Legendary fashion designed Oscar de la Renta, famous for dressing first ladies ranging from Jackie Kennedy to Laura Bush, died last night at age 82.
His death was confirmed by his wife Annette de la Renta, and attributed to complications of an eight-year battle with cancer.
De la Renta will go down as one of the most famous designers for first ladies in American history. He will be remembered for designs from Hillary Clinton’s trademark pantsuits to Laura Bush’s glamorous inaugural gown.
For most of her tenure as first lady, Michelle Obama notably never donned any of de la Renta’s designs. Yet, earlier this month on Oct. 8—less than two weeks before his passing—Obama arrived to a cocktail party in a stunning de la Renta creation.
The moment, whether accidental or on purpose, was a fitting tribute to a historic career.
In honor of the late designer, here is a look back at some of his most famous first lady designs.
First lady Nancy Reagan stands by as President Ronald Reagan announces his support of George H.W. Bush’s 1988 presidential bid at a dinner at Maison Blanche in Tulsa, Okla. (Oct. 24, 1986.)
President Bill Clinton dances with first lady Hillary Clinton at the Midwest Inaugural Ball at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The ball was part of the festivities surrounding Clinton’s second term as president of the United States. (Jan. 20, 1997.)
Hillary Rodham Clinton is sworn in as the new Democratic senator from New York, as her husband President Bill Clinton and their daughter Chelsea hold a Bible, during a re-enactment ceremony in the Capitol’s Old Senate Chamber. (Jan. 3, 2001.)
Hillary Clinton and designer Oscar De La Renta attend the 2002 CFDA Fashion Awards held at the New York Public Library in New York City. (June 2, 2002.)
Queen Sofia of Spain, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Oscar de la Renta and Henry Kissinger attend the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute 2013 Gold Medal Gala in New York City. (Nov. 19, 2013.)
President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush attend the Inauguration Freedom Ball at Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Jan. 20, 2005.)
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush face the cameras with the 2006 Kennedy Center honorees in the Blue Room of the White House during a reception. (Dec. 3, 2006.)
First lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), take the stage to speak on the first day of the Republican National Convention at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. (Sept. 1, 2008.)
Michelle Obama speaks at a Fashion Education Workshop at the White House. (Oct. 8, 2014.)
