de la Renta to Receive the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence

Oscar de la Renta is being heralded for his leadership in business and philanthropy…

The 81-year-old Dominican American fashion designer has been named as the recipient of the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence.

Oscar de la Renta

de la Renta will receive the award from Carnegie Hall‘s Board of Trustees Chairman Sanford Weill at a gala benefit on April 24, 2014.

“As a beloved and dedicated trustee, Oscar has lent his creative talent to furthering Carnegie Hall’s mission since 1987. He is a true visionary who has made incomparable contributions to society and has altered countless lives around the world,” Weill said in a statement.

The award ceremony will be followed by a performance by Julio Iglesias, his first at Carnegie Hall in 25 years.

“Julio is like a brother to me. I am unbelievably honored that he will be joining me at Carnegie Hall, a place with an extraordinary soul, that for me holds a very special meaning,” said de la Renta of the gala’s lineup.

de la Renta became internationally known in the 1960s as one of the couturiers to dress Jacqueline Kennedy. His eponymous fashion house continues to dress leading figures, from film stars to royalty. He’s particularly known for his red carpet gowns and evening wear.