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CG ShopFamous Latino Designer |
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| Written by CG Girl |
| Friday, 09 October 2009 17:58 |
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The Latino Designer you need to know! Oscar Ready - By Antonia Silverio Have you ever heard of Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo? Most people haven't, so don't feel excluded. Have you ever heard of Oscar de la Renta? Chances are that you have, and you have possibly seen his work in the fashion world today. Oscar de la Renta is one of the most influential designers today. He is constantly working harder, because, as he says, "Now is the most exciting time in fashion. Women are controlling their destiny now, the consumer is more knowledgeable, and I have to be better every single day." This stylish designer was born in the Dominican Republic, to a Dominican mother and a Puerto Rican father. When he turned eighteen, he went to Madrid, Spain to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando. He quickly switched his major to fashion, although it seems that he never truly left his artistic talents. He is known and even quoted as saying "I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant." He has shown his passion for color in his latest collection for spring 2008. While in college, Oscar de la Renta took a job sketching for various fashion houses, which led him to work for the fabulous Cristóbal Balenciaga. After a while, he went on to work for the top designers of that time. He became a couture assistant for Antonio Castillo at the Lanvin in Paris. Then in 1963, de la Renta decided, despite the choices, to make custom clothing for Elizabeth Arden. Two years later, he launched his own line. After his big debut of ballroom and cocktail dresses, bags, belts, and shoes, he eventually expanded his line to include everything from furniture to sleepwear. What is the key to his enormous success? He puts all his faith in his family. In a March 2007 article, he is quoted saying "This company is all about them (his family) and their future, and that makes me proud and energizes me." His son-in-law Alex Bolen is now CEO of the company and his determination has really raised the bar of couture. De la Renta also gives back to his roots. The Dominican Republic has honored him with the Order of Duarte, a hero in the struggle for Dominican independence. He also won the Order of Cristobal Colón, a famous, Spanish explorer. De la Renta also donated to the construction of a school in utter disrepair near his home in Punta Cana. His heritage has had a large effect on his fashion. As he said to Instyle, "I have never been a minimalist. I'm Latino. If anything, I have to restrain myself." |
