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.
$1,220Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Kendall Jenner Laura Dern Booties Boots Sz 38 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 38 Embroidered Heels: 4"
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 38.5 / 8.5 Y2K Black Satin Crystal Evening Heels
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant and timeless, these Oscar de la Renta black satin evening heels embody the refined glamour of the brand’s late 2000s design era. Crafted in luxurious black satin, the silhoue...
$795Sale Price|37% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 38 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 38 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Leather Boots Sz 38 $1600
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1600 * Size 38 100% Soft Calf Leather Brown Circumference: 15" Calf Circumference: 13.75" Shaft: 18.5" Heels: 3.75"
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Gigi Hadid Leather Booties Boots Size 38.5 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1575 * Size 38.5 Cream Leather Zip Closure At Sides Heels: 4"
$1,346Sale Price|25% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Crystal Satin Runway Heel Pumps Size 37.5 $1795
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 $1795 * Size 37.5 * Swarovski Crystal Black Satin *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75" Impossible to Find New
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gold and Black Runway Coin Heel Pumps Size 38 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 * Retail $1575 * Size 38 * Gold Coin Chain Ankle Black Napa Leather *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75"
$1,220Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Plaid Booties Boots Size 37 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 37 Knit Plaid Heels: 4"
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Gigi Hadid Leather Booties Boots Size 37 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1575 * Size 37 Cream Leather Zip Closure At Sides Heels: 4"
$1,260Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gold and Black Runway Coin Heel Pumps Size 38.5 $1575
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 * Retail $1575 * Size 38.5 * Gold Coin Chain Ankle Black Napa Leather *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75"
$1,220Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Kendall Jenner Laura Dern Booties Boots Sz 38.5 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 38.5 Embroidered Heels: 4"
$795Sale Price|37% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 37.5 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 37.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
$1,346Sale Price|25% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Crystal Satin Runway Heel Pumps Size 39 $1795
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Box Fall 2019 $1795 * Size 39 * Swarovski Crystal Black Satin *Zips Up the Back * Leather Insole Heel 3.75" Impossible to Find New
$795Sale Price|37% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36 Embroidered "O" Slides Blue Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
$795Sale Price|37% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36.5 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
$795Sale Price|37% Off
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Sandals Flats Slides Sz 36 $1275
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1275 * Size 36 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
$1,220Sale Price|20% Off
New Oscar De La Renta Fall 2019 Kendall Jenner Plaid Booties Boots Size 39 $1525
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $1525 * Size 39 Knit Plaid Heels: 4"
Beige Oscar de la Renta Satin Embellished Peep-Toe d'Orsay Heels Size 39.5
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
Beige satin peep-toe d'Orsay heels by Oscar de la Renta. Rhinestone embellishments at tops. 4.5" heel height. Designer Size: 10.5 US Recommended Size: 39.5
Oscar De La Renta Black Linen High Heel Thong Strap - 38.5
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar De La Renta Black Linen High Heel Thong Strap - 38.5 These unique linen sandals are in excellent condition. The shoes have a thong strap that has a thicker band. The band is ...
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black & White Beaded Floral Design Slip On Flat Shoes D
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Black & White Beaded Floral Design Slip On Flat Shoes Dead Stock
F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Embroidered Chinoiserie Wedge 36
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of taupe floral Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche wedge heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, these heels debuted on the season's ...
Dolce & Gabbana New Men's 1990s Size US 8 / 8.5 EU 41.5 Espadrilles 90s Shoes
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new rare, never worn men's DOLCE AND GABBANA grey and ivory checkered espadrille lace-up shoes! Features an allover gray and white gingham / checker print, with ivory cotton la...
Marc Jacobs Beige leather cocktail open toe shoes with ribbon
By Marc Jacobs
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Marc Jacobs Beige leather cocktail open toe shoes Made In: Italy Color: Beige Material: Leather Marked Size: 40 Europe Heel Height: 8 cm/ 3,14 inches READY TO SHIP Orders welcome!...
Jimmy Choo Purple and Coral Lizard Woven Slide Heels - 39
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jimmy Choo Purple and Coral Lizard Woven Slides with Heels - 39. These slides are purple lizard-skin with single-woven strips. They are in excellent condition and show only minor wea...
Manolo Blahnik Size 41 / 11 Raspberry Pink Patent Leather Strappy High Heels
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful MANOLO BLAHNIK raspberry pink patent leather strappy high heels in hard to find Size 41 / US 11 ! Features three adjustable straps with si...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Ruched Silk 4.5" Heeled Boots Ad Campaign 38C
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pair of ruched silk high-heeled boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1999 collection. According to Ford, this collection was me...
Tom Ford for Gucci Black Size 38 / 8 + Gray Lace Silk Platform Heels
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare TOM FORD for GUCCI early 2000s black and gray lace shoes! Beautiful gray silk, with an overlay of black French lace. Stacked wooden heel makes for a very comftorable heel. Looks...
