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.
Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta metallic gold sequin fitted sleeveless party dress. The sequins switch direction in spots, forming a polka dot pattern. The perfect holiday dress! Back zip and hook...
Oscar de la Renta Red and Black Tribal Print Dress with Ruffle Bottom
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta red, black and ivory tribal ikat batik print sleeveless pencil dress with flared bottom. A thin stiff mesh ring at skirt bottom and light boning at side bust and c...
New With Tags Oscar De La Renta The Dahlia Dress Size 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Known for its romantic rendering of blooms, Oscar de la Renta's designs bring the beauty of nature to ready-to-wear Dahlia Collection This long-sleeved dress is cut from jersey with...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Sheer Size 10 / 12 Black Silk Chantilly Lace Gown
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite 1990s vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA for SAKS 5th AVE Couture black silk chiffon and chattily lace sheer evening gown ! This beautiful dress ha...
1960s Oscar de la Renta Turquoise Blue Silver Silk Brocade Sequin 60s Gown Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1960s Oscar de la Renta turquoise blue and silver silk brocade sequined short sleeve evening gown / maxi dress! Feather prints...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Black + Gold Tunic w/ Dolman Sleeves
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Oscar de la Renta black and gold tunic! Features incredible dolman sleeves, with gold piping at bust folds, and at cuffs. Snaps up the front, with two vents at each...
Oscar de la Renta Early 1970s Bohemian Stripe Lace Up Empire Waist Dress Vintage
By Oscar De La Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking early 1970s Oscar de la Renta dress that captures the romantic bohemian spirit of the era with bold graphic sophistication. Approximately Size Small Measurements: Bust: ...
1970s Oscar de la Renta Vintage Knit Sweater Top, Skirt + Belt Dress Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Sparks, NV
Amazing vintage 1970s knit sweater top, skirt and knit tie belt by Oscar de la Renta. The top is unlined with no closure (pulls on over the head). The bust measures 33-36" (unstretch...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta 1990s Turquoise Blue + White Hawaiian 90s Halter Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA turquoise blue and white Hawaiian tropical print empire waist halter dress! Features a luxurious thick cotto...
Oscar de la Renta Flower Sequin Silk Gown
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black and white sequin silk gown by Oscar de la Renta. It has long sleeves with zippers at the wrists, is semi fitted with a gathered skirt all completely covered in larg...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA black 2018 SATIN RIBBON CROCHET MIDI Dress M
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar de la Renta dress in black open crochet knit in nylon (82%) and spandex (18%) with interwoven strips of satin throughout. This luxury Oscar de la Renta dress is ...
1990s Oscar de la Renta Poppy Print Size 6 Fit & Flare Vintage Cotton 90s Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 90s OSCAR DE LA RENTA cotton fit n’ flare white poppy flower print dress ! Features a tailored bodice with ruched bust. Hidden zipper up the back...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA S14 tan cotton blend sleeveless pleated shirt dress US2 S
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA S14 tan cotton blend sleeveless belted pleated shirt dress US2 S Reference: LNKO/A02659 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: S14 Materia...
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 Runway One Shoulder Silk Toga Dress $3, 200 BNWT
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing brand new with tags Oscar de la Renta silk one shoulder dress! Detailed for $3,200! Featured in the Resort 2009 Oscar Runway Collection (see pictu...
Oscar de la Renta Blue and White Plaid Check Ribbon Weave Silk Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta silk pencil cut dress in an amazing blue and white abstract check ribbon weave. Back zip and hook and eye. Oscar de la Renta signature print lining. 57% cotton, 43...
Flower print dress OSCAR DE LA RENTA
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Flower print dress. No fabric composition tag but the main fabric is probably cotton and lining acetate or polyester. Button and buttonhole closure + hook&eye + snap closure on the m...
Stunning Vintage Oscar de la Renta Hunter Forest Green Velvet Silk Damask Gown 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA Couture Victorian inspired Size 8 forest hunter green velvet and silk damask full length evening dress! Features a luxurious hunter green velvet bo...
Oscar de la Renta Purple Ombre Houndstooth Check Silk Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta silk pencil cut cocktail dress in a purple checked houndstooth pattern and ombre mid section. Back zip and hook and eye. 100% silk. Made in USA. Size 8. Runs sli...
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1980S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black Silk Chiffon & Lace Strapless Gown XS
Oscar de la Renta Poppy Print Halter
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Charming Oscar de la Renta Poppy Print Halter dress in synthetic knit with large floral border. 1970s USA. Size 12 vintage/6-8 Contemporary. W...
