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 1970s Boho Batik Paisley Print Vintage 70s Wide Leg Jumpsuit
By Oscar De La Renta, Oscar de la Renta Boutique
Located in San Diego, CA
Extraordinary early 70s OSCAR DE LA RENTA silk chiffon batik print wide leg jumpsuit ! A dress and a jumpsuit all in one ! I have the si...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA PS24 black Gardenia Guipure lace top skirt dress set US0 XS
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA PS24 black Gardenia Guipure lace crop top midi skirt dress set US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02658 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: Pre-Sp...
Oscar De La Renta FW 2004 Boucle French Vanilla Embellished Skirt Suit 16 and 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
Oscar De La Renta Boucle Yarn Wool Embellished Skirt Suit F/W 2004 Runway Collection Designer sizes available US 16 and US 6 ( please check measurements) A True Masterpiece by the M...
Oscar De La Renta 2004 Runway Campaign Embellished Fur Trim Skirt Suit size 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
Oscar De La Renta Runway Embellished Fur Trim Skirt Suit F/W 2004 Collection Designer size - 8 85% Wool, 10% Mohair, 5% Polyester. Jacket - Exquisite ha...
Beautiful Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 8 Hunter Green Velvet Two Piece Gown
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA 1990s hunter forest green silk velvet long sleeve top and wrap maxi skirt! The green was hard to photograph, but it is a beautiful true rich tone ...
1960s Oscar de la Renta Silk Brocade A - Line 60s Vintage Dress and Jacket
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
*Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall* Can go up to a current US Size 8 Fabulous 1960s OSCAR DE LA RENTA silk brocade A Line dress and coat ensemble! Features lovely abstra...
Oscar de la Renta Black Velvet Skirt Suit with White Embroidery - 10 - 1990s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta Black Velvet Skirt Suit with White Embroidery - 10 - 1990s. This skirt suit is in excellent vintage condition with light wear to the velvet and embroidery. The jack...
Oscar de la Renta 2000s Size 8 Pink Gold Silver Silk Vintage Dress Bolero Jacket
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful early 2000s Y2K OSCAR DE LA RENTA pink, gold and silver metallic silk dress and shirt sleeve bolero jacket ! Dress features a tailored bodice with an A-Line skirt. Hidden z...
White cotton piqué skirt-suit Oscar de la Renta Pink Label
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton piqué skirt-suit. The top button in white thread ( one extra provide) and there is a white passementerie ruban on the pocket edge.One snap on the top front in the middl...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Bright Blue and White Polka Dot Dress Ensemble Size 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA bright blue and white polka dot silk skirt and wrap blouse ensemble! A flattering wrap blouse that ties in the front. High waisted fitted pencil sk...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta 1970s Rare 3 Piece White Jumpsuit w/ Pants and Vest
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and super rare vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA 3 piece chiffon jumpsuit! This has to be one of my favorite vintage pieces EVER! Consists of white wide leg trousers...
Oscar de la Renta Rose Skirt & Blouse Set
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Our Oscar de la Renta skirt and blouse set finished in rose, is an obvious addition to anyones archive or wardrobe.It tells the story of romance in the 1980's flawlessly. A chiffon l...
Skirt-suit with flower print Oscar de la Renta
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Skirt-suit with flower print . No fabric composition tag but main fabric is probably cotton and lining is probably acetate or rayon. Shoulder-pad. SIZE 6 (Us) but the jacket fit M a...
Spring 2017 Oscar de la Renta Black, White and Red Knit Dress & Jacket Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Oscar de la Renta knit dress and jacket set from the Spring 2017 collection. The sleeveless knee length dress features thick vertical stripes of different meticulously crafted woven ...
Pre Fall 2017 Oscar de la Renta Red Houndstooth Dress and Coat Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Oscar de la Renta dress and coat ensemble from the Pre-Fall 2017 collection. Both pieces are red, white and black knit wool in a mix of classic and enlarged/distorted all over hounds...
Oscar de la Renta Chocolate Brown Satin Skirt Suit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New Hope, PA
An Oscar de la Renta chocolate brown satin suit lets you stand out in a crowd of black evening pieces. The quiet luxury of the fabric and craftsmanship speaks volumes. The jacket ha...
Oscar De La Renta Copper Metallic Skirt Suit, Neiman Marcus Size 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful 2 pc suit by Oscar De La Renta Pink Label. The suit is size 8, Made in the USA. We show pics of the suit 2 ways. With longer l...
NWT Oscar de la Renta Size 8 Silk Wide Leg Navy Blue Red Floral Jumpsuit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags OSCAR DE LA RENTA wide leg plunging silk jumpsuit ! Features a navy blue background with bright colors of red, turquoise, teal, and white throughout. Pockets at e...
Oscar de la Renta Runway Spring 2002 Size 4 Palm Tropical Safari Print Jumpsuit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Oscar de la Renta Spring / Summer 2002 runway vintage one piece jumpsuit ! Features a khaki background d with palm prints in green and brown. St...
Oscar De La Renta 2-piece Dress and Jacket Set
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Ardmore, PA
Oscar De La Renta 2-piece Dress and Jacket Set Jacket Size US M Dress Size US 6
Silver Oscar de la Renta Silk-Blend Metallic Jacquart Pantsuit Size US 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Silver silk-blend metallic jacquard pantsuit by Oscar de la Renta. Blazer features notched lapel, dual hip pockets, and front button closures. Pants feature front zip closure. Blazer...
Oscar De La Renta Champagne Silk with Sage Embroidery Skirt Suit Size 10
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a stunning Oscar De La Renta skirt suit. The suit is composed of a champagne hued silk with sage leaf and branch embroidery. The jacket has center fr...
