Todd Oldham may wear many hats today as a creative, but he first made his mark on the world as the maximalist American fashion designer of the 1990s, during which he would become known for wildly playful runway shows and vibrant, adventurous evening dresses, skirts, jackets and other clothing.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Oldham learned to sew at age nine. His first job after graduating high school was at Polo Ralph Lauren, where he worked in alterations. Then, after being fired — the teen’s punky personal style didn’t mesh well with the brand — he borrowed $100 from his parents, created a micro collection of his own and promptly sold it to Neiman Marcus before launching his own company with the department store’s lead buyer, Tony Longoria, who would become both his business and life partner. It was the meteoric start of a whirlwind career.
In 1990, the New York Times praised Oldham’s work (and that of his contemporary Christian Francis Roth) as “offbeat styles that bring wit and whimsy to the business of fashion.” Where major houses like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors went minimalist with their collections, Oldham went bold.
His style took on global inspiration. His family spent a few years during his childhood living in Iran, which introduced him to patterns, colors and materials not commonly used in America. So, for many of his collections, Oldham used over-the-top embellishments, rainbow hues, luxe materials and funky sewing techniques to create irreverent pieces that jibed with the zeitgeist of the ’90s. He even earned a gig on MTV, hosting a segment on the show House of Style that taught viewers how to make DIY clothing and accessories.
Then, in 1999, Oldman had had enough. He felt that it was time to explore other interests, so he closed up shop. Over the years, Oldham has designed furniture and created interiors and published books on influential shelter magazine Nest as well as modernist illustrator Charley Harper. But that’s not to say he doesn’t remember his fashion years fondly. Oldham and his studio collaborated with the Rhode Island School of Design on a retrospective of his fashion work in 2016 titled “All of Everything: Todd Oldham Fashion,” which toured the United States.
Find vintage Todd Oldham clothing on 1stDibs.
Todd Oldham 1992 Vintage Women's Brown Corduroy Slip-On Sneakers, US 8
By Todd Oldham
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Super Rare Retro Style! 1990s brown corduroy slip on sneakers gum sole platforms with chunky heel dead-stock, never worn and perfectly cute Circa: 1992 Todd Oldman for Keds Brown/B...
Leather Mughal Moorish Shoes with Gold Embroidered
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite Pair of Hand-Embroidered Late 20th Century Indian Leather Slippers in the Mughal Style A magnificent pair of hand-stitched and hand-tooled leather slippers, lavishly adorne...
$895
Size: * Size: 41 U.S. 10
New Tom Ford Yves Saint Laurent Resort Platform Espadrille Heels Sz 41 U.S 10
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Canvas Wedges * Beautiful Beige Canvas * Dark Burnt Orange Leather * Size: 41 U.S. 10 * Gold Grommet Hardware...
Gucci Christy 110 Wedge Mules Size IT 38
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Gucci’s Christy 110 wedge mules are introduced for Spring Summer 2025, crafted in Italy from smooth green leather refined through a meticulous multi-phase finishing process. Each pai...
Brand New Gucci Christy 110 Wedge Mules Size IT 39
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Gucci’s Christy 110 wedge mules are introduced for Spring Summer 2025, crafted in Italy from smooth green leather refined through a meticulous multi-phase finishing process. Each pai...
Louis Vuitton Sneakers Trainers Snow Tricolor Azzurro
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Sneakers firmate Louis Vuitton, modello LV Trainer Snow, realizzate in una combinazione di materiali pregiati nei toni del bianco, azzurro e bordeaux, in una versione tricolor dal ca...
Christian Louboutin - EU 37.5
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Amman, JO
Make a bold statement with these Christian Louboutin suede pumps in an eye-catching lime green. Crafted in Italy from supple suede leather, these classic pointed-toe heels showcase L...
$1,450
Size: Marked Size: 38.5 Fits Sise 38 (
New Rare Yves Saint Laurent New YSL Eva Lips Heels Sz 38.5 U.S. 8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Marked Size: 38.5 Fits Sise 38 (U.S. 8) * Stunning Olive & Cream Lips! * Leather Insole * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Gold Hardware * 4.5" Heel * .5" Lip * With YSL Box...
2000S PRADA Pink Leather Ballet Style Shoes Dead Stock
By Prada
Located in New York, NY
2000S PRADA Pink Leather Ballet Style Shoes Dead Stock
Prada F/W 2001 runway Python boots
By Prada
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Prada Fall Winter 2011 collection the “Killer Trompe l’oeil” Python boots that played on illusion and desire. Part Mary Jane, part knee-high. Size 37. They embodied Miuccia’s fa...
Brand New Gucci Christy 110 Wedge Mules Size IT 40
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
Gucci’s Christy 110 wedge mules are introduced for Spring Summer 2025, crafted in Italy from smooth green leather refined through a meticulous multi-phase finishing process. Each pai...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Runway Red Velvet Lace Up Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 runway red velvet lace up heels. Crafted in rich deep-red velvet, the design features sculptural cut-out panels across the foot, interlaced with s...
Gucci Ottavia GG Platform Pumps 145mm IT40
By Gucci
Located in Brossard, QC
These Ottavia platform pumps reinterpret Gucci’s heritage codes through a bold, sculptural silhouette. Crafted in Italy from brown leather, the loafer-inspired design features the ho...
VINTAGE TODD OLDHAM OVER-THE-TOP HEAVILY BEADED BOOTS
By Todd Oldham
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artist/fashion designer Todd Oldham vintage black suede boots heavily adorned with multi-color beads throughout. Lined in very soft leather.
4" heel and clean soles. Circa ...
Todd Oldham
By Todd Oldham
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stiletto boots with fringe multi color bead detailing. c. 1980's