| Born in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta worked in Europe during the 1950s, first for Balenciaga, and then at Lanvin. In 1963 he came to the US where he worked at Elizabeth Arden from 1963 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, and 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.
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