Oscar de la Renta, a familiar face at Sunnylands, dies at 82

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

From left: Diane Sawyer, Walter Annenberg, Mike Nichols, Henry Kissinger, Leonore Annenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Annette de la Renta, February 1997

The trustees, president, and staff of The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands extend their sincere condolences to the family of Oscar de la Renta.

For more than a decade, Ambassador and Mrs. Annenberg cherished their friendship with iconic fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. Mr. de la Renta and his wife, Annette, visited Walter and Lenore Annenberg at Sunnylands as weekend guests and for special luncheons and events, including several of Ambassador Annenberg’s birthday celebrations.

“What fun! What love!” Mr. de la Renta wrote in the Annenberg’s guest book, the same weekend broadcast journalist Barbara Walters was at Sunnylands.

Mr. de la Renta visited five times between 1992 and 2004. He spent time with the Annenbergs and their guests, including President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, journalist Diane Sawyer and director Mike Nichols, and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, during formal festivities and casual gatherings.

Oscar de la Renta’s global influence in fashion will continue to inspire for generations to come. Mr. de la Renta, his work and talent will be missed.