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.
Oscar de la Renta Clear Crystal Fish Stone Brooch, Pin, in Goldtone
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Perfect your look with this gold-tone fish brooch set with sparkling Swarovski crystals. For the perfect marine aesthetic! Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Crystal
Oscar de la Renta Black Enamel Thorned Rose Stem Brooch in Dark Gray Gunmetal
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A large and bold brooch by Oscar de la Renta. Black enameled thorned rose stem with two coiled leaves. A runway piece perfect for any stylish outfit!
OSCAR DE LA RENTA vintage silver rhinestone designer runway brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed OSCAR DE LA RENTA • silver tone with glass stones • vintage designer runway brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs ...
Oscar de la Renta Dangling Pearl Vine Flower Pin Brooch in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish Oscar de la Renta pin brooch, featuring branches of flowing flowers, accented with dangling faux pearls. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Lane Mythological Fantasy Goat Pin, Brooch, Pendant in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A golden mythological horned animal pin to add some magical allure to your style! Can be worn as a pin brooch or a necklace pendant. By Oscar de la Renta. Gold plated mythological ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Pave Blue Cabochon Embellished Fish Brooch, Pin in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta's goldtone fish decorated with dark blue cabochon and crystals. Add a sophisticated touch to your outfit! Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Crystal
Oscar de la Renta Swarovski Crystal Leopard Brooch Pin, Silvertone
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
An embellished leopard pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta. This silvertone wildcat is decorated with black diamond Swarovski crystals. Hallmarks: Oscar de la...
Crystal
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Caramel Enamel Monkey Pin Brooch in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish brooch by Oscar de la Renta. Features a gold-plated monkey outline painted with opaque caramel-brown enamel. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate
Vintage OSCAR DE LA RENTA signed gold tone green glass designer clip on earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed OSCAR DE LA RENTA • gold tone with glass • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear ...
Oscar de la Renta Bird Pin, Textured Silver Tone, Clear Crystal Accents
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Adorn your ensemble with the enchanting Oscar de la Renta bird brooch, a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship! This exquisite piece features a textured silver-tone finish, giving ...
Crystal
Oscar de la Renta Abstract Modernist Ribbon Statement Brooch Pin in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
An abstract circular ribbon brooch/pin by Oscar de la Renta. Smooth gold finish. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Bold Gold Monstera Leaf Brooch, Pin
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta's gold-plated bold monstera leaf brooch. A perfect golden touch to any style! Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta White Enamel Grapevine Leaf in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A golden grape vine leaf painted with glossy white enamel. Gold plated. Pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Gold Calla Lily in Green and White Enamel, Pin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta. A white and green enamel calla lily in gold. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Oscar de la Renta Pink Resin & Green Enamel Flower Brooch with Black Crystals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Blooming beauty! A charming brooch from a rare Oscar de la Renta floral collection. The flowers feature soft pink resin petals and a painted green enamel stem. The jet black crystals...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Lane Black Enamel Grapevine Leaf in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A golden grape vine leaf painted with glossy black enamel. Gold plated. Pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Gold Plate
$3,500
W 1.46 in D 0.75 in L 1.39 in
Turquoise Textured Gold Leaf Floral Flower Circle Swirl Brooch Pendant
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Finely made Italian three dimensional 18k yellow gold brooch pendant featuring a prong set turquoise center section amongst swirling leaves. The back has a loop that flips up and al...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Chanel 1990s Vintage Blue/Orange Stone Brooch/Pendant w/ Faux Pearls
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel 1990s Vintage Blue/Orange Stone Brooch/Pendant w/ Faux Pearls. This piece can be worn as a brooch, or the back hook can be attached and used as a pendant on a necklace. Mad...
Tiffany & Co Love Kiss by Paloma Picasso 18K Gold Large X Brooch
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elevate your jewelry collection with the Tiffany & Co. Kiss by Paloma Picasso Large X Brooch Pin in 18K Yellow Gold, a captivating and iconic piece that captures the essence of love ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,000
W 1.5 in L 2 in
Antique Large Size Coral Cameo of the Goddess Diana in Profile Mounted in Yellow
Located in Wheaton, IL
Exquisite large size coral cameo of the Goddess Diana in Profile mounted in rope-twist design 14kt yellow gold frame with retractable bail so it can be worn as a pendant - all original fittings Antique Victorian piece - rendered with fine details elaborate carving excellent condition absolutely Stunning! measures approximately 2" X 1 1/2" Exquisite thick high relief carving...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,175
W 1.25 in L 1.5 in
Vintage Lion Pendant Large Head Diamond Eyes 18 Karat Yellow Gold Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Lion head pendant crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). Six single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.03 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS2...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rabbit Ruby Sapphires Yellow White Gold Brooch
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Great gift for a Rabbit lover with this adorable Brooch The hairs are made of yellow gold threads (18k) The eyelashes and mustaches in white gold The eyes are sapphires and the mu...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,900
W 1.43 in D 0.2 in L 1.68 in
Victorian Style Miniature Portrait Painting 18K Two Tone Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Tustin, CA
Lovely oval shaped pendant or brooch has a hand painted miniature painting of a beautiful young woman with 3 diamonds accenting her veil. Painting is protected with a white gold, bez...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Maison Gripoix for Chanel Large Multi Colored Crest Brooch, France
By Maison Gripoix for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Massive Multi Colored Byzantine Crest pendant brooch made by Maison Gripoix, France. Poured glass with rhinestone encrustations forming a large crest ...
