Oscar de la Renta: Timeless Style

Favored by fashionistas and first ladies alike, Oscar de la Renta -- the man and the label -- has been an industry powerhouse for nearly half a century. With his timeless sense of style, Oscar de la Renta is a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Clothing Designer category.

Oscar de la Renta founded his label in 1965. Then just 33 years old, de la Renta's star was on the rise in New York's fashion scene. The Dominican-born designer had studied in Europe and worked for Cristóbal Balenciaga in Spain and Antonio Castillo in France. When he arrived in New York, he turned down a job with Christian Dior in favor of a position with Elizabeth Arden; two years later, he had gained enough exposure to start his own ready-to-wear label.

The honors soon cascaded in for Oscar de la Renta. In 1967 and 1968, he earned the Coty American Fashion Critics' Award, the highest honor in fashion in those days. In 1973, he became President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, serving until 1976. The following year, de la Renta released a new fragrance called "Oscar." He soon became a favorite of First Ladies on both sides of the aisle, from Nancy Reagan to Hillary Clinton to Laura Bush.

The past decade has brought more expansion. In 2001, de la Renta launched a line of accessories to complement his ready-to-wear line; a standalone retail chain followed in 2005 with its first store on Fifth Avenue in New York. There are now locations Bal Harbour, Costa Mesa, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Manhasset. The only letdown: Michelle Obama has yet to wear a de la Renta outfit as First Lady.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.