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.
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 38.5 / 8.5 Y2K Black Satin Crystal Evening Heels
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant and timeless, these Oscar de la Renta black satin evening heels embody the refined glamour of the brand’s late 2000s design era. Crafted in luxurious black satin, the silhoue...
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Kendall Jenner Laura Dern Booties Boots Sz 38 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 38 Embroidered Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Kendall Jenner Laura Dern Booties Boots Sz 38.5 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 38.5 Embroidered Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gold and Black Runway Coin Heel Pumps Size 38.5 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 * Retail $1575 * Size 38.5 * Gold Coin Chain Ankle Black Napa Leather *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Plaid Booties Boots Size 37 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 37 Knit Plaid Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gold and Black Runway Coin Heel Pumps Size 38 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 * Retail $1575 * Size 38 * Gold Coin Chain Ankle Black Napa Leather *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Gigi Hadid Leather Booties Boots Size 38.5 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1575 * Size 38.5 Cream Leather Zip Closure At Sides Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Leather Boots Sz 38 $1600
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1600 * Size 38 100% Soft Calf Leather Brown Circumference: 15" Calf Circumference: 13.75" Shaft: 18.5" Heels: 3.75"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Crystal Satin Runway Heel Pumps Size 39 $1795
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 $1795 * Size 39 * Swarovski Crystal Black Satin *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75" Impossible to Find New
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Crystal Satin Runway Heel Pumps Size 37.5 $1795
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 $1795 * Size 37.5 * Swarovski Crystal Black Satin *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75" Impossible to Find New
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36 Embroidered "O" Slides Blue Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Gigi Hadid Leather Booties Boots Size 37 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1575 * Size 37 Cream Leather Zip Closure At Sides Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36.5 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Plaid Booties Boots Size 39 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 39 Knit Plaid Heels: 4"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 38 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 38 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
Oscar De La Renta Black Linen High Heel Thong Strap - 38.5
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar De La Renta Black Linen High Heel Thong Strap - 38.5 These unique linen sandals are in excellent condition. The shoes have a thong strap that has a thicker band. The band is ...
Beige Oscar de la Renta Satin Embellished Peep-Toe d'Orsay Heels Size 39.5
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Beige satin peep-toe d'Orsay heels by Oscar de la Renta. Rhinestone embellishments at tops. 4.5" heel height. Designer Size: 10.5 US Recommended Size: 39.5
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black & White Beaded Floral Design Slip On Flat Shoes D
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black & White Beaded Floral Design Slip On Flat Shoes Dead Stock
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 37.5 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 37.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
Marni Size 10 / 40 Early 2000s Black Suede Cut - Out Knee High Wedges Boots
By Marni
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 2000s MARNI black suede leather cut-out knee high wedges boots ! The perfect statements boots that retailed for $1,700 when purchased. Can easily be dressed up or down, day or ...
Size: 36,,38-38.5-39-39.5
Lanvin High Style New Sandals, 2011
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Water Mill, NY
Signed and Dated 2011 Lanvin High Style New Sandals in Original Box and Dust Bag..sizes are shown bellow
Size: French Size 38
A Roger Vivier Pair of Evening Heels Shoes Circa 2000
By Roger Vivier
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2000 France Pair of evening pumps as new by Roger Vivier in black silk satin dating from the year 2000. Shoes with stiletto heel with pointed shape in front, decorated with a b...
Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue 8.5 Rhinestone Vintage Heels Shoes Avant Garde
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL navy blue heels! Avant Garde detailing, with 'wings' at each outer side. Triangle rhinestone detail that accen...
Size: 39; compare to US 8.5 - 9
Gianvito Rossi Black Suede Collared Décolleté Peep Toe Bootie – It 39, 2012
By Gianvito Rossi
Located in Tucson, AZ
Seen on Kate Moss, Kate Hudson, Katie Holmes and countless other fashion illuminati, these eye-catching stilettos are the stuff of legend. Said to combine...
