Oscar de la Renta: The Value of a Life Lived Well

Although the majority of my posts revolve around entertaining, interior design, seasonal decorating, etc… I am personally and professionally {as are many home + event stylists} inspired by the world of fashion, so the news of the passing of Oscar de la Renta was more than saddening to me. De la Renta impacted style for over 50 years and will be remembered in history as one of the greats.

“Be the designer of your own destiny…” Oscar de la Renta

On Monday October 20th Oscar de la Renta, the worldly gentleman designer who shaped the wardrobe of socialites and Hollywood stars for more than four decades, died at the age of 82.

De la Renta died at home Monday evening in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends and “more than a few dogs,” according to a handwritten statement signed by two of his company’s executives, Alex Bolen and Eliza Bolen.

While de la Renta’s primary home was in Manhattan, he also kept a home in the Dominican Republic and regularly traveled there. Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour was a frequent visitor and she has said traveling with him was like traveling with the president. “He’s a superstar,” she said.

“Gardening is the work of a lifetime. You never finish.” Oscar de la Renta

He also had a country home in northwestern Connecticut. Gardening and dancing were among his favorite diversions from work. “I’m a very restless person. I’m always doing something. The creative process never stops,” he said.  {quotes credit of Newsday + Associated Press}

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from Oscar de la Renta. A gentleman who knew the value that beauty and design plays in our lives, that by surrounding ourselves with things that make us feel lovely {be it clothes, within your home or in your garden}, we feel better about ourselves and are able spread this joy onto others.

” We live in an era of globalization and the era of the women. Never in the history of the world have women been more in control of their destiny.”  Oscar de la Renta

“Fashion is a trend. Style is within a person.” Oscar de la Renta 

Wintour shares a story about de la Renta’s relationship with his wife Annette: “Oscar was everything you could want a friend to be. Annette was his perfect partner, creating those magical houses and gardens together, giving extraordinary seemingly effortless dinners, and always taking care of each other.”

We can all only hope we have left such a mark after we are no longer here. Be creative, bring beauty to the world and spend time with loved ones ~ make the most of your days connecting with your surrounding and others.

In three words…what do you hope others remember about you? Share them in the comments and move towards that goal everyday.