The fashion world was in mourning today as news broke that iconic designer Oscar de la Renta had passed away. A statement released by his family earlier today said that Oscar (82) passed away last night at his Connecticut home, surrounded by family and friends. Born in the Dominican Republic, Oscar was barely a teenager when he began sketching for Cristobal Balenciaga. This marked the beginning of an illustrious fashion career and in 1963, he relocated to Paris where he worked for fashion house Lanvin. However, it was 1961 when things really kicked off as Oscar moved to New York where he launched his own line. De la Renta designs has always been recognised for his feminine and elegant designs. British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman paid tribute to the designer today saying: “Of all the designers in the world, Oscar de la Renta was the most reliable at designing clothes that made you feel beautiful". Not only was he a gifted designer, de la Renta had many wise words when it came to fashion, style, women, elegance, confidence and beauty. Here are some of his best known quotes. “The qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.” “What women have achieved in the last 50 years, I wish men would have achieved in the last 100.” “I design clothes for women to wear. I am not interested in shock tactics. I just want to make beautiful clothes.” “Walk like you have three men walking behind you.” “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”