Oscar de la Renta Dead at 82: Slideshow of Fashion Icon's Most Memorable Looks (PHOTOS)

The fashion world lost an icon on Monday (Oct. 20) when famed designer Oscar de la Renta died. He was 82-years-old. For decades, de la Renta's gowns graced the red carpet at award shows and events. He was a staple at runway shows from Milan to New York City.

A handwritten message on de la Renta's website announced his passing and informed fans that the designer died peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. According to the New York Daily News, de la Renta was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 but an exact cause of death was not immediately clear.

We write to let you know that Oscar passed away last night at home in Connecticut surrounded by family, friends and more than a few dogs. He died exactly as he lived: with tremendous grace, great dignity and very much on his own terms.

While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar's hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company. All that we have done, and all that we do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar's example, we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.

We are working on the formal arrangement to celebrate Oscar's life. As those plans are finalized, we will let you know.

In the meantime, thank you for your friendship, loyalty and support.

Love, Alex [Bolen- Executive VP] and Eliza [Reed Bolen- de la Renta's stepdaughter and CEO of Oscar de la Renta LLS]

Check out our slideshow above featuring some of Oscar de la Renta's best looks over the past year.