Oscar de la Renta left the Dominican Republic at 18 years old to study in Spain. He was trained by Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga and again under Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant at Lanvin in Paris. Oscar de la Renta designed the haute couture collection for the house of Balmain between 1993 and 2002. The designer’s self-titled fashion label began in 1965 and diversified into bridal wear in 2006. Oscar de la Renta is particularly known for his evening gowns that are worn by celebrities at award ceremonies. The designer has become an American icon and household name. Oscar de la Renta also embodies fresh design in the form of home ware, children’s clothing, gifts and jewellery.