Oscar de la Renta is the Renaissance man of American fashion. Born in the Dominican Republic. he grew up to witness the splendor of Paris haute couture in its heyday and has gone on to play a central role in the New York fashion scene for the last forty years. This spectacular volume traces the designer's creative inspirations, from the vivid, colorful Spanish influences of his childhood to the extraordinary women-his muses-who shine in the dazzling social scenes of Europe and America.

Oscar de la Renta is the Renaissance man of American fashion. Born in the Dominican Republic. he grew up to witness the splendor of Paris haute couture in its heyday and has gone on to play a central role in the New York fashion scene for the last forty years. This spectacular volume traces the designer"s creative inspirations, from the vivid, colorful Spanish influences of his childhood to the extraordinary women-his muses-who shine in the dazzling social scenes of Europe and America.

Illustrated with images from Oscar de la Renta"s personal albums. as well as with iconic fashion photography, this compelling book documents Oscar"s passion and love for everything he does. In these pages we are given an inside view of Oscar de la Renta"s world: his homes, his passion for gardening, his dedication to his family, his humanitarian contributions to the welfare of children, and the ever-present joie de vivre that animates his way of life. After forty years,the opulent, vibrant Oscar de la Renta aesthetic is as relevant to a new generation of achieving women as it was to their mothers. This is the story of how Oscar de la Renta became the designer who dresses everyone from America"s First Ladies to the young stars of pop music and television.Perhaps most importantly, this volume depicts a man whose artistic, generous spirit transcends his fashion creations.

Forword

A Dominican Boyhood

Beginning in Madrid

An Assistant in Paris

Oscar Takes New York

Adventures in Fashion

Oscar"Island

Private Life

Staying Power