Yahoo Lifestyle Karlie Kloss Pays Tribute To Oscar De La Renta
Karlie Kloss and Oscar de la Renta on the runway. Photo: Getty Images.
Supermodel Karlie Kloss has written a touching tribute to the late Oscar de la Renta, calling him her mentor and friend.
The Victoria's Secret Angel opened up in the latest issue of US Glamour, where she penned a heartfelt essay detailing her memories of the fashion designer.
"I met Oscar when I was just a teenager," Kloss wrote. "It was my second season of doing shows, so I was still very fresh and it was all new. I remember walking into his atelier and being so wide-eyed; it was covered from wall to wall with trays of beautiful jewelry and gorgeous shoes and gowns. There were textures and fabrics I didn't know existed. Here I was, this American girl from the Midwest, standing in this house of elegance and luxury to the level of First Ladies. The technique and craft that went into creating an Oscar de la Renta dress was like that of a couture house. It was totally intimidating! I don't know what he saw in me; I was a kid playing dress-up in these elaborate, womanly gowns. But he saw something, because I walked in nearly every one of his shows from that point on."
Kloss credits the designer with building her confidence as a model, saying he'd been instrumental in helping her develop a successful career.
"Before a show he would always grab my hand and say, "Karlie, you are beautiful," Kloss said. "That was everything. Nobody does that! It doesn't matter if you're a model about to go on the runway or just any woman, somebody grabbing your hands and looking you in the eyes like you're the only person in the world?"
Oscar undoubtedly had a zest for life and an indomitable spirit, which Kloss says made him a rare jewel in the fashion industry.
"I attended the Met Gala with Oscar just eight months ago. That night at the dinner, I had one of the most heartfelt conversations with him that I've ever had with anyone. He told me how he fell in love with his wife, Annette, and he told me about his first wife, who had died of cancer 30 years before. The most important thing in life, he said that night, is to love and be loved, and to do what you love. For me, it was so inspiring to see someone at 81, still so happy going to work.
"I wish I could have spent much more time with him, but his spirit will be with me for the rest of my life. He treated me as his muse and friend. And that empowered me to think of myself as more than just a model wearing the clothes."
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