Christian Dior 2000s Neoprene Lucite Etoile Pumps
By Christian Dior
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
We know you're wishing for these Dior pumps! Circa recent 2000s, these pumps are crafted from black neoprene and feature "Dior" at the heel, a pointed toe and a 4" asymmetrical lucite wedge heel with silver...
Miu Miu Multi Colored Patterned Brocade Open Toe Slingback - 40.5 - SHW
By Miu Miu
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Miu Miu Multi Colored Patterned Brocade Open Toe Slingback - 40.5 - SHW. These fun shoes have a chunky heel and multiple colors such as blue, yellow, and coral done in a metallic bro...
DIOR Fusion Sneakers By Raf Simmons in Dark Blue Canvas Size 38.5FR
By Raf Simons for Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Flagship model of the year 2014, by Raf Simmons, pair of sneakers DIOR, Fusion model, in dark blue canvas without lace. Size 38.5. The sole is in blue rubber. Beads flowers are embroidered on the canvas. They are in very good condition and have been worn only once. These blue DIOR sneakers...
Vintage Thierry Mugler Size 7.5 Abstract Colorful Sequin High Heel Shoes Pumps
By Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare beautiful vintage early 1990s / 90s THIERRY MUGLER colorful abstract sequined high heels! Features abstract geometric prints in Kelly green, tur...
New 1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Size 38.5 / 8.5 Brown Suede 90s Knee High Boots
By Moschino
Located in San Diego, CA
Never worn vintage 1990s MOSCHINO CHEAP and CHIC chocolate brown suede leather knee high flat boots! Effortlessly chic, with a sleek toe, and an exposed gold zipper down the back. Su...
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Yellow & Beaded Floral Pattern Leather Slip On Shoes De
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in New York, NY
1990S OSCAR DE LA RENTA Yellow & Beaded Floral Pattern Leather Slip On Shoes Dead Stock
New Oscar De La Renta 2019 Gigi & Bella Hadid Sandals Flats Slides Sz 37.5 $675
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Conroe, TX
Oscar De La Renta Brand New with Dust Cover Fall 2019 $675 * Size 37.5 Embroidered "O" Slides Padded Insole Leather Sole Heels: 0.5"
Oscar de la Renta NEW Black Suede Jewel Knee Evening High Boots in Box
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
Oscar de la Renta New Black Suede Cut Out Knee Evening High Boots in Box Original price $3,495 Size IT 36 Suede Jewel embellishment Gold tone hardware Zipper back closure Made in It...
Oscar de la Renta NEW Sequin Bead Evening Sandals Heels in Box
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
Oscar de la Renta NEW & SOLD Out Sequin Bead Evening Sandals Heels in Box Size IT 36 Patent leather Mesh Sequin Bead detail Zipper closure Made ...
Oscar de la Renta NEW & SOLD OUT Pink Suede Evening Crystal Sandals Heels in Box
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
Oscar de la Renta NEW & SOLD OUT Pink Suede Crystal Sandals Heels in Box Size IT 36 Suede Crystal Ankle buckle closure Heel height 4.25” Includes original Oscar de la Renta box and...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 10 Black Silk Jewel & Feather Studded Platform Pumps
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
These gorgeous OSCAR DE LA RENTA pumps come in black silk twill with leather lining and feature a pointed toe with crystal, bead, stud, and feather adornment, covered stiletto heel, ...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 7.5 Black Silk Strappy Sandals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
These gorgeous OSCAR DE LA RENTA sandals come in black silk satin and feature a gladiator style strap construction with oversized faux pearl details and covered stiletto heels. Made ...
Oscar de la Renta Sequin Bead Evening Sandals Heels
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
Oscar de la Renta NEW & SOLD Out Sequin Bead Evening Sandals Heels in Box Size IT 37 Patent leather Mesh Sequin Bead detail Zipper closure Made in Italy Heel height 4" Includes orig...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 11 Burgundy Velvet Antiqued Crystal Slip On Flats
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA burgundy velvet, slip-on flats features a antiqued beaded/rhinestone applique. No signs of wear. Made in Italy. Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Retails at $795.00....
Oscar de la Renta NEW Red Suede Pumps Heels in Box
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Chicago, IL
CURATOR'S NOTES Oscar de la Renta NEW Red Suede Pumps Heels in Box Size IT 36.5 Suede Lucite heel Made in Italy Heel height 4" Includes o...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size 9 Olive Russian Embroidered Silk Slingback Pumps
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Lovely OSCAR DE LA RENTA pumps in olive green silk satin with a sling back, ;ow stiletto heel, and pointed toe with colorful Russian inspired embroidery and bead work. Made in Italy....
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Heels - Size 8.5 Champagne Silk Rhinestone Ankle Strap Sandals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning OSCAR DE LA RENTA evening sandals in champagne silver silk satin and feature a double toe strap with tulle covered crystal rhinestones, covere...