de La Renta, Oscar, 1932-, French fashion designer, b. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He studied in Madrid and began a career in fashion with Balenciaga. Moving to France in the 1960s, he became known for his luxurious clothes, especially evening wear, of extravagant materials. He designed for Elizabeth Arden in New York and also established his own firm that produced romantic and opulent clothes. His designs encompass everything from bathing suits to wedding dresses, furs, perfumes, and linens.