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 Gold Plated Black Resin Nugget Y-Drop Vintage Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta gold plated dark resin nugget statement necklace with dramatic Y-shaped pendant drop. Luxury designer jewelry. Bold statement piece. Made in USA. This striking Osc...
Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Oscar De La Renta Over Sized Buckle Necklace Statement
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Wallkill, NY
Make a statement with the Oscar De La Renta Faux Buckle Necklace This stunning hard to find necklace has a 5 inch drop with a heavy weight. It is signed with both the script signatur...
Oscar de la Renta Gold-Plated Crystal Charm Necklace with Pendant Drop
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A stunning Oscar de la Renta necklace which showcases a unique charm-style design with an eye-catching pendant drop. Lustrous gold-tone with alternating geometric elements and pavé-s...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Dark Metallic Bead and Black & Clear Crystal Tassel Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A chic bead necklace, featuring dark gray, metallic, reflective beads on a knotted string. The tassel features a rhodium plated metal motif, encrusted with clear crystals and hanging...
Crystal, Rhodium
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Cat Pendant Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, black rhodium plated sterling silver cat pendant and chain. Also available in 18 karat white go...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
Sterling silver Sun Face Squash Necklace Hopi Native American
By florence Lahaleon
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is a stunning example of our Native American craftsmanship. Handmade Sun face Squash set in Sterling Silver. Made up of Turquoise, coral and Mother of pearl Hallmarked on the b...
Coral, Onyx, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Natural Diamonds 0.19 carats 18KT White Gold Floral Cluster Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Indulge her in unparalleled sparkle and elegance with this exquisitely designed pendant necklace. Featuring a breathtaking arrangement of round-shaped diamonds, this pendant is exper...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Asprey London Ruby & Diamonds Necklace, Estate Sultan Oman Qaboos Bin Said
By Asprey London
Located in Antwerp, BE
Asprey London Ruby & Diamonds Necklace, Estate Sultan of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds, together approx. 9.75 ct. diamonds Baguette cut diamonds together a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Diamond Rose Gold Necklace Small Model
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Chaine Lariat Necklace. Featured in 18K Rose Gold and a diamond Kelly lock clasp in the small model. Set with 41 ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14ct Yellow Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Pendant with 18ct Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
Enhance your jewellery collection with this exquisite 14ct Yellow Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Pendant, beautifully paired with an 18ct Gold Chain. Featuring two stunning triangle-shaped...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata Yellow Diamond 55.00ct. Necklace in 18Karat Yellow Gold.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This collection is called a 'Symphony of Lights' because of the brightness that these yellow diamonds radiate whilst they are set in yellow gold. This is a playful necklace which ele...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Massive Chanel Renaissance Cross Brooch/Pendant
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Massive Chanel Renaissance Cross Brooch/Pendant by Maison Gripoix, Paris. Emerald and Ruby pate de verre is hand poured into Renaissance style settings in gilt bronze. A matching ...
Gilt Metal
Chanel Poured Glass Orchid Pendant
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Superb and amazing Chanel Poured Glass Orchid Pendant by Maison Gripoix, Paris. Handmade faux pearls with a large Rose poured glass orchid bloom with pend...
Bronze
Magnificent Diamond Drop Necklace
By Diamond Scene
Located in New York, NY
An incredible piece! Over 60 carats of diamonds set in a classic design, this necklace is an amazing piece to add to any collection. 63.29 carats of pear, marquise and round bril...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$583
W 0.4 in D 0.4 in L 29 in
A very very long chrome and carved Galalith lariatt/sautoir, Jakob Bengel, 1930s
By Jakob Bengel
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
An elegant and stylish Art Deco necklace designed and made by Jakob Bengel, with red and black carved Galalith terminals, two colours so characteristic of the Art Deco movement. The ...
Base Metal
Diamond Platinum Feather Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum feather design necklace features round brilliant and marquise diamond vanes emanating from a quill of carefully selected graduating baguettes brought wonderfull...
Diamond, Platinum
Oscar de la Renta gold heart pink crystal pearl chain choker necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Oscar de la Renta Gold heart linked necklace Pale pink crystals Faux pearls Chain and claw closure Oscar de la Renta engraved plaque Shortest length 14" Longest Length 17.5" In ex...
Crystal, Pearl, Gold
Signed Oscar De La Renta Vintage Faux Amethyst Designer Runway Necklace Estate
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Designer Chunky Signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Amethyst Purple Crystal Statement necklace; approx. 20.5" long and center drops approx. 4.5"; each large stone is appr...
Amethyst, Crystal
Signed Oscar De La Renta Runway Crystal Emerald Designer Runway Necklace Estate
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Chunky signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Green Emerald crystal Statement necklace; approx. 20.5" long and center drops approx. 4.5"; each large stone is approx. 2" x 1.5" in di...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Signed Oscar De La Renta Runway Faux Amethyst Designer Runway Necklace Estate
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Designer Chunky Signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Amethyst Purple Crystal Statement necklace; approx. 20.5" long and center drops approx. 4.5"; each large stone is approx. 2" x...
Amethyst, Crystal
Signed Oscar De La Renta Runway Crystal Emerald Designer Runway Necklace Estate
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Chunky signed Oscar de la Renta Faux Green Emerald crystal Statement necklace; approx. 20.5" long and center drops approx. 4.5"; each large stone is approx. 2" x 1.5" in di...
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Gold Scarab Pendant Chain Necklace, Long Rope 78 cm
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Necklace by Oscar de la Renta featuring a dangling scarab pendant on a long textured gold-plated link chain. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA Necklace length 76 cm / 30 in ...
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Teardrop White Glass Cabochon and Faux Pearl Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Necklace by Oscar de la Renta featuring prong-set white glass tear-drop cabochons, accented with dangling faux pearls. Set on antique 22K yellow gold plated necklace...
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Teardrop Turquoise Cabochon and Faux Pearl Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Necklace by Oscar de la Renta featuring prong-set turquoise tear-drop cabochons, accented with dangling faux pearls. Set on antique 22K yellow gold plated necklace...
Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Amber Crystal Bib Drop Necklace in Gold, Victorian Style
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite Oscar de la Renta necklace. Amber cabochons and clear crystals sit in decorative, Victorian-style motifs on this steep-drop bib necklace...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Oscar de la Renta Large Black Enamel Flower Statement Drop Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A striking modern abstract flower statement drop necklace by Oscar de la Renta. This necklace features dark gray gunmetal tone floral shapes painted in rich black enamel. The necklac...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Gold Metal Rhinestone Coral Pendant Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
OSCAR DE LA RENTA necklace features a coral and rhinestone pendent with gold accents on a thin, gold colored chain. Features a lobster claw closure with Oscar De La Renta pendent. In...
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Jeweled Gold European Vintage Byzantine Inspired Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning OSCAR DE LA RENTA historical European / Egyptian inspired statement necklace comes in gold tone engraved and rhinestone studded metal and features a long center piece w...