Oscar de la Renta, the gentleman designer who dressed the socialites and Hollywood stars for decades, is no more.  De la Renta, 82, died in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends.


De la Renta and his peers Bill Blass, Roy Halston and Geoffrey Beene defined the American style and their influence is felt even today. De la Renta's specialty was eveningwear, though he also was known for daytime suits. His signature style was voluminous skirts, exquisite embroideries and rich colours. Most recently, Amal Alamuddin wore a de la Renta-designed wedding dress when she got married to George Clooney.

Even on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock donned his opulent, feminine gowns. His clothes even were used in some episodes of Sex and the City with style.