NEW YORK (AFP).- Legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, whose beautiful clothes defined American elegance for generations and were beloved by first ladies and Hollywood stars, died Monday. He was 82.

As condolences poured in from the fashion world, his company website bore only his trademark signature in white against a navy blue background.

US media reported his death at his home in Kent, Connecticut, quoting family members. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

Earlier this month, his luxury brand announced that British-born designer Peter Copping would take over as creative director although that he would work closely with de la Renta on designing the next collection.

Twitter lit up with messages of condolence and praise for de la Renta.

"Oscar created a whole world of luxury, style, and elegance all his own," wrote designer Vera Wang.

"The 'King of Evening' will be forever remembered," Vogue Magazine added.

Schooled in the mastery of European couture, de la Renta worked until the end of his life, most recently designing the wedding dress for human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, who wed Hollywood heart throb George Clooney in Venice last month.

One of the world's most eminent designers, his frocks were worn by American first ladies from Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan to Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, as well as film stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker.

Tributes also poured in from friends, celebrities and younger designers who mourned the loss of one of America's most eminent designers.

Former first lady Bush said she and her husband, George W. Bush, were "deeply saddened" by his death, saying he had designed the favorite clothes of her and her twin daughters.

"We will miss Oscar's generous and warm personality, his charm, and his wonderful talents," she said in a statement.

"Saddened to hear the news about Oscar de la Renta. Thank you for bringing so much beauty into the world #RIP," wrote designer Rebecca Minkoff.

Career spanning five decades
"Truly saddened by the loss of one of the greatest fashion icons of all time," wrote designer and businesswoman Ivanka Trump.

Born on July 22, 1932 in the Dominican Republic, de la Renta left home to study in Madrid and work as an apprentice to Cristobal Balenciaga. 

In 1960 he moved to France to become an assistant at Lanvin in Paris, where he embedded himself in the world of haute couture, before moving to the United States to work for Elizabeth Arden.

He created his eponymous label in 1965 and over the decades became one of the most lauded designers in New York. He created clothes of timeless elegance, regal glamor and sophistication beloved by generations of women.

He was twice president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and honored with a string of awards.

In a career that spanned five decades, de la Renta saw his company grow into a multi-million-dollar empire that included ready to wear, fragrances, a home line and a bridal collection, which he launched in 2006.

He married twice, first in 1967 to Francoise de Langlade, an editor at French Vogue and in 1989, six years after her death, he married American publisher Annette Reed.

Popular and charming, de la Renta built close rapports with fellow designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano, whom he invited to spend time in his workshop after his career collapsed over an anti-Semitic rant.

"Everyone in life deserves a second chance," said de la Renta at the time. "I think that life is about forgiving and helping people."

He entertained generously with his wives, keeping a Rolodex of famous friends, including the Clintons, Henry Kissinger and the late writer Truman Capote.

In an interview with New York Magazine published last year, de la Renta looked back on his long career and the changes in the fashion world.

"It's unbelievably extraordinary to remember that when I came to New York, it was a time when women couldn't wear a pair of pants to a restaurant. 

"What women have achieved in the last 50 years, I wish men would have achieved in the last 100. I'm sorry to say it, but we’re really stupid."

In his native Dominican Republic, the Culture ministry tweeted, "Maestro ... your prints remain."


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