| Oscar de la Renta is one of the great haute couture designers of the twentieth century.
Born in 1932 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. De la Renta was sent to Madrid to study and upon graduation, commenced his career designing for the grand Spanish/French house of Balenciaga, dressing the royalty and aristocracy of Europe.
It was during his tenure at Balenciaga that de la Renta developed his ultra luxurious style. After his stay at Balenciaga he designed for Elizabeth Arden in New York City, eventually establishing his own house in Paris, creating a new benchmark for opulent eveningwear.
sources include oscardelarenta.com, encyclopedia.com, encarta.com | 
