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 Silk Ruffle Palazzo Pants
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous black silk palazzo wide leg pants from Oscar de la Renta. They are high rise skimming the hips with wide legs flaring to the hem. There is intricate seaming with small ruff...
Oscar de la Renta Luxe Brown Leather Alligator Embossed Skirt SFA Size 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A super chic Oscar de la Renta leather skirt, hand pieced in Alligator embossed and flat brown leather. Purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC. ...
Oscar de la Renta Navy and Bright Blue Patchwork Tweed Pencil Skirt Resort 2012
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta deep navy (almost black) and sky blue pencil skirt with tweed patchwork appliqué with sky blue and silver accents. Very slight asymmetric back hem due to the patchw...
New $3190 Oscar De La Renta Bordeaux Long Floral Lace Fishtail Skirt US 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
Oscar de la Renta floor-length floral lace fishtail skirt. Designer size - 8 Banded natural waist, Long, slightly flared silhouette. Scalloped hem falls to the floor, Back train, Hid...
F/W 1991 Oscar de La Renta Runway Red Tartan Sequin Beaded Fringe Pencil Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning Oscar de La Renta red and green sequin tartan fringe skirt perfect for the holidays! Designed for the Fall/Winter 1991 collection, ...
Oscar De La Renta Vintage Multi Color Taffeta Maxi Skirt, Circa 1970s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Oscar De La Renta Multi Color Silk Taffeta Maxi Skirt. size 4. Circa 70's This amazing piece is in excellent vintage condition. Measurements...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA tan brown nylon cotton flared knee length skirt US0 25"
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA tan brown nylon cotton flared knee length skirt US0 25" Reference: LNKO/A01557 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Material: Cotton, Nylon Color: B...
1980s Oscar de la Renta Miss O Silk Midi Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Oscar de la Renta 'Miss O' label midi skirt in flowy and full silk skirt in an Eastern European traditional floral print in vertical lines. The ...
Oscar de la Renta Hussar Style Velvet Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta Ink Black Hussar Style Velvet Skirt with passementerie braid trim and jet beading along slash pockets and hem, a timeless classic from Oscar de la Renta which can b...
1970s Oscar de la Renta Deadstock Blue Jean Belted Vintage Denim Pencil Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA high waisted indigo denim belted deadstock (still has tags attached) pencil skirt! Wonderful flattering fit, with a removable coral belt with gold logo...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Swimwear c.1980's Zebra Print Beach Wrap Cover Up
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Swimwear c.1980's black and white zebra print beachwear cover up. Bias cut. Banded tie waist. Asymmetrical hi-low hem. Lightly gathered skirt. Marked Fabric...
Oscar de la Renta Silk Skirt with Feathers
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Oscar de la Renta - Pleated skirt composed of black silk embroidered with beads and ostrich feathers. Size 10. Additional information: Dimensions: Waist: 40 cm (15.75"), Hips: 50...
New $3590 Oscar de la Renta Black Leather Embellished Mini Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Oscar de la Renta Black Leather Embellished Mini Skirt P/F 2019 Collection Sample - size label not available Black genuine leather skirt embellished with metallic golden embroide...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA black & white wool EMBROIDERED Skirt 4 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Oscar de la Renta embroidered straight skirt in black and white virgin wool (100%). With slit on the back. Closes with hook and invisible zipper on the back. Lined in ...
New Oscar De La Renta S/S 2016 Runway White Burgundy Silk Maxi Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Oscar De La Renta Silk Flower Print Maxi Skirt S/S 2016 Runway Collection Sample - no size tag - please check measurements. White with Burgundy Flowers, Ruffled and Pleated Acce...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Fully Beaded & Sequined Navy Blue Skirt S/M
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
A dazzling creation from Oscar de la Renta, this 1990s knee-length skirt showcases the designer’s signature craftsmanship and opulent detailing. The piece is fully hand-embellished w...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2014 100% silk blue abstract print midi skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2014 100% silk blue abstract print midi skirt US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02440 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: S14 Material: 100% Silk...
Oscar de la Renta Green Watercolor-Like Floral Printed Silk Chiffon Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta Green Watercolor-Like Floral Printed Silk Chiffon Skirt - 6. This skirt has multiple shades of green on it and features a watercolor-like floral print. There is a s...
Vintage Light Blue & White Oscar de la Renta Gingham Maxi Skirt Size US M
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Vintage light blue and white gingham maxi skirt by Oscar de la Renta. Ruffle trim throughout. Dual front pockets. Waist tie closure. 26" waist, 36" hips, 40" length.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 8 Pink White Dots Ruffle Long Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA skirt comes in a pink and white dots woven featuring a ruffled layers design, and a side zip up closure. Made in USA. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 8 ...
