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 Scarab Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring, Statement Style
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta cocktail ring, featuring a polished gold scarab accented with a single faux pearl. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Polished Gold Calla Lily Cocktail Statement Ring
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A polished golden calla lily. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Get the matching pin! Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la ...
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Painted Calla Lily Cocktail Ring, Green and White Enamel, Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A white and green enamel calla lily in gold. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Get the matching bracelet, pin, and earrings...
Oscar de la Renta Botanical Scribble Flower Statement Ring in Gold, US Sizes 4-8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Inspired by Oscar de la Renta's runway prints, this bold cocktail ring is molded into a gunmetal botanical scribble, plated in 22K yellow gold. • M...
22k Gold, Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Botanical Scribble Flower Statement Ring in Silver, US Sz 4-8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Inspired by Oscar de la Renta's runway prints, this bold cocktail ring is molded into a gunmetal botanical scribble, in a modernist silver tone. • ...
Oscar de la Renta Cocktail Gold Netted Scarab Ring, Adjustable
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A bold gold ring by Oscar de la Renta featuring a large scarab motif. The scarab's back is composed of a mesh-pattern for a unique touch. Size: Adjustabl...
Sacchi Heart Ruby and Diamonds Gemstone Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Sacchi Gioielli
Located in Rome, IT
Lovely Heart Ruby and Diamonds Satin Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, from Sacchi’s Universe Collection, hand-crafted with lost-wax casting technique. Lost-wax casting, one of the oldest ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rachel Koen Round and Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring 14K White Gold 2.00ctw
Located in New York, NY
This special diamond cocktail ring embeds pure beauty of uniqueness and elegance. The combination of approximately 2.00 carat of round cut and baguette cut diamonds in G-H color and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14.5 Carat Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
A stunning 14.5 carat oval faceted vivid blue topaz is the star of the show in this unique and ornate sterling silver cocktail ring. This is the prototype piece made in silver for an...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Sterling Silver
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond White South Sea Pearl Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Diamond White South Sea Pearl Ring highlights the classic beauty of South Sea pearls made wearable for today's cont...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Large Faux South Sea Pearl and Crystal Sterling Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive three dimensional cocktail statement ring featuring 7 rows of bands filled with crystals mounted at different heights to create a fantastic design. In the center of the ba...
Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Flower Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Clear acrylic flower ring presenting a emerald stone in the center. U.S. size: 7.5
Emerald
Black Onyx Checkerboard White Onyx 10 Diamond Ring Retro 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Retro Ring of carved Black Onyx and White Onyx set with eight sparkling white Diamonds in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. I just love the dra...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turquoise and Black Acrylic Flower Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Black acrylic flower ring with a cabochon turquoise in the center. U.S. size: 10
Turquoise
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Blue-Green Tourmaline Cocktail Daisy Ring, 5.95ctw
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Blue-Green Tourmaline Daisy Cocktail Ring marries nature's beautiful blue-green hues with the timelessness of gold to create a wearable work of a...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring USA 1960/70s USA size 5.2
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Stuttgart, DE
An elegant and very rare Cocktail ring designed by Kennet Jay Lane in the 1970s. It's lucky to find a ring like this! A lot of brooches and chains were made during this period, but hardly any rings! It is beautifully worked with the large light purple colored cut big rhinestone in the center. The body of the ring is enameled, diamond-filled with small rhinestones. Inside not singed, but it is the same ring like the green ons with K.J.L.. the old Signatur, and gold plated. Measurement: inner scope 0,50 cm, USA size 5.3 light purple stone...
Citrine, Gold Plate
0.63Ct Sapphire and 0.77Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Snake Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.63 carat sapphire and 0.77 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold snake ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The ring has a substantial, multi-strand form, modelled in the shape of two intertwined snakes*. The serpents' heads are independently ornamented with a 0.63ct oval faceted cut sapphire and a 0.62ct Old European pear cut diamond. Each snake's head is further ornamented with two Dutch cut diamonds representing the eyes; this indicates the high quality of the piece. The multi strand shank form integrates into the design, forming both the head and tail of each snake. The interior of the shank is hallmarked with the gold guarantee mark (crown), the 18k gold mark (18), the Birmingham Assay Office hallmark (anchor) and the date letter for 1900 (a). This impressive ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card for the sapphire and supporting stones. NOTE: * Snakes were a universally popular expression of eternal love or a powerful symbol of wisdom. Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone. Condition This antique Victorian snake ring...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s 18k Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage turquoise and 0.25 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage turquoise ring...
Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar De La Renta Crystal & Brass Panther Ring
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add a touch of fierce elegance to your jewelry collection with the Oscar De La Renta Crystal & Brass Panther Ring. This striking statement piece showcases the iconic panther face motif, exquisitely crafted from a blend of brass and gold pewter. The mesmerizing crystal eyes gleam with an enchanting sparkle, while the intricate detailing of the panther’s chin adds a dimension of sophistication. This ring is perfect for making a bold fashion statement and can effortlessly be styled with other designer pieces, such as a pair of Oscar De La Renta statement earrings...
Oscar de la Renta Gold Coral Branch and Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring with Crystals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta golden cocktail ring featuring an orange-enamel coral branch and a centerpiece faux pearl, accented with clear Swarovski crystals. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags,...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Satin Four Petal Flower Cocktail Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A glowing satin gold four-petal flower. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made i...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Satin Four Petal Flower Cocktail Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A glowing satin gold four-petal flower. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made i...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Poppy Flower Cocktail Statement Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Poppy flower cocktail ring by Oscar de la Renta. Poppy silhouette with brushed golden finish. Gold-plated. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Mad...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Dangling Pearl Cocktail Ring Open Band Style Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta golden, open-style cocktail ring with dangling faux pearls set in flowers. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Osca...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Pavé Flower Cocktail Statement Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Champagne colored pave Swarovski crystals decorate this glowing golden flower ring. A touch of tasteful extravagance from Oscar de la Renta! 24K Go...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Wedge Cocktail Ring, Contemporary Statement Style
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta golden cocktail ring featuring an abstract statement motif. Big and bold! Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Coral Branch and Faux Pearl Cocktail Ring with Crystals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta golden cocktail ring featuring an orange-enamel coral branch and a centerpiece faux pearl, accented with clear Swarovski crystals. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags,...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Mimosa Flower Two Finger Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta polished gold, open-band, double cocktail ring decorated with shining mimosa flowers. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmark...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Statement Ring, with Hanging Swarovski Crystal
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta cocktail ring, featuring a stylized, antique Russian gold-plated band, with a single dangling Swarovski crystal. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Tags, Marks, Hallmarks:...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Satin Four Petal Flower Cocktail Ring, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic statement ring from Oscar de la Renta. A glowing satin gold four-petal flower. Adjustable sizes 5 to 8.5 Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made i...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold