“MY ROLE AS A DESIGNER IS CONCLUDING TO MAKE A WOMAN BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL,” says OSCAR DE LA RENTA, MOST FRENCH AMERICAN DESIGNER, LATENOIEROIEROMIEROMIEROIEROMERI PERIODENOMIEROIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMIEROIEROMERI ДОМ
It’s a joke, but all the first ladies, starting with Jacqueline Kennedy and ending with Laura Bush, gave preference to his collections. Not to mention the largest stars in Hollywood, who also decided to dress for the Oscars at the Oscars. The author of the ever-stylish wardrobe told about the secrets of his success, his own preferences and the new autumn-winter collection in an interview with Russian Emirates.
Mr. De La Renta, you are well known as the only couturier and Oscar for the Oscars in the United States and around the world. How did you come up with the idea to create your own fashion brand? Have you dreamed of becoming a fashion designer since childhood?
I started my business in 1965. Before that, I worked for Cristobal Balenciaga, and then for the brand Lanvin, but I fell in love with fashion since I moved to Spain at the age of 18. In Madrid, I immersed myself in culture - music, art and bullfighting. I was fascinated by the dances of flamenco performers and the stunning colors of their outfits.
What inspired you from the very beginning of your fashion career? Who were your teachers and mentors, role models in this world?
I was lucky: I met many people on my career path who played a big role in my success. Diana Wreeland gave me extraordinary advice and, of course, John Fairchild.
How can you describe your own style? How was it evaluated from 1965, when the brand appeared, to the present moment? Has much changed?
My goal as a designer has always been to make a woman feel the most beautiful, and I always thought about it, season after season, creating every new collection. I began to create better than 20 years ago - I learned to be the best editor for myself. My style has changed as the preferences of my clients have changed. Today, women lead a very active and eventful life, and they need clothes that will equally reflect both their strength and their femininity.
Your collections are very elegant, have clean lines and a flawless cut. Do they somehow reflect your own character?
I have always said that I am not minimalist. I am Latino - we are like "bald things."
It seems that you want to return women to the era of skirts and dresses. What is your favorite female look?
This is more a desire to emphasize femininity than just skirts and dresses on their own. I like the idea of eternal beauty - a woman whose style reflects modern fashion. In my autumn collection, I came up with a very classic look: fresh, natural complexion and hair pulled back, and in an ageless silhouette - a frame and a flat figure.
Your outfits are often chosen by celebrities, Hollywood stars and first ladies. Which order was the most difficult?
I was fortunate enough to dress many prominent women and celebrities over the years of my career. Creativity has never been a difficult process for me. It is always a holiday.
Who helps you in your work, and how long does it take to collect all the ideas for the new collection into a single whole?
The day after the show of one collection, I come to the studio, and my assistant and I work until the lights again flash on the catwalk. Creativity as a process never stops.
Do you remember your first collection? What was her main idea?
I always said that I have a memory, like a mosquito ...
Can you name your favorite colors, cuts and accessories for the new autumn-winter collection 2012-2013?
For the autumn collection, we used an unconventional gamut of colors. Do you know winter white? Ok, we used winter pink and winter blue. I was very inspired by our jewelry collection, and the idea was to color everything. In particular, we made beautiful embroidery on skirts and jackets. I love this collection, it is incredibly feminine.
Do you have loyal Russian customers? Do you know them personally? What do you think about the style and taste of Russian women?
I would say that elegance is in their blood, it is embedded in Russian culture. And they love extraordinary things.
What do you like most: to compose ready-made lines of clothes, shoes, bags or accessories? What part of the work is the most difficult for you as a designer today?
Each new aspiration is a test for me, but I never stop there, I always go forward. There is always something to do, and there is always something to learn.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud when I see women in my outfits on the street. This is a great honor for me.
What gives you pleasure besides work?
My family and friends. I also love messing around in the garden.
What eyes do you look to the future? And how do you see your new collection?
As a company, we continue to develop different directions and open boutiques around the world. As for the new collections, wait a bit and you will see everything. Thank you so much for the conversation. We look forward to your new masterpieces.
