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 Gilded Gold Hardware with Pour Glass Necklace & Bracelet
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Oscar de la Renta magnificent adjustable necklace with matching cuff bracelet is wonderfully detailed with polished gilded gold vermeil hardware set with multi-size pour glass...
Rare Signed Oscar de la Renta Huge Horn with Tortoise and Brass Accent Cuff
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
This rare, important and wonderfully detailed and signed Oscar de la Renta horn cuff is accented with detailed tortoise stones surrounded with swirls of brass. The total hei...
Tri-Color Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet 14 Kt White Yellow Rose Gold 2.00 Tcw
Located in San Diego, CA
Tri-Color Round Diamonds Bangle Bracelet Style: Tri-Color Bangle Bracelet Metal: 14kt White Yellow Rose Gold Size: Small Width: 10 MM at widest point Measurements: 2.25 X 2 inches -...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Belt Motif Cuff Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb 18k yellow gold cuff bracelet is a stunning piece of jewelry that exemplifies the brand's signature craftsmanship and unique design. Fashioned as an anchor buckle, the...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Lava Textured Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone lava textured wide cuff bracelet. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner measurements approx. max. 6 cm x max. 4.8 cm (2....
Gilt Metal
Diamonds and 18 Kt Yellow Gold X O Bangle Bracelet
Located in Cattolica, IT
A very sophisticated bangle bracelet made in 18 Kt yellow gold. The wire of which it is composed has a 2mm diameter that makes it strong and extremely safe to wear. The X O design is...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Chanel Monochrome CC Logo Cuff 2002 Collection
By Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Chanel Monochrome Logo Cuff. Featuring an arc style design embellished with the iconic CC logo from end to end. Since 1910 when Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel opened her first boutique,...
Vintage FREDERIC VOLLE PARIS Ethnic Gold Tone Chunky Cuff Bracelet
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage FREDERIC VOLLE PARIS Ethnic Gold Tone Chunky Cuff Bracelet Features: - 100% Authentic FREDERIC VOLLE PARIS. - Ethnic style textured cuff bracelet. - Gold tone hardware. - Si...
Ungaro enameled bracelet
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
UNGARO - (Made in France) Colorful enameled golden metal bracelet. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circumference: 16 cm - Width: 3 cm SKU:BRA59
Gilt Metal
1990's Yves Saint Laurent matte silver organically shaped cuff bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This vintage Saint Laurent bracelet features a bold, sculptural design with a fluid, hand-formed shape. Made in silver-tone metal, it wraps organically around the wrist with an uneve...
Ed Wiener Hinged Bangle Bracelet with Gemstones
By Ed Wiener
Located in Darnestown, MD
This multigem hinged bangle bracelet was made by Ed Wiener, one of the leaders of the mid-20th century Modernist jewelry movement. Wiener most often worked in silver. This heavy 18 k...
Amethyst, Citrine, Multi-gemstone, Green Beryl, 18k Gold
Goosens Paris Ornate Gemstone Hand Chain Cuff Bracelet With Ring
By Goossens Paris
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Goosens Paris Ornate Gemstone Hand Chain Cuff Bracelet with Ring is a stunning statement piece that exemplifies exquisite craftsmanship and artistic design. Crafted in a sophisti...
Kutchinsky Black Onyx and Diamond Gold Bracelet, 1960s
By Kutchinsky
Located in Roma, RM
An exceptional black onyx and diamond bracelet by Kutchinsky, dating to the 1960s, and exemplifying the refined elegance of British Mid...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold
THE SHOW MUST GO ON faceted glass & pyramid stud cuff bracelet
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and unusual custom made cuff from "The Show Must Go On' by David Mandel. Cuff can be worn by a man or a woman. Fits a large wrist (or can be wor...
Designer Signed Oscar De La Renta Statement Golden Link Cuff Bracelet
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Oscar de La Renta wide Golden hinged Swirl Ribbed Cable Link Mod design Cuff Bracelet; the sculptural design represents curling and coiled lengths of thick twisted rope. Hinged on on...
Gold Plate
Signed Oscar de La Renta Golden Blue Crystal Modern Architectural Cuff Bracelet
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Designer Signed Oscar de La Renta Modern Sculptural hinged Cuff Bracelet. Outstanding unique design. The top is set with a navy blue octagonal resin stone, the flat sides set with h...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Sold
H 1.89 in Dm 2.17 in
Oscar de la Renta Tropical Leaf Hinged Cuff Bracelet, Clear Crystals, in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite necklace by Oscar de la Renta! Features a golden tropical leaf accented with clear Swarovski crystals. Hinged cuff. Inned diameter at widest part: 5.5 cm Inner circumf...
Crystal
Oscar de la Renta Bamboo Leaf Faux Pearl Hinged Cuff Bracelet in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite hinged cuff bracelet by Oscar de la Renta. Features bamboo leaf motifs decorated with brilliant crystals and faux pearls. Hinged, with magnetic closure. Inner diameter ...
Crystal
Oscar de la Renta Soft Pink Resin & Green Enamel Gold Plated Flower Bracelet
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Blooming beauty! A charming bracelet from a rare Oscar de la Renta floral collection. The flower features soft pink resin petals on a painted green setting. The jet black crystals ad...
Crystal, Gold Plate