“All year, I look forward to being in Lake Tahoe,” said Oscar de la Renta who presented his collections each year at the fashion show/benefit for the League to Save Lake Tahoe starting in 1995. The beloved afternoon picnic began with Bill Blass and Saks Fifth Avenue in 1969, and later became a mid-summer tradition with de la Renta often arriving on a Chris-Craft boat for the festivities. So as news of de la Renta’s death on Monday, October 20, at 82, came from his wife, Annette de la Renta, his California fans were especially saddened. San Francisco closets in particular are filled with gowns designed by de la Renta—Dede Wilsey and Marissa Mayer have often worn his confections—and his fans across the state have been strikingly loyal. The prolific designer who sought to create striking gowns that appeared to be both weightless and timeless will be both celebrated and missed at opera opening nights, film premieres, the luncheon benefits where he always held court, and at the lake where he presented such vibrant collections.

By Elizabeth Varnell and Diane Dorrans Saeks

 

Pictured: Marissa Mayer, Oscar de la Renta and Dede Wilsey at the League to Save Lake Tahoe fashion show.
Photo By: Drew Altizer

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