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Enamel
Chanel CC Brooch with Stars, Resin, Italy, 21st Century, Good Cond.
By Chanel
Located in CACHAN, FR
Magnificent CC brooch with stars and glitter. Made of resin. Dimensions 5X4 cm. One leg of the C has been re-glued. It holds perfectly and the glue is only visible at the back.
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Sapphire and Ruby Pendant/Brooch set in Silver
Located in Dusit, 10
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Sapphire and Ruby Pendant/Brooch set in Silver Settings (chain not included) Width: 5.0 cm Length: 5.0 cm Total Weight: 25.46 grams *Please note t...
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver
1950's Line Vautrin Gilded Bronze Wearable Art Flower Pin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1950's Line Vautrin gilded bronze and enamel pin. An every day lapel sized pin designed by the renowned metal worker known for her wearable art. Fashioned in a floral shape, it featu...
Bronze
$27,720Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Zodiac Aquarius Brooch
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Circular-shaped, Aquarius zodiac brooch, accented by round-cut diamonds, mounted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, signed "Webb" for David Webb. 52mm in...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Oscar de la Renta Aquamarine Waves Hair Clip in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Add some sparkling charm to your wardrobe with this Oscar de la Renta hair clip / brooch. Two flowing, golden wave motifs, decorated with gleaming, aquamarine Swarovski crystals. Sur...
Crystal, Gold-filled
Oscar de la Renta Gold Polished Geranium Bouquet FloralPin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Crafted into a bouquet of gold-tone geranium flowers, this gleaming pin brooch will be an elegant finishing touch on any lapel. 22KT gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de l...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Large Pave Crystal Rose Statement Pin Brooch in Silver
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
You've always been a stunner, now get a brooch to match it! A big and bold Oscar de la Renta brooch pin in silver tone decorated with sparklin...
Crystal, Rhodium
Oscar de la Renta Polished Gold Calla Lily Pin Brooch, Modern
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta. A glowing calla lily in gold. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Sold
H 2.37 in W 1.58 in
Oscar de la Renta Lane Mythological Fantasy Goat Pin, Brooch, Pendant in Gold
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A golden mythological horned animal pin to add some magical allure to your style! Can be worn as a pin brooch or a necklace pendant. By Oscar de la Renta. Gold plated mythological ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Gold Calla Lily in Green and White Enamel, Pin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Flower chic pin brooch by Oscar de la Renta. A white and green enamel calla lily in gold. Gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Oscar de la Renta Gold Ram Pin Brooch, with Gold Shadow Swarovski Crystals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Oscar de la Renta brooch featuring a mystical ram creature based on designs from Elizabethan tapestries. Lend the mythical look to any ensemble wi...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Polished Geranium Bouquet FloralPin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Crafted into a bouquet of gold-tone geranium flowers, this gleaming pin brooch will be an elegant finishing touch on any lapel. 22KT gold plated. Tags, Marks, Hallmarks: Oscar de l...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Gold Painted Cayenne Orange Geranium Bouquet Pin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A magnificent bouquet of flowers! This Oscar de la Renta pin brooch features geranium flowers on a golden stem. 22KT gold plated. Hand-painted cayenne orange enamel. Tags, Marks, H...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Oscar de la Renta Oversized Black Enamel Rose Brooch Pin
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Best in black! You've always been a stunner, now get a brooch to match it! Large impressive Oscar de la Renta brooch pin in reflective black e...
Oscar de la Renta Oversized Black Enamel Rose Brooch Pin
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Best in black! You've always been a stunner, now get a brooch to match it! Large impressive Oscar de la Renta brooch pin in reflective black e...
Oscar de la Renta Silver Crystal Dove Bird Pin Brooch
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A sophisticated bird brooch by Oscar de la Renta, featuring a silver-tone dove accented with crystals. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA