Oscar De La Renta died to at the age of 82 due to illness, his family confirmed on Monday.
In a statement, stepdaughter and son-in-law Eliza and Alex Bolen revealed that De La Renta died at his home in Connecticut, surrounded by his family and close friends.
Eliza and Alex Bolen said that family members were deeply saddened by De La Renta's passing, but they vowed to continue working hard to continue what the fashion icon has started.
"While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much us. Oscar's hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company," Eliza and Alex Bolen said in the statement via People.
"All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar's example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much," the statement added.
The fashion designer became famous for dressing big-name personalities such as US first ladies from Jacqueline Kennedy to current first lady Michelle Obama along with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ann Hathaway, Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock.
Laura Bush expressed sorrow over De La Renta's death, revealing that they have a lot of fond memories with the fashion icon during their stay at the White House.
"We will miss Oscar's generous and warm personality, his charm, and his wonderful talents," Bush said in a statement via New York Daily News. "My daughters and I have many fond memories of visits with Oscar, who designed our favorite clothes, including Jenna's wedding dress. We will always remember him as the man who made women look and feel beautiful."
Bill and Hillary Clinton also remembered the world-renowned fashion legend for his amazing designs, saying that De La Renta had a remarkable eye for design that also matched his generosity.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Oscar de la Renta. His singular talent and exquisite taste elevated American fashion, and his warmth and friendship will be missed by our family and all whose lives he touched in his extraordinary journey," the Clintons said in a statement.
The cause of the death was not immediately revealed. Sources said that complication from cancer led to his death, but CNN reported that De La Renta confirmed last year that he was already cancer-free.
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