Oscar de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic. At the age of 18 he moved to Madrid, Spain, to study painting. While living in Spain, he began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses. This led to an apprenticeship with Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of Spain's most renowned couturiers. After a few years, Oscar left Spain and began working as a couture assistant at the House of Lanvin in Paris. In 1963, he came to New York to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden, but within a couple of years he began his own ready-to-wear label.
     Oscar de la Renta is known for his feminine, luxurious, and often times opulent eveningwear. Over the last 30 years, he has continually designed a refined collection of clothing and accessories based on his signature style. Oscar de la Renta was also the first American to design for a French couture house (House of Pierre Balmain, 1993). In 2000, he was named CFDA Designer of the Year.  His more famous U.S. clients include: Barbara Walters, Nancy Reagan, and Hillary Clinton. Some of the products that de la Renta merchandises besides his ready-to-wear line include furs, fragrances, and lingerie.

(About:  The Human Internet. (Aug. 14, 2001). Oscar de la Renta. [On-line]. Available:  http://fashion.about.com/bldelarenta.htm.)
(University of North Texas, Texas Fashion Collection. (Aug. 14, 2001). Oscar de la Renta. [On-line]. Available:  www.art.unt.edu/tfc/gallery/online/delarenta/index.html.)