NWT Oscar de la Renta 2006 Tulle Dress with Hand-Beaded Wood Embellished Waist 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
An exceptional and highly collectible piece from the 2006 Resort collection by Oscar de la Renta, showcasing the house’s signature blend of vibrant elegance and artisanal craftsmansh...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Miss O Size 8 / 10 Kaleidoscope Print Silk Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage Oscar de la Renta MISS O kaleidoscope / Ikat tropical print silk midi dress! Features a flattering tailored bodice, with a loose fitting forgiving ...
Oscar de la Renta Floral Guipure Lace Dress Size 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Brossard, QC
This sophisticated midi dress from Oscar de la Renta is made from guipure lace and lined with organza and crêpe de chine. It has a square neckline, elbow-length sleeves and a midi he...
Oscar de la Renta Summer Late Day Evening Party Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous Oscar de la Renta crisp white organza party pouf from the designer's runway collection. The one being offered is identical to that in the runway photo below. The red and wh...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 10 Lipstick Red Avant Garde Silk 3/4 Sleeve Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage late 1980s / 80s OSCAR DE LA RENTA lipstick red 3/4 sleeve silk bow dress! Features a sweetheart neckline, with an oversized Avant Gard...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA champaign & white SEQUIN Sheath Dress 4 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar De La Renta sleeveless sequins dress in champaign, white, silver tone silk (100%) with an embroidered round neck. Closes on the back with a concealed zipper. Lin...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA c.2000's Maroon Gold Floral Detail Front Zip Kaftan Maxi Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Thiensville, WI
OSCAR DE LA RENTA c.2000's Maroon Gold Floral Detail Front Zip Kaftan Maxi Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Oscar de la Renta for Neiman Marcus Circa: Early 2000's Designer: Oscar de la ...
Oscar De La Renta Resort 2010 Blue Embellished Tweed Fit & Flare Pleated Dress 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Oscar De La Renta for his resort 2010 collection. Featuring a tweed knit design on the top half and a lightweight semi sheer pleated skirt with a lining underneath. Varia...
Incredible Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 10 Black Silk Chantilly Lace 80s Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage late 1980s OSCAR DE LA RENTA black silk Chantilly lace dress! Couture quality, with an expert attention to detail. Chic semi sheer silk dolman sleeve lace bodice, ...
NWT Oscar de la Renta S/S 2019 Poppy Embroidered Stretch-Wool Crepe Dress US 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Oscar de la Renta Poppy Embroidered Stretch-Wool Crepe Dress S/S 2019 Collection US size - 10 Ivory wool, embroidered applications of poppy...
Oscar de la Renta White and Red Floral Print Cotton Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta White & Red Floral Print Cotton Dress - 6. This dress is in excellent condition and is around knee-length. Measurements: Bust- 31" Waist- 31.5" Hips- 36.5" Length...
Navy Oscar de la Renta Plaid-Trimmed Belted Sleeveless Dress Size US 14
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Navy sleeveless belted dress by Oscar de la Renta. Plaid trim throughout. Notched lapel. Belt at waist. Dual front pockets. Concealed front closures. 42" bust, 35" waist, 42" length,...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA brown blue 2024 OMBRE WRAP POPLIN MIDI Dress 2 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Oscar de la Renta wrap-effect shirt dress is crafted from Canyon brown and navy blue poplin cotton (with 3% elastane) for a structured yet comfortable fit. It fea...
2000S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Champagne Beaded Tulle Gown & Shawl
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
2000S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Champagne Beaded Tulle Gown & Shawl
1970S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Lilac Floral Silk Organza Vogue Documented Gown
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1970S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Lilac Floral Silk Organza Vogue Documented Gown
Oscar de la Renta Light Blue Knit Crochet Vintage Sleeveless Dress, 1970s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage 1970s OSCAR DE LA RENTA pale blue knit crochet dress! Fantastic fit, with so much attention to detail. Crochet detail above the bust, on the straps, and at the hem. ...
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 Red Silk Taffeta Dress with Rose Detail - 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Oscar de la Renta red silk taffeta dress is sleeveless with a drop waist and pleating at the beginning of the skirt. This dress also has a ruffle that leads into a rose along th...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA black silk 2017 EMBROIDERED Cocktail Dress 6 S
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar de la Renta sleeveless cocktail dress in black silk (100%). Features floral embroideries in cream and two slit pockets at the waist. Opens with a concealed zippe...
Oscar De La Renta Black and White Floral Dress with Belt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Ardmore, PA
Oscar De La Renta Black and White Floral Dress with Belt Size US 4
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Iso guipure leaf lace embroidery fit flare bridal dress US4 S
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Iso off white floral guipure leaf lace embroidery fit flare bridal dress US4 S Reference: LACG/A00488 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Model: Is...
