The world lost a renowned fashion legend this week: Oscar de la Renta tragically passed on October 20th.

According to the New York Times, the designer was  was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. A year later, at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Executive Director Fern Mallis called him “The Sultan of Suave”. At that event, he spoke of his cancer, saying “Yes, I had cancer. Right now, I am totally clean. The only realities in life are that you are born, and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we will never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of life.” De la Renta tragically died of complications from cancer on October 20, 2014, at his home in Kent, Connecticut at the age of 82.

The all-powerful attitude that De la Renta imparted upon his disease carried over into his work. Cancer certainly did not define him nor did it even slightly damage his impeccable talent for design.

When one thinks of Oscar de la Renta,they think ofirst ladies he dressed:Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton,or the celebrities he clothed for the red carpet (Amy Adams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift) or the wedding gowns he designed (for Amal Clooney, Huma Abedin, Kate Bosworth). His famous gowns have been cherished by women since 1961, and will continue to be adored. The imprints that this man has left on the hearts of designers, women, celebrities, people everywhere are too deep to erase. Some of his most recent works include the jaw-dropping gown that Amal Alamuddin wore to marry George Clooney in early October of this year, as well as a gown worn by Michelle Obama at a cocktail party after her White House Fashion Education Workshop.

Although his physical presence shall not be with us any more, his legendary mark will forever be left on the world. An artist, a creator, a designer, an icon-Oscar de la Renta will eternally be loved and remembered.