Oscar de la Renta Multicolor Floral Short Sleeve Ballerina Skirt Suit - M, 1980s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Tucson, AZ
Featuring a full circle skirt with a nearly 13-foot sweep, this ensemble's fit and flare silhouette is modernized by an on-trend shorter length and eye-catching graphic print. The he...
Oscar De La Renta 4 Piece Baroque Skirt Suit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an Oscar De La Renta suit. This four piece set features one jacket, one blouse, and two skirts. The skirts feature a pencil fit and side zipper closures; one skirt has a labe...
Oscar de la Renta Ivory & Navy Silk Chiffon Beaded Blouse & Tank Set - M
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta Ivory & Navy Silk Chiffon Beaded Blouse & Tank Set - M. This set is in excellent vintage condition with the only issue being some discoloration by the arm pit area ...
Early 2000s Oscar de la Renta Carnation Embroidered Dress and Cardigan Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Extremely elegant Oscar de la Renta dress and cardigan ensemble from the the 2000s. Sleeveless, boatneck white cotton twill dress with beautiful embroidered pink, red and green carnations...
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Navy Satin Gold Embellished Skirt Suit F/W 1992
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Oscar de la Renta is one of the most iconic names in fashion. His luxurious and versatile designs evolved over decades inspiring awe and showcasing the beauty of the women who wore them. Known for his superb evening and bridal gowns, de la Renta is a fashion staple for a classic, sophisticated look. Done in a sumptuous navy blue satin, this fall 1992 skirt suit...
Oscar de La Renta Paisley Print Palazzo Jumpsuit, 1970s
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Dominican born designer Oscar de la Renta is a legend in the realm of fashion. Launching his own brand in 1965 after working for iconic designers such as Balenciaga, de la Renta quic...
Salmon pink silk quilted skirt-suit Oscar de la RENTA for Saks Fifth Avenue
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Salmon pink silk quilted skirt-suit. No lining inside the jacket but the back of the silk is in cotton and there is a piping around the arm-hole. Zip closure on the middle front and ...
Oscar De La Renta Couture Embellished Black Wool Skirt Suit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Oscar De La Renta Couture design is available for viewing at our Beverly Hills Boutique. We offer a large selection of evening gowns and luxury garments. This skirt suit is composed of a black wool which features velvet accents with black beading. The jacket features center front closures and the skirt features a zipper closure with hook and eye. In excellent condition. This is a piece from the personal property of Candy Spelling...
New Oscar de la Renta Runway F/W 2014 Lace Red Black Belted Skirt Suit US 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Oscar De La Renta Lace Belted Skirt Suit F/W 2014 - Last Oscar De La Renta Collection Created Maestro by Himself !!! US size - 6 Amaz...
Oscar de la Renta 2009 Collection Silk Brick Red Embellished Coat + Dress US 6 4
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montgomery, TX
Oscar de la Renta Silk Brick Red Embellished Coat with Matching Dress 2009 Collection Dress USA size - 6 , Coat - size 4 ( the measurements is match for the set ). Silk Ribbons Over ...
1960s Oscar de La Renta Gold & Black Brocade Cocktail Suit w/ Sequin Bodice
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Gresham, OR
A wonderful 1960s Oscar de La Renta gold and black chevron patterned brocade cocktail suit with zippered front jacket and sequin-bodice mini dress. Jacket has small breast pockets th...
Oscar de la Renta Top and Skirt Set
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This elegant Oscar de la Renta set is from their 2009 Resort Collection. Crafted from a blend of cotton and silk with 100% silk lining, this set includes a top featuring cap sleeves,...
Oscar De La Renta Pink Floral Embroidered Skirt and Cardigan Set Size Large
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an Oscar De La Renta design. This set features a beautiful supple pink cardigan and embroidered skirt. The skirt is composed of a silk/wool blend and is embroidered with a fl...
2001 Balmain Haute Couture Runway Coat and Dress Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta, Balmain
Located in London, GB
This beautifully crafted coat and dress suit walked the runway as part of Balmain’s Spring 2001 haute couture collection (look 10). Designed by the creative director at the time, Osc...
2001 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture by Oscar de la Renta Pleated Runway Skirt Suit
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, Oscar De La Renta
Located in Kingston, NY
This is Look 15 from Oscar de la Renta's Spring/Summer 2001 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture runway — the actual black wool skirt suit. Rendered in fine black wool and fully lined in sil...
Amazing Vintage Oscar de la Renta Bright Color Silk Blouse and Shorts Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA brightly colored ethnic print silk top and shorts! Features neon colors in hot pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange throughout. Blouse can either b...
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2014 Black Wool Knit Twinset Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This elegant Oscar de la Renta Resort 2014 knit twinset ensemble exemplifies the designer’s enduring mastery of refined feminine luxury and couture-inspired sportswear. Crafted in It...
Early 1990s Oscar de la Renta Navy Wool Suit
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Oscar de la Renta navy wool skirt suit from the early 1990s. The jacket is unlined with thin shoulder pads to keep the shape. The jacket fastens with a single loop button and is secu...
Oscar de la Renta Olive-Green Silk & Linen 3-Piece "Bow" Trouser Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta wonderfully detailed olive-green three-piece blend of silk and linen consists of a jacket with hidden buttons, slim-cut trousers and a "Bow" belt which is...
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2015 Runway Tweed Jacket and Dress Ensemble, Look 19
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
A rare and highly collectible runway ensemble from Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection, Look 19. This two-piece set exemplifies the designer’s enduring legacy o...
Mid 2000s Oscar de la Renta Navy and Red Abstract Houndstooth Dress Ensemble
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorgeous Oscar de la Renta navy and red abstract houndstooth printed dress and coat from the mid 2000s. The long coat is trimmed in matching fringe along the lapel, pockets, cuffs an...