A Look Back at the Awe-Inspiring Runway of Oscar de la Renta

When news broke last night that Oscar de la Renta had died, it left an instant hole in the fashion world. And not just because he was a globally known designer. There's something about de la Renta's clothing that brings out the very best in the women who wear it — and lots of famous ladies, from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Taylor Swift, have long been among his most devoted customers.

On the runway, in particular, de la Renta managed to talk to women of all stripes by making the most richly beautiful versions of the things they really need: suits that are professional and playful, coats that are warm and whimsical, and gowns that inspire envy wherever they appear. The designer's love of classic proportions has long rivaled his passion for decoration, which means his collections often blend midcentury shapes, lots of embellishments, and plenty of colorful spirit.

We know we haven't seen the last of Oscar de la Renta on the runway, but for now, we're taking pause to look back at his work.

Spring 2015
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Spring 2015

There's really no better match in fashion than florals and Oscar de la Renta.

Spring 2015
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Spring 2015

Always at the forefront of trends while still remaining true to classic style, the designer sent a cool-girl play on gingham down the runway, and it quickly became one of the most-talked-about prints of New York Fashion Week.

Spring 2015
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Spring 2015

For a new spin on eveningwear, this runway was filled with formal separates and whimsical color combinations.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

The first handful of looks were as far into menswear as we've seen from the designer, and we certainly weren't expecting pinstripes.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

We could hear a few of the gowns coming before they even emerged from backstage, like this gold gown of lacquered feathers and circle beads, which clinged and clanged so beautifully that it was a pity to think it'd ever just hang on a rack.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

Karlie Kloss walked out in the final number, made of polka dots on tiered ruffles of tulle, before she took a bow with Oscar himself.

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

Galliano's styling practices came through on the runway . . .

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

Fall 2013 marked Oscar's studio collaboration with John Galliano.

Spring 2013
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Spring 2013

Of course, he didn't have to try as hard with things like lace.

Spring 2013
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Spring 2013

In Spring 2013, Oscar took materials like latex and leather and made them ladylike.

Fall 2012
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Fall 2012

The multiple layers of tulle were very real.

Fall 2012
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Fall 2012

In Fall 2012, Oscar (nearly) tricked the eye with trompe l'oeil gemstone prints.

Spring 2012
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Spring 2012

A wind machine helped the many feathers in Oscar's Spring 2012 collection move on the runway.

Fall 2011
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Fall 2011

And who wouldn't be able to stay warm with a fur hat bigger than their head?

Fall 2011
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Fall 2011

This sleek suit, however, was made more for evening hours than office hours.

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

This suit was one of many pink — yet professional — looks from Spring 2011.

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

But this one channeled Oscar's known love for flamenco — and, of course, ruffles.

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

This dress, with its full skirt, evoked the spirit of the '60s.

Fall 2010
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Fall 2010

Gorgeous coats dominated in Fall 2010, including those trimmed with fur.

Spring 2010
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Spring 2010

Orange wasn't quite the new black in Spring 2010, but that didn't stop this dress from looking spectacular.

Spring 2010
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Spring 2010

Spring 2010 included sculptural dresses with strong shoulders.

Fall 2009
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Fall 2009

The season was a little animalistic, especially with this green leopard sweater.

Fall 2009
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Fall 2009

A striped fur coat sashayed down the runway in Fall 2009.

Spring 2009
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Spring 2009

This seriously stunning dress was made even more beautiful with a flower appliqué.

Fall 2008
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Fall 2008

. . . or applied to a cocktail dress.

Fall 2008
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Fall 2008

A-line skirts were a big hit for Fall 2008, whether on their own . . .

Spring 2008
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Spring 2008

But this suit, with its geometric embellishments, made for an interesting option at the office.

Spring 2008
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Spring 2008

This gold dress was made to be worn on the red carpet.

Fall 2007
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Fall 2007

The exaggerated cowl-neck on this dress gave it a sense of fantasy.

Fall 2007
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Fall 2007

How luxurious was this fur-trimmed cocktail dress?

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

Oscar updated a classic yellow dress with a black-and-white floral appliqué.

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

Oscar also loves lace, and there's no better evidence of that than this dress from Spring 2007.

Fall 2006
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Fall 2006

Sequins provided the wow factor for this otherwise classic dress.

Fall 2006
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Fall 2006

A classic, cozy leopard coat looked great coming down the runway in Fall 2006.

Spring 2006
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Spring 2006

The unexpected pairing of a t-shirt and an elegant skirt provided a little whimsy in the Spring 2006 collection.

Spring 2006
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Spring 2006

Jacquards, like this one from Spring 2006, are also an important part of Oscar's playbook.

Fall 2005
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Fall 2005

Sheen is a major factor in Oscar's clothing, and here we saw it in both the coat and the skirt.

Fall 2005
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Fall 2005

Back to Fall, back to fur.

Spring 2005
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Spring 2005

This season also included vibrant prints.

Spring 2005
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Spring 2005

Spring 2005 took a little bit of a preppy turn.

Fall 2004
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Fall 2004

But more practical options, like this Winter white suit, were also included in his Fall 2004 collection.

Fall 2004
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Fall 2004

Oscar loves a sparkly party dress, especially in Winter.

Spring 2004
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Spring 2004

What could be fresher than a t-shirt paired with a pencil skirt?

Fall 2003
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Fall 2003

And this fur-trimmed coat.

Fall 2003
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Fall 2003

Fall 2003 had lots of options for sumptuous warmth, including this wrap.

Spring 2003
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Spring 2003

It also spoke to his love of floral motifs.

Spring 2003
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Spring 2003

Oscar loves a ruffle, and his Spring 2003 collection included them.

Fall 2002
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Fall 2002

The collection also included more minimal pieces, including this camel overcoat.