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.
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Dolce & Gabbana Runway Beige Dress 1998SS
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite Dolce & Gabbana beige dress is a true collector's item, gracing the brand's iconic 1998 spring/summer runway. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the dress f...
Bob Mackie Vintage Embellished White, Silver & Nude Sparkling Evening Gown Sz 6
By Bob Mackie
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Bob Mackie - An extraordinary evening gown crafted on an illusion mesh base and lavishly adorned with intricate white pearls and white and silver beadwork. The gown features an elega...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Safari Silk Tunic Dress 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Genève, CH
Discover an emblem of YSL’s daring elegance: a vintage silk tunic dress from the late 1980s, reimagined in a pale yellow hue. Breathable, fluid, and exquisitely draped, 100% silk lends this piece a luminous softness that elevates YSL’s iconic safari silhouette to new heights. The design features a structured yet relaxed tunic cut that gracefully transitions into an ultra-short mini length—perfect for both statement styling and ease of wear. While specific trim details are not visible, classic hallmarks include relaxed shoulders and a sleek slide-over-your-head fit, nodding to the pieces famously worn by models like Veruschka in YSL’s safari...
Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 1998–99 Beige Acetate-Viscose
By Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This Givenchy by Alexander McQueen couture gown from the Fall/Winter 1998–99 collection is a study in understated elegance. Rendered in a soft beige hue, the piece is crafted in Fran...
Valentino Embellished Sheer Evening Gown Size 46IT
By Valentino
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Valentino Nude with Blush Undertones Embellished Evening Gown Size 46IT
John Galliano Gazette Runway Dress, S/S 2006
By John Galliano
Located in Norwich, GB
John Galliano tulle and silk gown, from the Spring/Summer 2006 collection. As seen on the runway. Features sheer mesh draped over panels of Gazette printed silk ruffles. Rihanna wore...
Roberto Cavalli Watercolour Floral Dress, SS 2003
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Marlborough, GB
Roberto Cavalli watercolour floral print dress, Spring Summer 2003 Mid-length with a body-fitting stretch fabric, with silk sleeves which can be adjusted by ties, accented by charms ...
Carolina Herrera Light Blue Formal Evening Gown
By Carolina Herrera
Located in Ardmore, PA
Carolina Herrera Light Blue Formal Evening Gown Size US 10 **Fits Like a US 4 Gown to the floor Insert with Zipper Closure and second zipper closure on dress Excellent Condition
NWT Christian Dior by John Galliano Origami Dress Runway Fall 2006 Wedding Gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Baar, CH
New with tags, this never-before-worn archival piece has been carefully stored for the past 18 years, preserving its pristine condition. An absolutely stunning and rare masterpiece ...
Vera Wang Silk Organza Strapless Ruffled Wedding Gown
By Vera Wang
Located in Kingston, NY
Vera Wang silk organza strapless bridal gown featuring a sculpted corset bodice with architectural diagonal banding and interior waist stay. The fitted torso releases into a dramatic...
