On Monday night, the world lost one of its great designers. We’re still mourning the loss of the legendary Oscar De La Renta, “the ultimate gentleman,” as InStyle‘s Eric Wilson calls him, who passed away at his home in Connecticut after a long battle with cancer.
RELATED: Remembering Iconic Fashion Designer Oscar de la Renta
Since starting his career in the ’60s, de la Renta has dressed countless celebrities for everything from the Oscars to Inaugural balls to weddings. However, his knack for creating beautiful garments didn’t stop where the red carpet ended—de la Renta was also a master at creating less formal but equally breathtaking day and cocktail dresses (like Amal Alamuddin‘s checkerboard print frock, above, left).
RELATED: See the Oscar de la Renta Dress Amal Alamuddin Wore for Her Wedding
On Tuesday the designer’s step-daughter Eliza Bolen and son-in-law Alex Bolen released a statement on his official website:
Colleagues—
We write to let you know that Oscar passed away last night at home in Connecticut surrounded by family, friends and more than a few dogs. He died exactly as he lived: with tremendous grace, great dignity and very much on his own terms.
While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar’s hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company. All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar’s example, we know the way forward.
We will make Oscar very proud of us continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.We are working on the formal arrangements to celebrate Oscar’s life. As those plans are finalized, we will let you know.
In the meantime, thank you for your friendship, loyalty and support.
Love, Alex and Eliza
Celebrate de la Renta’s life by clicking through our gallery of celebrities who have worn his iconic designs.
PHOTOS: Celebs Wearing Oscar de la Renta