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...
Dolce & Gabbana burgundy knit skirt
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in New York, NY
Dolce & Gabbana burgundy wool cable-knit skirt with a high side slit on the left side measuring 17". The waistband height is 1 1/2", waist measures 28" - 31". 50% wool & 50% acrylic ...
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 ...
$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...
$8,865
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10
Alexander McQueen burgundy cashmere embellished 'Joan' skirt, fw 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen burgundy cashmere wool skirt ▪ Beaded with flowers of blood-red bugle beads ▪ Triangular panels to the waist ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Monogrammed lini...
Roberto Cavalli Black Suede Asymmetric Belted Mini Skirt circa Y2K
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Roberto Cavalli Black Suede Asymmetric Belted Mini Skirt is a bold and eye-catching piece that captures the essence of Y2K fashion with a touch of timeless sophistication. Crafted fr...
PRADA charcoal grey wool 1998 ASYMMETRIC BOX PLEAT Skirt 38 XS
By Prada
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Prada skirt is tailored in charcoal grey wool (100%), designed with a structured flared silhouette that falls above the knee. Asymmetric box pleats add sculptural...
Moschino Navy Blue Mini Skirt, Circa 1990s
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Moschino navy blue cotton pique mini skirt. straight silhouette. large scale dots in three shades of blue in appliquéd organza on the front and back of skirt. side zip closure. skirt...
2000s Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Purple Stripe Bustle Skirt
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
This playful 2000s midi skirt was made for Vivienne Westwood’s now-discontinued Anglomania line. Launched in 1998, Anglomania reworked recognisable cuts, prints and draped silhouette...
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique Skirt and Shawl
By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique
Located in Sharon, CT
A Givenchy silk purple abstract floral pattern shawl and long flowing skirt. Bergdorf Goodman On The Plaza New York. US size 8, shawl length 28", w...
$595
Size: Small - Small Medium
1980s Emanuelle Khanh Vintage High Wasited Periwinkle Blue Shorts Made in France
By Emanuelle Khanh, Emmanuelle Khanh
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 80s vintage EMANUELLE KHANH high waist periwinkle blue shorts! Flattering high waist, with pleated details, that could pass for a skirt. Pockets ...
Tom Ford Pleated Accents Purple Skirt
By Tom Ford
Located in New York, NY
Tom Ford purple skirt with pleated accents Zip Closure Size - XS / US0 / IT36 Fabric: Not listed, feels like synthetic blend Condition - perfect ........Additional information .......
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