The name Oscar de la Renta is synonymous with enduring originality in fashion, and his work deeply influenced other designers throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and gowns — which often feature ruffles, dazzling prints, vibrant colors and dramatic silhouettes — exude elegant sophistication and femininity, while his exquisite scarves and shoes rounded out his sought-after collections.
De la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. He was the youngest of seven children, the rest of whom were girls. At the age of 18, he left home for Madrid and studied painting at the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. A natural talent for illustration earned him an apprenticeship with the legendary Spanish fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga.
In 1961, de la Renta visited Paris, where he was hired as a couture assistant at Lanvin. Less than two years later, he moved to New York City. He designed a ready-to-wear collection for Elizabeth Arden and partnered with Jane Derby. He also began designing dresses for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. When Derby died in 1965, the label was named after de la Renta (he took full control in the 1970s). Shortly after, he married an editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Françoise de Langlade, whose own career in fashion began at Elsa Schiaparelli’s fashion house.
De la Renta served as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America from 1973–76, and again from 1986–88. In 1981, the tradition of de la Renta dressing First Ladies continued. He quickly became one of Nancy Reagan’s favorite designers (as well as her lifelong friend).
De la Renta expanded his clothing lines throughout the 1990s but kept true to his feminine, polished style. He also continued to design for the First Ladies of the United States, and his pieces were worn by both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. At Balmain, de la Renta was the first Dominican to design for a French couture house.
Over the course of his career, de la Renta earned the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Coty Award and the Fragrance Foundation’s Perennial Success Award. He passed away in 2014.
In 2015, the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Fashion + Film showcased more than 80 of de la Renta's gowns at its inaugural exhibit.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Oscar de la Renta suits, blouses, accessories and handbags.
CHANEL 07P Black Stretch Knit Crochet Classic Sleeveless Tank Shift Dress 38
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the CHANEL spring 2007 collection. Variation in knit design add beautiful texture and elegant details to this classic...
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10
Miu Miu by Miuccia Prada green wool fleece slip dress with crystals, ss 1998
By Miu Miu, Prada
Located in London, GB
▪ Miu Miu wool fleece slip dress ▪ Designed by Miuccia Prada ▪ Allover flat-back crystals ▪ Lace-up ties to the front opening ▪ Loose fit ▪ Fully line...
Size: IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Gucci by Tom Ford bottle green pintuck leather shift dress, fw 1999
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in London, GB
▪ Gucci bottle green leather shift dress ▪ Designed by Tom Ford ▪ Pintuck detail ▪ Three-quarter circular flounce sleeves ▪ Black leather rosette on sle...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Collector Asymmetric Leather Bondage Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Galliano's 2000 collection for the House of Dior eighteenth-century inspired asymmetrically cut dress fashioned of black soft lambskin leather. Dress features a gathered pulle...
1980S THIERRY MUGLER Black Rayon Blend Crepe Asymmetrically Draped Cocktail Dre
By Thierry Mugler
Located in New York, NY
Tagged a European 36 1980S THIERRY MUGLER Black Rayon Blend Crepe Asymmetrically Draped Cocktail Dress With Sheer Lace Back & Sleeves
Rodarte Homage to 1960's Tie-Dye Maxi Dress Neoprene Collar
By Rodarte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rodarte tie-dye motif creates an unusual and exotic look that was part of Rodarte's F/W 2013 collection. The Rodarte brand is now part of major museum collections such as the Costum...
Adriana Papèlle Beaded Evening Dress
By Adrianna Papell
Located in Milano, IT
Shimmering evening dress designed by Adrianna Papell in the 1990s, made in Italy. ORIGINAL LABEL. The dress is an evening gown and is ankle-length. It has straps and a very high and composed neckline, which leaves a rhombus of skin on the bare breast, which gives a touch of elegance creating a see-through effect. The dress falls softly, but tightens at the waist, so as to highlight the sensual points of the female body. The dress has a side slit to envy, which brings out the sensuality of the leg. The focal point is its very bright black beaded weave...
H 60 in W 19 in D 0.05 in
Moroccan Elegant Velvet Kaftan Blue and Silver Caftan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant Moroccan caftan deep midnight blue velvet embroidered with silver metallic threads, circa 1970s. This long maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished entirely by hand. ...
Gianni Versace 1997 Couture fall black leather gown
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Gianni Versace was an influential Italian fashion designer who founded the Versace brand. In the fall of 1997, he presented his couture collection in Paris, which was widely acclaimed for its opulent fabrics, bold prints, and intricate detailing. The collection featured several notable pieces, such as a black evening gown with a plunging neckline and a gold-encrusted jacket. However, just a few days later, on July 15th, 1997, Gianni was tragically murdered outside his Miami Beach home. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the world of fashion continue to be celebrated, and his legacy remains an inspiration too many. This collection is iconic as it’s the final collection before his passing. The collection very much showed a new direction for the house. Which was heading away from the bombshell curves and souped-up sex appeal that the house previously focussed on. But took more Inspirations to the new wave John Galliano and Mcqueen were leading. MET Gala: Salma Hayek y sus mejores momentos en la alfombra roja Vogue For the 1997 Met Gala Salma Hayek wore a very similar Gianni Versace look...
Etro Black Cocktail Dress with Dotted Tulle Sleeves and Satin Hem
By Etro
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Etro black cocktail dress with dotted tulle sleeves and satin bias ruffle hem. Flirty dress has princess seams and is pieced with wool and satin, it is fitted through the torso. Long...
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?
On the Met Gala red carpet, this vintage ensemble would bring the heat.
