace, femininity and confidence with each and every one of his designs. From the quintessential classy Jackie Kennedy to the elegant Amal Clooney, De La Renta proved with every stitch of his gowns that his notable work will live on forever. Here are a few of his most iconic dresses.
Jackie Kennedy – 1962
First lady and style icon Jackie Kennedy was known for her ladylike fashion. While she typically took to American designers, Kennedy couldn’t resist the designs of the remarkable Oscar De La Renta. This salmon pink dress with a delicate bow around the waist was the start a lifelong duty of dressing Americas first ladies. While Kennedy was busy stealing our country’s heart, De La Renta was busy stealing the hearts of elegant women who were ready to be adorned in his dresses for the next 60 years.
Beyoncé Knowles – 2013
Beyoncé radiated through the pages of Vogue in its 2013 power issue. De La Renta’s breathtaking carnation-red-organza-and taffeta dress with ruffle embroidery was easily the focus of the whole spread. It seems as if this vibrant, flamenco-inspired dress paid homage to his Hispanic heritage. Beyoncé, just like De La Renta, is one of the most influential people of our time, and her confidence merged perfectly with his designs. Vogue, Beyoncé and Oscar De La Renta — a perfect combination for a fashion masterpiece.
Sarah Jessica Parker – 2014
Sarah Jessica Parker never fails to impress at the Met Gala, especially when she’s wearing a custom De La Renta dress. This black and ivory gown was a perfect fit for this year’s Gala. While the glamorous accessories, embellished gloves and floral headpiece all helped put the ensemble together, the one small detail that completed the look was the scarlet red signature written on the train of the dress. In a recent interview, Parker mentioned that the eye-catching signature was her idea, and that the modest De La Renta would never initiate such a notion.
Amal Clooney – 2014
Amal Clooney, once envied for tying the knot with one of the most sought after eligible bachelors in Hollywood, is now envied for having one of the De La Renta’s last creations. Clooney’s regal, custom, off-the-shoulder lace wedding gown was fit for Hollywood royalty. In a recent Vogue interview, De La Renta said he tries to make women’s dreams a reality when it comes to their wedding dresses, the most important dress of their lives. A dress similar to Clooney’s is part of De La Renta’s 2015 bridal collection, filled with romantic, elegant and well-designed dresses.
De La Renta’s name will continue to hold precedence among designers, even after his passing. Whether he was dressing classic icons such as Jackie Kennedy or beautiful brides such as Amal Clooney, he created his romantic yet glamorous gowns with the elegance and individuality of every woman in mind.
Every century, we’re blessed with a person who embodies grace, charm and a passion for fashion. This century’s person was Oscar De La Renta.
