In Memory of Oscar de la Renta, dead at 82

Daily Beast - A fortnight ago, Michelle Obama wore a navy embroidered cocktail dress by the American designer Oscar de la Renta to a cocktail party for the Fashion Education Workshop she hosted at the White House. The dress was, of course, beautiful and elegant and tasteful—like everything de la Renta, who died on Monday at the age of 82, touched. But, more noteworthy, it marked the first time in her seven years as first lady that Obama donned one of the famed couturier’s designs in public.

This was a big deal: Oscar de la Renta’s name is practically synonymous with “first lady” fashion—his obituaries identify him as someone who “dressed” president’s wives.  Read more.