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 |
| $1,172 |
| Related Designers |
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2006 Vintage Silk Chiffon Gown Maxi Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Oscar de la Renta Vintage FW06 100% silk chiffon Intentional frayed trimmings Velvet rosette Invisible back zip Size USA 6 but fits more like a USA 0/2 aka XS/S Excellent condition,...
$3990 New With Tags Oscar De La Renta SILK Kimono Coat
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
New With Tags $3990 Oscar De La Renta Silk Kimono Coat Spring Runway 2019 Marked Size: S but due to the style, we consider this One Size Sash Tie at Waist Length at Back 53" Across ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2006 Vintage Brown Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Oscar de la Renta Vintage Similar style seen on the runway FW06 Dark brown silk Red velvet rosette Invisible back zip Size USA 2 but fits more like a 0 as it is tight at the bust E...
1970s Vintage Oscar de la Renta Matching Plaid Dress + Jacket Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Sparks, NV
Vibrant 2-piece vintage 1970s jacket and dress ensemble by Oscar de la Renta. Dress is partially lined with rear zip and hook closure. Jacket is fully lined with button, tie and hook...
Oscar De La Renta Cotton & Silk Straight Knee Length Skirt with Wide Waist Band
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in valatie, NY
Oscar De La Renta Cotton & Silk Straight Knee Length Skirt with Wide Waist Band. The skirt is 93% cotton and 7% silk with a 100% silk lining and lace lined hem. The skirt has a conce...
$2990 New 2024 Oscar De La Renta Large Braided Leather and Canvas Tote Bag
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New With Tags & Dust Cover Spring 2024 $2990 Large Inspired by the season's abundance of florals, this knotted tote is crafted from black Saffiano leathe...
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
New With Box 2019 Oscar De La Renta Shearling Baby Nolo Bag Limited Edition
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New With Box Oscar De La Renta Holiday Limited Edition 2019 Shearling Baby Nolo Bag Gold-Tone Hardware Cream Leather Trim Flat Handle & Detachable Shoulder Strap Suede Li...
Vintage 1960s Oscar de la Renta Black Floral Embroidered 60s Cocktail Dress LBD
By Oscar De La Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size Small Measurements: Measurements: Bust: 36 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 42 inches Length: 40 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem Exceptional late 1960s Oscar de la Renta black embroidered dress, dating to approximately 1967–1969 and representing the youthful, highly decorative side of Oscar de la Renta’s early ready-to-wear work. The dress is constructed from a beautifully textured black fabric with a subtle woven geometric pattern and is dramatically accented with multicolor floral embroidery in vivid turquoise blue, orange-red and yellow. The embroidered black ribbon trim frames the plunging V-neckline, defines the waist, encircles the three-quarter sleeves and continues along the skirt and hem. Brilliant turquoise trim borders the embroidery, creating the wonderfully graphic color contrast characteristic of late-1960s fashion. The fitted bodice has a deep V neckline and seamed shaping through the bust, meeting a sharply defined waist before opening into an A-line skirt. Floral trim travels vertically down each side of the skirt, while two embroidered bands near the hem create a striking border effect. The same embroidery continues around the back neckline, waist and cuffs, making the dress visually interesting from every angle. The original sewn-in label reads “Oscar de La Renta boutique.” Oscar de la Renta’s Boutique line was already being featured in American fashion publications during the late 1960s, including a documented Oscar de la Renta Boutique design appearing in Vogue in April 1968. Other surviving Oscar de la Renta Boutique dresses are likewise documented as 1960s examples. A fantastic example of 1960s American designer fashion, combining the era’s clean A-line silhouette and graphic color blocking with exuberant folkloric floral embroidery. The result feels distinctly late 1960s while retaining the sophisticated construction associated with Oscar de la Renta. Perfect as a cocktail, dinner, resort or special-event dress, and particularly striking styled with black heels or boots and minimal jewelry to allow the saturated embroidery to take center stage. Measurements: Bust: 36 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 42 inches Length: 40 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem Vintage Oscar de la Renta dress, 1960s Oscar de la Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique, 1960s designer dress, vintage embroidered dress...
| Sold Date | Sold Price | Category | Period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| $1,172 |
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months |
| $85-$18,200 |
| Sold price range of items in the past 12 months |
