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 Size 6 Multi Color Wool Blend Patchwork Tapered Casual Pants
By Todd Oldham
Located in San Francisco, CA
TODD OLDHAM casual pants in a multicolor wool blend fabric with leather and suede patches featuring a patchwork design, tapered leg, and back zipper closure.Good Vintage Condition. L...
Todd Oldham Silk Pants Wide Palazzo Leg Suzani Style Block Print Vintage 90s S
By Todd Oldham
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A rare and collectible piece from iconic American designer Todd Oldham, these vintage palazzo pants capture the bold spirit of 1990s fashion. ...
Amazing Patrick Mendes Tan Corduroy ' Peacock Feather ' Beaded Flare Leg Pants
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage late 90s / early Y2K Patrick Mendes (MADE IN FRANCE) flared leg trousers! Rich tan cotton corduroy, with intricate hand-beading at le...
$1,395Sale Price|40% Off
Size: Italian Size 40
New Tom Ford For Gucci 2004 Final Collection Silk Runway Pants IT 40 (S)
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Runway Silk Gucci Pants Brand New w/ Tags $2350 Worn by most of the models for the Spring/Summer 2004 Collection Tom Ford's "Farewell" Spring Collection for Gucci Blush Silk Pa...
Early 2000s Thierry Mugler Mossy Green Suede Fringe Eyelet Pant Vest Set
By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an olive green suede Thierry Mugler vest and pant set designed by Manfred Mugler. From the early 2000s, the pants and vest are accented with silver-tone grommets. The pant...
Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
Fabulous khaki cotton pants from Alexander McQueen. They have full straight legs with curved panels over the back hips with a fan of laces meeting and buttoning on the front sides at...
Vintage 1970's North Beach Leather Whipstitch Sailor Pants
By North Beach Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage 1970s handmade North Beach Leather deerskin pants in a sailor-pant style. Whipstitch construction, 8-button front. These are in good condition, especially for a pair of this...
$247Sale Price|25% Off
VERSACE 2020 Runway Gianni Signature Medusa Barocco gold flare pants IT42 M
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2020 Runway Gianni Signature Medusa Barocco gold flare pants IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C01162 Brand: Versace Designer: Donatella Versace Model: A85698 A233237 A7900 Collection: ...
Dolce&Gabbana F/W 2001 Lambskin Leather Bootcut Pants
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Dolce&Gabbana - Fall Winter 2001 - Brown Lambskin Leather Pants - Pure lambskin - Lining in suede - Slim bootcut fit - Button closure - Made in Italy - Used Condition: ...
$1,116Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT40
S/S 2001 Gucci by Tom Ford Gold Liquid Silk Blend Satin Wide-Leg Pants
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a luxurious pair of golden silk-blend pants designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 2001 collection. The silk and viscose blend and wide-leg construction give these...
$1,527Sale Price|35% Off
Size: Italian Size 38
New Tom Ford For Gucci 2004 Final Collection Silk Runway Pants IT 38 (S)
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Runway Silk Gucci Pants Brand New w/ Tags $2350 Worn by most of the models for the Spring/Summer 2004 Collection Tom Ford's "Farewell" Spring Collection for Gucci Blush Silk Pa...
GUCCI by Tom Ford SS 2004 Blush Silk Pants Joggers with Stripes 42
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning pants from Gucci by Tom Ford for his final 2004 summer collection. Stunning silk pants with stripes on sides Joggers Style Size 42 Made in Italy...
Vintage 1970's North Beach Leather Whipstitch Dragon Art Sailor Pants
By North Beach Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage 1970s handmade North Beach Leather deerskin pants in a sailor-pant style, flared bell bottom fit. Whipstitch construction, 8-button front. Dragon art...
Champagne & Multicolor Celine Painted Floral Pants Size FR 44
By Celine
Located in New York, NY
Champagne and multicolor painted floral pants by Celine. Dual hip pockets. Zip and button closures at front. 34" waist, 36" hips, 25" inseam, 35" length.
1991 F/W Todd Oldham tiger high waisted pant
By Todd Oldham
Located in Austin, TX
1991 F/W Todd Oldham felt tiger print high waisted pants Condition: Very good Size : M 26" Waist, 39" Hips, 30" inseam Listing is for pants only.
Todd Oldham Leopard Print Pants Encrusted with Sequins and Beading
By Todd Oldham
Located in New York, NY
Todd Oldham leopard print, fly front, silk, slim pant encrusted with gold sequins and black bugle beads.
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Size: Medium - Small Large
Todd Oldham 1990s Black and White Op - Art Cropped Flare Leg Pants / 90s Jeans
By Todd Oldham
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome pair of vintage TODD OLDHAM cropped slim fit flare legged low rise jeans! Optical illusion black and white print throughout (very 3-D). Super flattering print and fit! Zipper fly, with button at waistband. Pockets at each side of the waist, and two pockets on the rear. Belt loops on the waistband. Looks fantastic with the vintage ALAIA cropped top...
Vintage Told Oldham Leopard Skinny Jeans Trousers - Hard To Find!
By Todd Oldham
Located in San Diego, CA
Good vintage Todd Oldham pieces are hard to come by! These 1990s leopard jeans by Todd Oldham not only feature a chic print, but have a great fit, too! S...