Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta dead at 82

The cause was complications from cancer, an illness he had been fighting for the past eight years.

Designer Oscar de la Renta, seen here at an awards ceremony in April, passed away at age 82
Designer Oscar de la Renta, seen here at an awards ceremony in April, passed away at age 82

Oscar de la Renta, a renowned American fashion designer famed for his glamorous red-carpet gowns and smart suits for ladies who lunch, died Monday evening at the age of 82, at his Kent, Conneticut home, a spokeswoman for his fashion house confirmed.

His death was confirmed by his wife, Annette de la Renta. The cause was complications from cancer, an illness he had been fighting for the past eight years.

De la Renta died just a few weeks after he named a new designer to replace him at his eponymous brand. During Paris Fashion Week in September, the house of de la Renta announced that Peter Copping, designer of Nina Ricci, will take the design reins.

The response to the designer’s death in the fashion industry was immediate, as he had served as a father to American fashion. The Savannah College of Art and Design said it would fly flags at half-staff, according to a spokesman.