#14 "Oscar de la Renta's Legacy"

           Oscar de la Renta, an inspirational and amazing designer, has passed away at the age of 82, on Monday, October 20^th, 2014. Well known for designing gowns for first ladies and celebrities, Mr. de la Renta is a legendary designer. Although he was never considered a fashion guru, he has left a huge mark in the fashion industry. Oscar de la Renta was a man of classics. He would always be wearing a pin stripe button down shirt along with a tuxedo jacket and social pants. He would always be on time for his shows. He valued the simplicity and consistency. When interviewed a few years ago, Mr. de la Renta openly stated that his hobby was gardening. He stated that through his hobby, he was able to learn a lot, especially that “you need patience for something to grow, and faith”. He said, “the trees you plant you may never see in their full glory, while the ones you enjoy now were put there by people who may never have seen the results of their work.” Like so, Mr. de la Renta’s fashion house may not have reached its full potential now during his lifetime, but he knew that like a tree, it would grow to become a major brand. And it already has. Oscar de la Renta has set knew ideals in the fashion industry. He believed in hard work and the importance of appearance. “He believed in beauty, not for beauty’s sake, but because he understood that elevating the outside could help elevate the inside; that confidence could be donned with a garment. He believed in balance, and the golden mean. He believed in lace and color and the leverage that came with a carefully chosen ruffle — but not too many ruffles. He believed, during the rise and fall of grunge and normcore and casual Friday, in staking his higher ground: being neither out nor in but, perhaps, above. He believed in the long game.” Like the article states, he was a man of classics. At the age of change in the fashion industry, he firmly stood with his “old fashioned” designs, but that is why he has prevailed. Change is good; however, classic never ends, and Oscar de la Renta knew it, setting classic designs in stone in the fashion industry.

             This particular article is an appraisal for fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta. Oscar de la Renta, a very influential designer, has passed away this past Monday. To appreciate his works, contributor to the style sector of the New York Times, Vanessa Friedman, has wrote an article praising his career. Throughout this article, she uses various examples, including personal examples of when she interviewed de la Renta, to show how a well known and accomplished designer he is. Her language is polished and clear, easy for the readers to comprehend. Her overall tone is appreciative and shows hints of admiration and awe. Friedman clearly states how Oscar de la Renta has left his mark on the fashion industry through this appraisal article. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/fashion/oscar-de-la-renta-legacy.html?ref=fashion&_r=0