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 Odham Heart Embroidered Silk Skirt with Beading 1980s
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk skirt trimmed in red sequin and embroidered hearts framed in an intricate beaded design. It has a 2" red sequin embroidered w...
Todd Oldham 1990's Black Sequin Knit Skirt - Size Small
By Todd Oldham
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This 1990's Vintage Todd Oldham skirt is made of a knitted material with sequins all over. The fabric stretches allowing it to fit several sizes. The piece is in very good vintage co...
Mini denim skirt with ruffles on the back Todd Oldham
By Todd Oldham
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Mini denim skirt with ruffles on the back . Branded button, buttonhole and zip closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side on the front with branded studs. SIZE L
Torso Creations Black 2-Piece Fishnet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Flamenco Gown & Top
By Torso Creations
Located in Gresham, OR
Torso Creations Black 2-Piece Fishnet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Flamenco Skirt & Top: Burlesque-inspired black fishnet cropped top is trimmed in fringe wit...
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XS
1970s Arnold Scaasi Vintage Metallic Gold Lamé Silk Dress/ Gown (Skirt + Top)
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage 1970s 2-piece evening dress ensemble by Arnold Scaasi in metallic gold printed silk lamé. This ensemble fits like a modern size XS. The top is fully lined with rear ...
Sybil Connolly Dublin Hand Woven Lightweight Black Wool Evening Skirt
By Sybil Connolly
Located in New Hope, PA
Sybil Connolly is a well known Couture Designer who worked in Ireland. Jackie Kennedy wore one of her designs for her official White House portrait. Connolly used native fabrics and...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Quilted Metallic Gold Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1980s metallic gold quilted pencil skirt by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Fully lined with side zip and hook closure and pockets. The marked size is 38, and the skirt fits ...
Junya Watanabe x Comme Des Garcons Fall 2019 Maxi Skirt
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe
Located in London, GB
Amazing Junya Watanabe x Comme Des Garcons maxi skirt from the Fall 2011 collection. Worn once. Made from polyester and rayon with floral and black satin quilted and layered panelle...
$995
Size: Small - Medium
Sexy Vintage Patrick Kelly 1980s 80s Black Wool Strapless Dress, Top, or Skirt
By Patrick Kelly
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage PATRICK KELLY black wool strapless dress, top, or skirt (see photos)! The possibilities with this amazing find are endless! Perfect belted, or alone. Fitted at the skirt...
$596
Size: Skirt; UK 6 / XS - Shoes; EU 37
Archival Dolce & Gabbana 2000s Vintage Tan Suede Mini Skirt & Stilettos Set EU37
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
A 2000's Dolce & Gabbana Tan suede mini skirt with matching lace up suede stilettos. Features; Mid to low rise fit / Wrap over design / Press stu...
$695
Size: FR 34 and 38, best fits 2/4
Louis Vuitton Black Bustier Tank and Skirt Set with Bow Detail at Shoulders
By Louis Vuitton
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Vuitton black shirt and skirt set. Tank features a bubble style hem and bows at each shoulder with pleat detailing at bust. Seam detail at back. Top fastens at back with hook a...
$345
Size: IT 42, best fits modern 4
Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Blue and Black Leopard Print Pencil Skirt
By Versace
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gianni Versace Couture vintage 1990s pencil skirt in blue and black leopard print. Side zip and hook and loop closure. 100% wool. Fully lined. Made in Italy. Size IT 42, usually...
Valentino Vintage Black Leather Skirt with Velvet Panel, Size 42
By Valentino
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more exclusive items, view our frontstore Valentino black leather skirt with a vertical velvet panel at 1 side and 2 side pockets. size is Italian 42 appears to be smaller,...
1970S Purple Silk Taffeta Evening Skirt In The Style Of YSL
Located in New York, NY
1970S Purple Silk Taffeta Evening Skirt In The Style Of YSL
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green taffeta top stitching panelled flared midi skirt IT36 XS
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton
Located in Hong Kong, NT
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN green taffeta top stitching panelled flared midi skirt IT36 XS Reference: AAWC/A00393 Brand: Alexander McQueen Designer: Sarah Burton Material: Polyester Color: Gre...
1990S TODD OLDHAM Beaded Silk Mondrian Geometric Plaid Mini Skirt
By Todd Oldham
Located in New York, NY
1990S TODD OLDHAM Beaded Silk Mondrian Geometric Plaid Mini Skirt
Todd Oldham Vintage Stain Glass Sequin Skirt
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible sequin skirt by Todd Oldham. It has an abstract geometric pattern each filled in with different colors and outlined in double rows of black beads. It is fully lined in...
Gorgeous Todd Oldham Elaborately Embroidered Artwork Skirt
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
This is absolutely stunning! A tan silk skirt completely embroidered in silk thread vibrantly colored, intricately detailed Renaissance figures, animals, birds, angels, flowers. fro...
TODD OLDHAM Skirt Remarkable Beaded Vintage S
By Todd Oldham
Located in Miami, FL
TODD OLDHAM silk skirt encrusted with intricate bead work of various designs. Stunning colours with the majority of the beads being bugle boy beads. The hip area is a woven textile. The hem line is turreted reminiscent of an English castle...
Todd Oldham
By Todd Oldham
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Todd Oldham "Holiday" Print hight waisted pencil skirt with patchwork photo design of 70s decorative cakes. Printed on silk rayon, fully lined in bright fuchsia satin.
Todd Oldham wool skirt with rhinestones
By Todd Oldham
Located in Austin, TX
Todd Oldham creme wool skirt with multi-colored rhinestones. 26" waist, 19" length. Condition: Excellent. Size 6