Fashion icon mourned in Dominican homeland

By Associated Press

Oct 21, 2014 11:52 AM CDT

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FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2008, file photo, designer Oscar de la Renta is applauded after the presentation of his fall 2008 collection during Fashion Week in New York. The designer, who died Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, at 82, shaped American couture half a century ago when it emerged as a serious rival to European... (Associated Press)

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Fashion icon Oscar de la Renta is being mourned in his native Dominican Republic as a native son whose glamor raised the profile of a largely poor country.

De la Renta had a home in exclusive Punta Cana on the east coast of the country where he was born in 1932. His charitable work included a program that helped the poor gain job skills and income by designing dresses.

He also helped launch the annual Fashion Week, taking place this week in the capital.

Organizers planned to ask the government to name a street for de la Renta before his death Monday.

President Danilo Medina is likely to be receptive. He said Tuesday the designer honored the nation and his death "leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill."