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Oscar De La Renta

American, 1932-2014

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.

Average Sold Price
$1,039
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Oscar de la Renta S/S 2014 strapless tiered sheer mesh pearl wedding dress gown
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An incredibly rare gown from Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2014 Champagne coloured strapless floor length dress in silk - this would also make an absolutely beautiful wedding gown ...
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Vintage Oscar De la renta magenta pink silk gown with billowy sleeves and ruffle collar. Perfect for cocktail party or Black tie event. Bust 34” Waist: 27”
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F/W 1999 Oscar de la Renta Naomi Campbell Runway Red Silk Satin Regal Mink Gown
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TheRealList presents: a truly incredible red silk satin Oscar de la Renta gown. From the Fall/Winter 1999 collection, this gown debuted on the season's runway modeled by Naomi Campell. This renaissance inspired dress...
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Vintage 90's Oscar de la Renta Devoré Velvet Embroidered Print Long Coat US 6
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Vintage 90's Oscar de la Renta Velvet Fitted Long Coat US size - 6 Amazingly colorful Devoré ( burnout ) velvet embellished also with the purple embroidery. Fitted style, Snaps closu...
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Oscar de la Renta F/W 2003 Silk Burgundy Quilted Embellished Coat US 4
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Oscar de la Renta Silk Burgundy Quilted Embellished Coat US size - 4 Burgundy, lightly quilted silk coat is printed with tapestry inspired motifs that are decorated with elaborate ta...
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Early 2000s American Oscar De La Renta

Vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk & Swarovski Maxi Evening Dress Gown Size 8
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The Vintage Oscar de la Renta evening gown is a true masterpiece of elegance and glamour. Crafted from luxurious black silk, this strapless gown drapes beautifully, exuding a sense o...
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1980s American Oscar De La Renta

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OSCAR DE LA RENTA BOOTS Toughen up ladylike looks with Oscar de la Renta's black leather checker studded knee-high boots. Oscar de la Renta boots have a latticed effect with gold-ton...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Oscar De La Renta

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Animal Print Open Toe Ankle Boots Bootie NWT
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OSCAR DE LA RENTA PLATFORM BOOTS Oscar de la Renta combines wild looking material and leather in these Leopard Boots. It will complete your exotic looking ensemble, while still dis...
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Oscar De La Renta Sellers

TIMELESS FASHION TREASURES
4.8
Fashionista Palm Beach
4.5
Fuchsia Treasures Corps
4.8
Sui GENERIS Consignment
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The Paper Bag Princess
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Designers Similar to Oscar De La Renta

Oscar De La Renta fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Oscar De La Renta fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, blue, purple and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, and Pauline Trigère appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Oscar De La Renta fashion from top boutiques around the world. Oscar De La Renta fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at £40 and tops out at £19,351, while the average work can sell for £706.
Questions About Oscar De La Renta
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the Oscar de la Renta brand has created menswear. In fact, their men’s suits are well-known for their comfort and luxury, making them highly desirable. In addition to making suits, de la Renta has made a wide variety of menswear clothing. Find vintage and contemporary Oscar de la Renta clothing from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Oscar de la Renta was a well-known fashion designer who became internationally renowned in the 1960s for being one of Jacqueline Kennedy’s designers. His full name is Oscar Aristides Ortiz de la Renta and he was born in 1932 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. De la Renta passed away in 2014 after firmly establishing his clothing line as highly desirable and luxe with both couture and ready-to-wear options. Find vintage and contemporary Oscar de la Renta items from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can buy an Oscar de la Renta men’s jacket from the brand’s official website or from other online boutiques and seller platforms. The late Oscar de la Renta's designs were synonymous with New York's fashion and social scenes — whether you're looking for vintage or modern Oscar de la Renta's men's jacket for a casual night out on the town or a black-tie event, you'll find authentic Oscar de la Renta pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The designer Oscar de la Renta made his international debut in 1965 with his own ready-to-wear line. de la Renta was one of Jacqueline Kennedy's couturiers, and he worked with brands like Balmain and Harrods. On 1stDibs, you can find vintage or modern Oscar de la Renta pieces from top sellers worldwide.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Some people report that their Oscar de la Renta shoes run small and others report that they are true to size. Your best option is to try on Oscar de la Renta shoes before purchasing to make sure they are a comfortable fit. You’ll find a variety of Oscar de la Renta shoes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Oscar de la Renta is a well-known luxury brand of clothing, accessories, shoes and fragrances. There even was a housewares line unveiled in 2002 that included furniture. While not what the brand is noted for, de la Renta even designed a boutique hotel in 2006. Despite the broad reach, this brand is famous for haute couture and ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. You’ll find a variety of Oscar de la Renta products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can purchase Oscar de la Renta sunglasses from the brand’s website. You may also find new and vintage sunglasses at boutiques or online shops. With his classic design elements, Oscar de la Renta sunglasses make any style look fresh and modern — with a twist of elegance that only he can provide. Shop authentic Oscar de la Renta sunglasses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The co-creative directors of Oscar de la Renta are Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia. This creative-directing duo were named to the position in 2016 after the departure of Peter Copping, who was appointed creative director after de la Renta’s death in 2014. On 1stDibs, you'll find authentic Oscars de la Renta pieces from top sellers worldwide.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Oscar de la Renta is best known for dressing celebrities and famous women in high-end luxury gowns and suits. The brand is also very well known for their wedding dresses. While those garments garner a lot of interest, Oscar de la Renta also has a well-known ready-to-wear line of clothing for men and women that has a more accessible price point. You’ll find a variety of Oscar de la Renta products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Oscar de la Renta clothing is manufactured all over Europe as a symbol of elegance and romance. High-quality tailoring and forward fashion are marks of de la Renta clothes made for any occasion. On 1stDibs, you'll find authentic Oscars de la Renta pieces from top sellers worldwide.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, Oscar de la Renta has been fur-free since 2021. However, examples of genuine fur clothing from Oscar de la Renta are still available on the used market, including on 1stDibs. You’ll find a collection of vintage and modern Oscar de la Renta fur from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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