American fashion designer Oscar De La Renta dies at 82

The fashion world has lost a true hero as world renowned American fashion designer Oscar De La Renta has sadly passed away at the age of 82, just two weeks after he named his successor.

De La Renta was trained and inspired by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and has managed to stay relevant in the fashion world throughout his 50 years in the business, with celebrities such as Penelope Cruz and Beyonce, to first ladies Michelle Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy all proudly sporting his previous designs.

He created works of art from red carpet worthy formal gowns to smart and trendy suits which have been worn at several prestigious events across the world. His most recent notable design was the stunning wedding gown that Amal Alamuddin wore in September during her wedding to George Clooney.

It was unclear what caused the death of the designer, although in 2006 there were previous reports that he had been diagnosed with cancer, however he dispelled those rumours in an interview last year stating he was perfectly healthy and had no intention of retirement.

De la Renta is survived by an adopted son, as well as a fashion legacy.