Oscar de la Renta, world-famous fashion designer, passed away at the age of 82. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2006, he died on October 20^th due to complications with his illness, surrounded by friends and family at his home in Connecticut.

Fellow designer Valentino Garavani stated, “For me he was not only a great designer, he was my friend. He was the greatest believer that life is beautiful.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 22, 1932 into a large family, he was youngest of seven children as well as the only boy. He finished high school in Santo Domingo and, against his father’s wishes, went to Madrid to study art where he quickly learned his true passion was fashion.

“Never, ever confuse what happens on a runway with fashion,” Mr. de la Renta once said. “A runway is spectacle. It’s only fashion when a woman puts it on. Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense.”

According to CNN, he has dressed every First Lady since Jackie Kennedy. First Ladies Reagan, Clinton, and Laura Bush all wore Oscar’s gowns for their inaugurations. Michelle Obama had not worn any of his designs as First Lady until last month, to a White House Fashion Education workshop.

He was presented with Coty Awards, chosen by a jury of fashion editors, for having had the most significant influence on fashion in both 1967 and 1968. In 1973, he was added to the Coty Hall of Fame, and in 1989, he was given a lifetime achievement award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

His most recent high-profile dress was the ivory tulle gown that Amal Alamuddin wore to wed George Clooney in Venice.

“America has lost a brilliant, enduring talent and a true gentleman. Oscar was a fashion legend but he was also my friend for nearly fifty years. I admired him greatly as a kind, gracious individual with a generous spirit who brought beauty and elegance to everything he touched,” said former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Thankfully, he didn’t leave his company unattended. Last week, Oscar de la Renta -the company- announced the appointment of Peter Copping as creative director.

FSA Connection Questions

1. What is the author’s main purpose in writing this article?
2. What information, if added, could best support the author’s purpose?
3. Which word from the article is a synonym for high-profile?
4. Select a sentence that best represents the main idea.
5. Which sentence from the passage contains an opinion?