I nearly broke into tears when I heard at exactly 6:22am today that Oscar de la Renta had passed away last night.  A true icon, lover of all things beautiful and--quite possibly--the reason I became a fashion designer, he will always be remembered for shaping the landscape of American style with his beautiful cuts, colors and embellishments.  I have always hoped that one day I would meet him and that maybe I could watch him in action for just a minute--and perhaps just a little bit of his genius would rub off on me.  I remember standing outside the tents in Bryant Park during Fashion Week in my early years in New York hoping to get a glimpse of him.  I eventually did see him at a few fashion events over the years, but I could never get up the nerve to say hello.  If only I had been a little braver...

He, who always chose pretty over edgy, worshiped a woman's waist, and used every color in the rainbow, influenced my own personal style as a designer in a million different ways.  His designs were classic, flattering and just plain old fashioned pretty.  I'm not sure that I can ever live up to the legacy that he has left behind, but I will always try.  He will forever be a source of inspiration for me.

Thank you Mr. de la Renta, for all that you have meant to me and so many others in the fashion community.  Your presence will be sorely missed and there will never be another you...

xo...

ki

{runway photos via style.com & editorials via vogue.com }