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 1993 Vintage Silk Palazzo Pants Ochre Rust Suzani Print 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. ...
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...
PRINGLE Size 32 Taupe Corduroy Cotton Pleated Casual Pants
By Pringle
Located in San Francisco, CA
PRINGLE of SCOTLAND casual pants in a taupe cotton corduroy featuring a pleated style, tapered leg, and adjustable leather side tabs.Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate signs of wear,...
Versace Green and Gold Baroque Printed Pants
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
If it ain't Baroque don't fix it! Rock some print with out 1990s Versace Baroque printed pants! Bright green, cream and gold swirling print on woven cotton pants. Mid rise fit with a...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Runway Yellow Black Crocodile Print Leggings Tights
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of yellow crocodile print Gianni Versace tights, designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, these legging pan...
$1,295
Size: FR 34 (fits 36 as well)
2016 CELINE PHOEBE PHILO silk & wool plaid runway pants with leather wrap waist
By Phoebe Philo, Celine
Located in San Fransisco, CA
These Celine pants from the Spring 2016 runway were designed by Phoebe Philo. They are made from a light to medium weight silk and wool blend in a large brown and beige plaid, with a...
Alexander McQueen Leather Fringe Pants, circa 2000s
By Alexander McQueen
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A striking pair of vintage Alexander McQueen leather trousers, crafted in supple tan leather and defined by intricate Western-inspired ...
1980S RALPH LAUREN POLO Men's Safari Jodhpur Pants
By Ralph Lauren
Located in New York, NY
1980S RALPH LAUREN POLO Men's Safari Jodhpur Pants
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 1999 Trompe L’Oeil Layered Print Pants Worn by Julia Fox
By Gaultier Jeans, Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare vintage Jean Paul Gaultier “Gaultier Jeans” trompe l’oeil cotton pants from the iconic Fall/Winter 1999 collection. Constructed in Italy from 100% cotton, this highly collectibl...
Christian Dior x Galliano 2006 Tooled Leather Trousers
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Rarest Christian Dior x Galliano leather trousers from the Spring 2006 collection. In amazing unworn with tag/spare button condition. Made from Western inspired, fully tooled brown leather with embroidered back pockets and vintaged metal button...
Versace Jeans Couture Floral & Animal Print Pants
By Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Bring a little 90's flair into your wardrobe! These cool jeans are a vintage gem that layers prints of tiger and bold red flowers. Features a straight leg, mid-rise, and a full-length. Pair these jeans with a black bodysuit and some red Louis Vuitton heels...
Golden Goose Pants with Swarovski Crystal Embellishment - US 28 / EU 42
By Golden Goose
Located in Amman, JO
Golden Goose Loose-Fit Pants with Swarovski Crystal Embellishment These statement Golden Goose loose-fit pants are elevated with delicate Swarovski crystal embellishments, creating ...
Gianni Versace 1993 Sun Baroque Print Jeans
By Gianni Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful Baroque!! Feel as bright as the sun in these stunning 1993 baroque sun print jeans from Gianni Versace Couture! These jeans feature stunning colors of red, blue, green and ...
$162
Size: Size; 29” inch waist
90s Vintage Franco Moschino Colourful abstract pattern High waisted Pants Jeans
By Moschino, Franco Moschino
Located in Sheffield, GB
Unique 1990's Colourful and Vibrantly patterned Moschino pants, Classic 4 pocket design, Belt loops & Button down zip side fasten. Size; 29” waist Measurements are provided in inch...
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.
Sold
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...