DE LA RENTA, OSCAR

(1932- )

   Born in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta studied in Madrid and began his fashion career sketching for Cristobal Balenciaga. He founded his own company in New York in 1967 and received worldwide recognition. In 1993, de la Renta was appointed designer at Balmain in Paris, the first American designer to receive such a prestigious appointment. Combining drama and ethnic tradition is de la Renta's trademark. He has dressed famous film stars and U.S. first ladies. In 2005, de la Renta held his first trunk show in Russia. The department store Aizel will carry de la Renta cocktail and evening dresses, daywear, and accessories.

   See also Council of Latin American Designers; Haute Couture.