Even though the late Oscar de la Renta is not with us anymore, his legacy and excellent taste will forever be. His exceptional training and career led him to creating one of the most admirable fashion brands in the world. But as any extraordinary taste maker, his exceptional taste did not stop at Fashion, rather was represented in every single part of his lifestyle. A true gardener, as his closest friends knew him and many witnessed, it was his homes, full of chic classic style that enchanted and inspired many.
He was born the only boy of 7 siblings in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic. At the age of 18, he moved to Spain with the intention of studying painting, but future had a different plan for him when his drawings for a local newspaper to make extra money were seen by the wife of the U.S Ambassador to Spain and commissioned the young Oscar to make a gown for her daughter. The dress ended up on the cover of Life Magazine that year and the event encouraged de la Renta to make sketches for leading Spanish fashion houses. After an internship with Cristobal Balenciaga, whom Mr. Oscar considered his mentor, he moved to Paris where he worked for Lanvin and eventually became designer of Balmain Haute Couture collection.
Mr. Oscar’s great taste was beyond fashion and houses, it also took the personal side in more than once. In 1996, he married Francoise de Langlade, an editor of French Vogue. Sadly, Francoise passed away of cancer in 1983. Seven years later, he married Annette Engelhard whom he shared his life until his last day. Their homes in Casa de Campo, Punta Cana and Kent, Connecticut showcase living chic classic style with a dose of his Caribbean heritage.
Below, images of Oscar de la Renta’s magnificent homes, from his estate in Kent, Connecticut to his New York City Apartment, Punta Cana Home and his previous Casa de Campo one.
Images via Architectural Digest and Vogue
