FALL '05 DESIGNER INTERVIEW
The fashion intelligentsia may respectfully consider Oscar de la Renta the elder statesman of American fashion, but the dashing designer has never been more vibrant, spirited and
fun-loving, not just in his jaunty demeanor but in his collections as well.
With family members newly entrenched in his business, de la Renta clearly has a decidedly youthful vigor in his step. While his dresses have always adorned the upper echelon of high society’s grand dames (including first lady Laura Bush), of late pretty young things across the country, from Sarah Jessica Parker and Penelope Cruz to Jennifer Garner and the Olsen twins, are clamoring for their Oscar. Has Mr. de la Renta, who perhaps understands women better than any other designer working today, unearthed a secret to the fountain of youth? Says the designer about true style: "It has nothing to do with age…in the end, it’s all about attitude.” We couldn’t agree more. More winning Oscar pearls of wisdom follow in our conversation with the legendary designer.
OR: If I were to name anyone it would be Audrey Hepburn. To me, she was the epitome of elegance and fully understood what true style really was. But in truth, more than anything else I am influenced by the anonymous woman on the street. My role as a designer is to understand her needs and lifestyle and try to fulfill her dreams. Making a woman look her best is what inspires me. As far as acting is concerned, I have never been offered a part (laughs). Truthfully, I am quite content to be doing exactly what I am doing—designing.
OR: To be successful as a fashion designer you must keep your eyes open continually, especially to who your customer is and what she needs.
Fashion today is global. The source of inspiration or influence is the young, professional woman, no matter where she lives. With modern technology and communications we know in minutes what is happening all over the world. This helps us understand the conditions people are living under at the moment and whether they may need more or less clothes to fit their lifestyle.
OR: It has been great, especially for me, since having them (son-in-law, Alex Bolen and step daughter, Eliza Bolen) has provided a certain continuity. Their presence increases the life span of Oscar de la Renta as a business since designing is the only thing I know how to do. But I’ve always considered everyone who works for me as an extended family. We’ve accomplished what we have through teamwork and I have a great deal of respect for everyone.
OR: I always think I don’t do enough, though I try to do and give as much as I can. This is an extraordinarily generous country and I am extremely grateful for everything I’ve received. I think it’s important that I share my success.
OR: The stores allow me to reach my customer in a more direct manner. They also help me express the true identity of Oscar de la Renta. The walls are made of coral stone brought from the Dominican Republic, the furniture and fabrics come from my home collections. Every detail says Oscar de la Renta. The stores offer a wonderful way for a woman to step into my world.
OR: I know Long Island fairly well because in earlier days I would spend every weekend in Manhasset as a houseguest of C.Z. Guest. My Long Island store customer is affluent and has a great sense of style. And given the proximity of her Long Island home to New York City, she has and enjoys the best of both worlds.
OR: I love gardening, reading a good book and listening to music. I listen to all kinds of music except rap, mainly because I don’t understand the words. I love Latin, especially the Latin music of my home, the Dominican Republic. I also love to sing. When I am home in Punta Cana I will often get together with my close friend, Julio Inglesias. We love to sing and have a glass of wine together.
