Dominican born Oscar de la Renta left his native country to study painting in Madrid at the age of 18. While in Spain, he became interested in fashion design and began sketching designs for Spanish fashion houses. He was fortunate to become an apprentice to the master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga. After his time with Balenciaga, he went on to become a couture assistant to Antonio Castillo at the house of Lanvin in Paris.

When he moved to New York, he sought the advice of Diana Vreeland, who suggested he work for Elizabeth Arden where he would be able to be promoted quickly and establish a name for himself. At Arden, he became the head designer for both the couture and ready-to-wear collections in New York.

In the mid 1960's, Oscar de la Renta started working with Jane Derby and when Derby died, the company was transformed into de la Renta's own line. Oscar de la Renta often incorporated his own life experiences into his designs, including influences from his time in Spain. "I fell madly for Spain, its people, its landscape and life in Madrid. The sights, sounds and drama of Spanish culture — bullfights, flamenco and the most festive celebrations such as the traditional ferias of Seville and fallas of Valencia — were burned forever in my imagination, defining my own aesthetic.” Oscar de la Renta

Ten first ladies wore Oscar de la Renta clothing during their time in the White House. Oscar de la Renta has been awarded the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award two times, and the Parson's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Oscar de la Renta became one of the most sought after designers throughout the next several decades, creating beautiful evening gowns that are still collectible and wearable today.