Oscar de la Renta pearl white silk couture cocktail dress, circa 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: s (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. excellent vintage condition Bust: 32inch/ waist: 25inch Shoulder: 13inch/ Sleeve: 20inch/ Total length: 52 inch/.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU917116219772
Oscar De La Renta
The name Oscar de la Renta is synonymous with enduring originality in fashion, and his work deeply influenced other designers throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and gowns — which often feature ruffles, dazzling prints, vibrant colors and dramatic silhouettes — exude elegant sophistication and femininity, while his exquisite scarves and shoes rounded out his sought-after collections.
De la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. He was the youngest of seven children, the rest of whom were girls. At the age of 18, he left home for Madrid and studied painting at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. A natural talent for illustration earned him an apprenticeship with the legendary Spanish fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga.
In 1961, de la Renta visited Paris, where he was hired as a couture assistant at Lanvin. Less than two years later, he moved to New York City. He designed a ready-to-wear collection for Elizabeth Arden and partnered with Jane Derby. He also began designing dresses for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. When Derby died in 1965, the label was named after de la Renta (he took full control in the 1970s). Shortly after, he married an editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Françoise de Langlade, whose own career in fashion began at Elsa Schiaparelli’s fashion house.
De la Renta served as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1973–76, and again from 1986–88. In 1981, the tradition of de la Renta dressing First Ladies continued. He quickly became one of Nancy Reagan’s favorite designers (as well as her lifelong friend).
De la Renta expanded his clothing lines throughout the 1990s but kept true to his feminine, polished style. He also continued to design for the First Ladies of the United States, and his pieces were worn by both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. At Balmain, de la Renta was the first Dominican to design for a French couture house.
Over the course of his career, de la Renta earned the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Coty Award and the Fragrance Foundation’s Perennial Success Award. He passed away in 2014.
In 2015, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Fashion + Film showcased more than 80 of de la Renta's gowns at its inaugural exhibit.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Oscar de la Renta suits, blouses, accessories and handbags.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Dolce & Gabbana black sequin evening coat, Fall/winter 2012-2013By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce Gabbana black sequins coat. Fall/winter 2012-2013 There is no time like the present to start incorporating sequins into your wardrobe. Fas...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Valentino fuchsia wool coat, circa 1980By ValentinoLocated in London, GBThis Valentino coat is constructed from pink cable ribbed wool cloth. It has a flattering swing cut and would be a wonderful option for evenings. Featuring a black cotton velvet sta...Category
1980s Italian Swing Coats
- Jacques Heim couture gold silk satin evening gown, circa 1960sBy Jacques HeimLocated in London, GBJacques Heim is inextricably linked with the history of French fashion. In the years 1958-1962 he was the president of the highly influential Paris Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Cou...Category
1950s French Maxi Dress
- Louis Feraud red and tartan moiré evening dress, Circa 1980By Louis FeraudLocated in London, GBThis Louis Feraud dress is constructed from a silk-like moiré polyester material. Worn with a patten leather belt.Featuring a round neckline, long sleeves and fitted bodice. The ful...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses
- Jean Patou silk gold top and natural linen Maxi-skirt evening ensemble, c.1970sBy Jean PatouLocated in London, GBIt is impossible to think of the history of French fashion without referring to Jean Patou. With contemporaries such as Edward Molyneux, Lucien Lelong...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Balmain silk cocktail dress covered with embroidered pineapple motif, circa 1950By Pierre Balmain, Pierre Balmain Boutique ParisLocated in London, GBThis Balmain cocktail dress incorporates the house’s well known mastery of tailoring, embroidery and traditional techniques of classic couture. Tight bodice and full skirt. Per...Category
1950s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s White Jacquard Cocktail DressLocated in San Francisco, CA1950s White Jacquard Cocktail Dress. Interesting origami bodice design. Ties at waist at back. Built in tulle petticoat.Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli Ivory and Green Sequin Chiffon Gown-Sz 44By Roberto CavalliLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRoberto Cavalli Ivory Silk Chiffon gown with Green and Tan sequin/bugle beads - Sz 44 This gorgeous gown has long sleeves, an low plunging v neck open back with a ivory ribbon tie ac...Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
- La Mendola Vintage White Long Kaftan Caftan Tunic Evening Dress Size 46By La MendolaLocated in Rome, RomeLa Mendola Vintage White Long Kaftan Evening Dress Size 46 Beautiful vintage 1970 maxi long dress signed La Mendola, Italy. Silk Crepe de Chine. Short sl...Category
20th Century Italian Caftans
- 1960s Galanos Ivory Off - White Linen Avant Garde Vintage 60s Mod Cream DressBy James Galanos, GalanosLocated in San Diego, CARare early 1960s JAMES GALANOS for Bonwit Teller ivory Irish linen Avant Garde dress ! This gem is seriously a musuem worthy couture piece from Galanos' early work. Couture quality, ...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- Jason Wu Ivory black leather strap backless silk maxi slip dress wedding gownBy Jason WuLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage Jason Wu floor length ivory silk gown in the style of a slinky slip dress Double mock leather straps that cross over at the back Cow...Category
2010s Evening Dresses
- Monique Lhuillier Size 14 Mint Green Ivory Beaded Sequined Mermaid Gown DressBy Monique LhuillierLocated in San Diego, CAEnchanting MONIQUE LHUILLIER light mint green and ivory beaded, sequined, rhinestone, etc. silk and tulle mermaid gown! This beauty only had one owner, and retailed for over $15,000 ...Category
2010s American Evening Gowns