Black & Red Oscar de la Renta Beaded Silk Knee-Length Skirt Size US 12
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Black and red beaded silk knee-length skirt by Oscar de la Renta. Embroidered pattern throughout. Zip closure. 28" waist, 32" hips, 23.5" length.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2016 black pink geometric floral print pleated skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2016 black pink geometric floral print pleated skirt US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02318 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: SS 2016 Material...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2019 multicolor 100% silk floral print quilted skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2019 multicolor 100% silk floral print quilted skirt US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02441 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Collection: P19 - Runway Material: Silk Color: Multicolo...
F/W 2001 Oscar de La Renta Runway Ombré Sequin Full-Length Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning pink-to-black sequin ombré maxi skirt by Oscar de la Renta from the Fall/Winter 2001 collection. This skirt made its debut on the season's runway as part of loo...
Plum Oscar de la Renta Velvet Maxi Skirt Size US 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Plum velvet maxi skirt by Oscar de la Renta. Side closure. 24" waist, 50" hips, 42" length.
1970s Oscar de la Renta Hunter Green Silk Chiffon Sequin Vintage 70s Maxi Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1970s vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA hunter green silk chiffon fully sequined maxi skirt! Features thousands of hand-sewn hunter / forest green ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA S07 blue black silk cotton floral print full midi skirt US2 S
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA S07 blue black silk cotton floral print full midi skirt US2 S Reference: LNKO/A02500 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: S 07 Material:...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2008 brown raffia sequins embellished jacquard skirt US0 24"
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2008 brown raffia sequins embellished jacquard skirt US0 24" Reference: LNKO/A01633 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Model: Jacquard skirt Colle...
Oscar de la Renta Brown and Multi Print Silk Skirt with Ruffle - 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Oscar de la Renta silk skirt is brown with a multi-color print on it that has different tones of blue. Going down the front of the s...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2015 black silk cotton embroidery anglais skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2015 black silk cotton embroidery anglais skirt US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02438 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: S15 Material: Silk, C...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA P16 lattice cut out side high waisted knitted pencil skirt XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA P16 black lattice cut out side high waisted knitted pencil skirt XS Reference: LNKO/A02611 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: P16 Mate...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2020 black tulle overlay green floral jacquard skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2020 black tulle overlay green floral jacquard skirt US0 XS Reference: AAWC/A00545 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Collection: 2020 -...
Late 1990s Oscar de la Renta Purple Silk Watercolor Flower Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Late 90s Oscar de la Renta silk blend skirt featuring a beautiful watercolor printed purple floral pattern and finished with a sequin adorned hem. The skirt goes from light to dark a...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2019 cotton linen ruched cutout striped balloon skirt US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2019 cotton linen ruched cutout striped balloon skirt US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02155 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Collection: 2019 Spring Material: Cotton, Ramie, Linen...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2016 black viscose knit knee length bodycon pencil skirt XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 2016 black viscose knit knee length bodycon pencil skirt XS Reference: LNKO/A01761 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: 2016 Material: V...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 6 Beige Silk Pencil Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA skirt comes in a beige silk with a slip liner featuring a pencil style, sequined trim, beaded embellishments, and a side zipper closure. Made in USA. Very Good Pre-...
Blue & Multicolor Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2023 Striped Silk Skirt Size U
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Blue and multicolor striped silk skirt by Oscar de la Renta. From the Spring/Summer 2023 Collection. 26" waist, 42" hips, 32" length.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Vintage 70's Diagonal Denim Maxi Skirt Size 2 - 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Oscar De La Renta skirt is composed of a lightweight, light blue denim with a bias asymmetrical design with top stitching. There is a side zipper closure. In excellent vintage c...
F/W 1991 Oscar de La Renta Runway Pink Green Tartan Fringe Wrap Pencil Skirt
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pink and green Oscar de la Renta tartan wrap skirt. This incredible skirt debuted from the Fall/Winter 1991 collection o...
Oscar de la Renta Woven Skirt of Ribbon, Embroidery and Beads
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed Oscar de la Renta when first viewing seems like a typical skirt. But, when up close, you'll notice the combination of silk ribbons woth a floral print in co...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA grey wool double layered hem pencil skirt US2 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA grey wool double layered hem pencil skirt US2 XS Reference: LNKO/A01968 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Material: Wool Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra Detail...