DIOR Fusion Sneakers By Raf Simmons in Dark Blue Canvas Size 38.5FR
By Raf Simons for Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Flagship model of the year 2014, by Raf Simmons, pair of sneakers DIOR, Fusion model, in dark blue canvas without lace. Size 38.5. The sole is in blue rubber. Beads flowers are embroidered on the canvas. They are in very good condition and have been worn only once. These blue DIOR sneakers...
F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Rhinestone Purple Dragon Chain Heels Size 8.5 B
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of stunning shimmery purple leather Gucci dragon heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, these strap heels feature a Gucci 'GG' monogram insole and an interlocking metal dragon...
New 90s Bruno Frisoni Black and White Tuxedo Heels Mules Shoes Size 35. 5 / 5.5
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular brand new Bruno Frisoni black and white 'tuxedo' style heels! Frisoni, currently the chief designer for Roger Vivier, began his fashion career in 1980, at Jean-Louis Schr...
New 1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Size 38.5 / 8.5 Brown Suede 90s Knee High Boots
By Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Never worn vintage 1990s MOSCHINO CHEAP and CHIC chocolate brown suede leather knee high flat boots! Effortlessly chic, with a sleek toe, and an exposed gold zipper down the back. Su...
1990s Salvatore Ferragamo Size 7 Saddle Camel Leather Vintage Oxford 90s Booties
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely chic late 1990s SALVATORE FERRAGAMO saddle camel colored leather high heel lace up oxford booties! The perfect color that matches anything, and is great all year. Can easily...
Jimmy Choo Purple and Coral Lizard Woven Slide Heels - 39
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jimmy Choo Purple and Coral Lizard Woven Slides with Heels - 39. These slides are purple lizard-skin with single-woven strips. They are in excellent condition and show only minor wea...
F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Embroidered Chinoiserie Wedge Size 36
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of taupe floral Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche wedge heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, these heels debuted on the season's ...
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Yellow & Beaded Floral Pattern Leather Slip On Shoes De
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Yellow & Beaded Floral Pattern Leather Slip On Shoes Dead Stock
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gigi & Bella Hadid Sandals Flats Slides Sz 37.5 $675
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $675 * Size 37.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 10 Black Silk Jewel & Feather Studded Platform Pumps
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
These gorgeous OSCAR DE LA RENTA pumps come in black silk twill with leather lining and feature a pointed toe with crystal, bead, stud, and feather adornment, covered stiletto heel, ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 7.5 Black Silk Strappy Sandals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
These gorgeous OSCAR DE LA RENTA sandals come in black silk satin and feature a gladiator style strap construction with oversized faux pearl details and covered stiletto heels. Made ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 11 Burgundy Velvet Antiqued Crystal Slip On Flats
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA burgundy velvet, slip-on flats features a antiqued beaded/rhinestone applique. No signs of wear. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Retails at $795.00....
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 9 Olive Russian Embroidered Silk Slingback Pumps
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely OSCAR DE LA RENTA pumps in olive green silk satin with a sling back, ;ow stiletto heel, and pointed toe with colorful Russian inspired embroidery and bead work. Made in Italy....
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Heels - Size 8.5 Champagne Silk Rhinestone Ankle Strap Sandals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning OSCAR DE LA RENTA evening sandals in champagne silver silk satin and feature a double toe strap with tulle covered crystal rhinestones, covere...
Size: 39 1/2/Italy
Oscar de la Renta Bold Neon Green Silk Satin Kitty-Heel Evening Sandal
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta wonderfully elegant bold neon green silk satin kitty-heel evening sandal made in Italy has a comfortable 2" heel. This sandal is sized 39 1/2/Italy, or 9 ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Nude Peep-toe Wedges W/ White Lace Overlay sz. 37
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Nude Peep-toe Wedges W/ White Lace Overlay sz. 37 Made in: Italy Color: Nude/ivory Sole Stamp: Oscar De La Renta Made In Italy Closure/opening...
Size: 39 Italian
Oscar de la Renta Olive Green silk sandals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta's Olive Green silk sandals are highlighted by a "Love-Knot" in front. The sandals are sized 39 Italian, 9 American of medium width. The sexy heels...