Oscar de la Renta dead at 82: designer and confidante to First Ladies, celebs and high society told a story in every gown

OSCAR de la Renta dressed everyone from US First Ladies, celebrities and high society. Here are some of his most memorable gowns.

02/06/2003. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker arrives at the 2003 Council of Fashion Design Awards held in New York. Parker wore a gown by Oscar de la Renta and was one of the presenters. (AP Photo / Stuart Ramson)

SOME of modern fashion’s greatest moments have come courtesy of designer Oscar de la Renta.

The designer’s death today, at the age of 82, brings to an end a long, credible and distinguished career with the likes of industry heavyweights such as Balenciaga and Lanvin in Paris.

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Mr de la Renta, in the business for more than 50 years, represented ‘old school’ design — but made sure he moved brilliantly into the ‘now’, always keeping his designs relevant, chic, grand and spectacular.

A striking yellow faille evening dress with black bow from his 2006 collection. Picture: AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

Mr de la Renta dressed Amal Alamuddin for her wedding to actor George Clooney while perennial fashion princess, Sarah Jessica Parker, was a huge fan of his gala gowns, wearing one of his to this year’s Met Gala Ball in New York.

Amal Alamuddin in a floral Oscar de la Renta dress ahead of her wedding. Picture: Getty

US First Ladies including Jacqueline Kenndy, Nancy Reagan, Betty Ford, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton were all fans of his distinguishable and chic ‘day’ suits and when warranted, they called on him to create the grandest of gowns.

Actress Felicity Huffman models an Oscar De La Renta design from The Heart Truth Red Dress collection. Picture: AP Photo/Stephen Chernin

Just two weeks ago, a brilliant retrospective of Mr de la Renta’s 50 years in fashion closed at the George W. Bush Library in Dallas — a city where big, glamorous dresses reign supreme and his designs were in huge demand.

The exhibit in Dallas, Texas — which I was fortunate enough to see — drew record crowds of women (and men) who appreciated his master tailoring, use of quality fabrics and that touch of sartorial chic that came across in every piece he designed.

Actor Sarah Jessica Parker was one of Mr de la Renta’s biggest fans, with her appearance in his gowns always one of the highlights at the annual Met Gala Ball in New York.

The Parker-de la Renta fashion relationshp goes back to the early this decade and had continued up until his death.

Actor Sarah Jessica Parker was long-time fan of Oscar de la Renta. Picture: AP Photo/Stuart Ramson

Former US First Lady Nancy Reagan (R), presenting philanthropist Brooke Astor with an award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America with designer Oscar de la Renta in 1988. Picture: AP PicEd/Bailey

A model walks the runway at the Oscar De La Renta Fall 2013 fashion show. Picture: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Keeping the label fresh and relevant, British actor Emma Watson in an Oscar de la Renta gown. Picture: AP Photo/Jonathan Short