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.
$145Sale Price|47% Off
Oscar de la Renta Large Cobalt Blue Factice Fragrance Display Bottle
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in University City, MO
Oscar de la Renta Large cobalt blue glass factice fragrance display bottle The large replica fragrance bottle is labeled Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui...
1970s Gucci Pewter Mini Sparrow Votive Holder Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a miniature votive holder/trinket bowl by Gucci in the 1970s. In the form of a small sparrow, this piece is made of heavy silver-toned metal a...
Peacok Feathers Fan in natural barnished pine wood
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Medium Peacok Feathers Fan in natural barnished pine wood Open 60cm X 30cm / 23,62in x 11,81in Ideal for cocktails and galas, for dancing and for breezing in hot weather. In stock...
Louis Vuitton Rare Snow Globe Suitcase Eiffel Tower Home Decor
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into a piece of Louis Vuitton history with this stunning Louis Vuitton Snow Globe, a luxurious tribute to the brand's rich legacy and craftsmanship. Crafted from clear glass and...
Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold Bottom covered with...
Hermes "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient... Mini Porcelain Ashtray Organizer
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermès Multicolor porcelain mini square organizer "Marqueterie de Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident" featuring a square shape, a under leather bottom with a Hermes signature. Circa 198...
Hermes Change Tray Zebra Pegasus Limoges Porcelain Rare Print
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes marvelous Zebra Pegasus Limoges porcelain change tray. Bougainvillier colourway features beautifully detailed feathered wings...
Hermes Bleus d'Ailleurs Demitasse (Espresso) Cup and Saucer Set of Four
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Bleus D'Ailleurs Demitasse Cup and Saucer featured in a set of four (4). Treat yourself to a quiet moment to experience "A story of “white and blue” made ...
$185
H 4 in W 3.5 in D 1.5 in
Panthere de Cartier Collectible Vintage Perfume Bottle in original Box Art Deco
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Panthere de Cartier Collectible Vintage Perfume Bottle in original Box Art Deco style. It is vintage from the 1980s. It is marked Cartier made...
$381Sale Price|39% Off
H 6 in W 2.25 in
ANTIQUE CHINESE Embroidered Silk GLASSES CASE 19th Century POUCH Qing Dinasty
Located in Rome, Rome
- Beautiful embroidered Chinese Eyeglasses case. - From the late 19th century (Qing/Ch'ing Dinasty) - Red Hand-dieyd Silk with lovely beaded embroidery on both sides - These charm...
Large Peacok Feathers Fan in natural barnished pine wood
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Large Peacok Feathers Fan in natural barnished pine wood Open 75cm X 45cm / 29,52in x 17,71in Ideal for cocktails and galas, for dancing and for breezing in hot weather. In stock ...
Antique Gilded Brisé Hand Fan Circa 1890s-1910s Pierced Wooden Ribs
Located in London, GB
Antique Gilded Brisé Fan Pierced Celluloid Hand Fan with Gold Painted Figures Late 19th / Early 20th Century An exquisite antique brisé-style fan featuring pierced wooden ribs deli...
$720Sale Price|50% Off
rare FENDI Karlito 2014 Large limited pink mink fox fur bag charm keyring
By Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare FENDI Karlito 2014 Large limited pink mink fox fur bag charm keyring Reference: ANWU/A00147 Brand: Fendi Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Model: Karlito Collection: Karlito 2014 - Runway Material: Fur, Leather Color: Multicolour Pattern: Solid Extra Details: Extremely rare and limited sold out Karlito bag charm from 2014 runway. Fox fur with leather bodice. Karl Lagerfeld with pulled back white hair with pink highlights. Black fur sunglasses...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA orange crystal faux pearl tassel drop clip on earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA orange crystal faux pearl tassel drop clip on earrings Reference: TGAS/C01477 Brand: Oscar De La Renta Material: Plastic Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Clip ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA silver beaded sequins tiered tassels drop stud earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA silver beaded sequins tiered tassels drop stud earrings Reference: TGAS/C01476 Brand: Oscar De La Renta Material: Plastic Color: Silver Pattern: Solid Closure: Pin ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA metallic green beaded petals tassels drop clip on earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA metallic green beaded petals tassels drop clip on earrings Reference: TGAS/C01478 Brand: Oscar De La Renta Material: Plastic Color: Green Pattern: Solid Closure: Cl...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA black fully beaded double hoop drop clip on earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Hong Kong, NT
OSCAR DE LA RENTA black fully beaded double hoop drop clip on earrings Reference: TGAS/C01474 Brand: Oscar De La Renta Material: Plastic Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Clip On ...