Oscar de la Renta Black Linen Halter Gown with Ruffles, 1990s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta Black Linen Halter Gown with Ruffles - 10 - 1990's . This gown is truly spectacular and can be worn black tie or cocktail because of its casual fabric. It features ...
1970S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Emerald Green & Silver Silk Lurex Metallic Devoré Velve
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1970S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Emerald Green & Silver Silk Lurex Metallic Devoré Velvet Gown With Crystal Straps Internal Bustier
1990s Oscar de la Renta Sz 10 / 12 Black Fortuny French Lace Vintage 90s Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s OSCAR DE LA RENTA for Saks 5th Avenue black fortuny pleated chantilly French lace long sleeve dress ! Features a flattering plea...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA orchid purple silk DRAPED SHOULDER Gown Dress 4 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar De La Renta sleeveless dress in orchid silk (100%) with a folded collar. Closes on the back with a concealed zipper. Comes with a matching belt featuring decorat...
1970s Oscar De La Renta black and silver paillette dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Oscar De La Renta long sleeve black dress with large silver pailletes. Size : 4/ Bust: 32"/ Waist: 28" Sleeve length 22" Length from...
Oscar De La Renta Cotton & Wool Blend Tweed Asymmetric Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in London, GB
Oscar De La Renta Cotton & Wool Blend Tweed Asymmetric Dress Beige short sleeve dress crafted in beige and black tweed. Detailed with flared skirt with asymmetric frayed hemline. ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Silk Strapless Pink Midi Dress w/ Belt Size 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Pink Strapless Midi Dress w/ Belt Size 6 Product details: Size 6 Featuring green leaves print detail Double rear zip and hook closure on the back Made in USA
Oscar de la Renta Pale Blue Wool Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Alford, MA
Oscar de la Renta pale grayish blue dress in woven wool, c.1980s-'90s, featuring a loose fit with subtle shaping, dolman sleeves that reach above the wrists, and an open round neckli...
White cotton tweed sleeveless dress with belt OSCAR DE LA RENTA
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White tweed sleeveless dress with belt. Fabric composition: 90% cotton, 10% rayon. Rayon lining. Invisible zip closure and hook&eye on the middle back. Belt with buckle closure and...
1970s Oscar De La Renta black and silver paillette dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Oscar De La Renta long sleeve black dress with large silver pailletes. Size : 4/ Bust: 32"/ Waist: 28" Sleeve length 22" Length from shoulder to hem: 53"
OSCAR DE LA RENTA red black silk SEQUIN & LEATHER Sheath Dress 0 XXS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar de la Renta sleeveless cocktail dress in black, red and white silk (100%). Features sequin and white leather embellishments. Opens with a concealed zipper and tw...
Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Silk Caftan with Matching dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta 2 piece silk caftan Fashioned of rich tomato red silk with matching slipdress. Neckline adorned with heavily embellished gol...
Oscar De La Renta Vintage Black Silk Cocktail Dress, Size 4/6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Oscar de la Renta drop waist black silk cocktail dress . Very timeless black dress remind me of Audrey Hepburn style. Elegant and simple. per...
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Off White Silk Fully Beaded & Crystal Encrusted Cocktai
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Off White Silk Fully Beaded & Crystal Encrusted Cocktail Dress
Oscar de la Renta Black Lace Fitted Dress - UK6/XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Krakow, PL
Oscar de la Renta Black Lace Fitted Dress Sz.UK6 XS Very Good Condition Description: Elegant Oscar de la Renta fitted dress in classic black with delicate lace overlay. Features back...
1990s Oscar de La Renta Pastel Pink Strapless Classic Flare Mini Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Oscar de la Renta strapless mini dress is crafted in pastel pink with a classic flare silhouette. The dress features a structured bodice and an A-line skirt, offering a si...
Oscar de la Renta Black Taffeta Dress and Jacket with Sable Trim - 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Oscar de la Renta black taffeta dress is strapless with a drop waist and two bottom ruffles. The matching jacket is a cropped bolero with a 3/...
Oscar de la Renta Silk Pencil Dress Size 8 made in Italy
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Port Hope, ON
This beautiful Oscar de la Renta silk dress is from the 2016 Resort Collection. It features a textured hammered silk top paired with a mat...
1970s Oscar de La Renta Bohemian Print Satin Maxi Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Gresham, OR
A 1970s Oscar de La Renta Bohemian inspired print maxi dress in a mid-weight satin fabric features long sleeves and button cuffs, fitted waist and nice full skirt and side slit pock...