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...
Herbert Levine Red Stilettos
By Herbert Levine
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Herbert Levine Red Calf Stilettos decorated with a black "berry" and red ties. Retailed at Bonwit Teller, 1950's USA. 6.5AA, 2.75" widest across front. Very narrow.
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...
Valentino S/S 2004 Dusty rose ankle strap platform sandals
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Valentino Gravani - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring-Summer 2004 - Open toe - Leather floral sandals - Platform - Crossover straps & buckle closure at ankles - Made i...
Christian Dior Blush Satin and Black Lace High Heel Ankle Strap Shoes Size 7
By Christian Dior
Located in Philadelphia, PA
BEAUTIFUL Christian Dior satin and lace ankle strap heels in very good condition. Blush satin body with black lace trim upon heels and toes. Open...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Runway Black 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...
$559Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 39
BOTTEGA VENETA Caramel Tan Flower Print Leather Intrecciato Wedge Sandals 39
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Switzerland, CH
With a delicate flower print and a signature intrecciato wedge platform, Bottega Veneta's tan leather sandals are a stylish summer choice. Stunning Bottega Veneta floral print wedge...
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...
Christian Louboutin Chinese Dragon Heels
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your look with these amazing Louboutin heels! Circa 2000s, these heels are crafted from teal/rich red suede and gold metallic leather to form a Chinese dragon motif. Dragon f...
Gabriela Hearst Leather and Suede Sandal Size EU 42
By Gabriela Hearst
Located in Ardmore, PA
Gabriela Hearst Leather and Suede Sandal Size EU 42 Excellent Condition
Vintage 2000's Prada Brown Leather Straps Heels
By Prada
Located in London, GB
Vintage 2000's Prada brown leather straps heels. Crafted in dark brown croc-embossed leather, the pointed-toe silhouette is sharpened by a slender stiletto heel for a clean, elongate...
Vintage Chanel Interlocking CC Monogram Satin Slip On Mules Sandals 36.5
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Chanel Interlocking CC Heeled Mule Slides Color Khaki Brown Size 36.5EU Fabric upper Interlocking CC design Medium heel Button adornment with CC logo Signs of normal use, ove...
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...
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 ...