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
S/S 2003 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Pleated Stretch Silk Skirt IT40
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black silk skirt from Gucci, designed by Tom Ford, is part of the Spring/Summer 2003 collection. The skirt features pleated ruching around the hips, which creates a flattering s...
Early 2000s Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Silk Ruffle Button Skirt 36FR
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche skirt by Tom Ford from the early 2000s is cut in a slim, column silhouette. Crafted in black silk, it features controlled front ruching and a vert...
NWT S/S 1994 Gianni Versace Black White Polka Dot Pleated Wrap Skirt 38IT/4US
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pleated black and white polka dot Gianni Versace skirt designed by Gianni Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1994 collection, this intentionally wrinkled skirt is covered in small and large polka dots and is complete with silver-tone Versace Medusa button...
F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Couture 'Miss S&M' Runway Bondage Buckle Wool Skirt IT40
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a lace-up buckle accented skirt designed by Gianni Versace for his infamous Fall/Winter 1992 collection. This skirt debuted on the 'Miss S&M' runway as part of looks 1...
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 ...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Quilted Metallic Gold Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
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 ...
$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...
F/W 2002 Gucci by Tom Ford Navy Silk Buckle Skirt IT42
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous floral print Gucci skirt designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, this rock-chic silk skirt features a silt at the back and a built-in fasten...
F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Buckle Wool Slit Maxi Skirt 42IT
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gucci maxi skirt, designed by Tom Ford for the Fall/Winter 1998 collection, appeared across multiple looks on the season’s runway and in the ad campaign modeled by Bridget Hall...
CHANEL Sparkling Blue Denim Jeans Tuxedo Style Skirt 34
By Chanel
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful denim skirt by CHANEL A true CHANEL signature item that will last you for many years Soft denim fabric with sparkling woven-in details Tuxedo-style stripe detail on sides C...
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
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 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