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.
TODD OLDHAM 1997 Vintage Runway Denim Backless Gown Maxi Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Todd Oldham Vintage Runway FW97 Made in the USA 100% cotton Dark blue jean denim Open low exposed back design Straps close with hook-and-eyes Invisible back zip Size M but possibly f...
$885Sale Price|31% Off
Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in New York, NY
Todd Oldham for the famed Fred Hayman of Beverly Hills, wonderfully detailed elegant yet whimsical evening double-chain rhinestone encrusted slightly flared black evening dres...
$676Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Todd Oldham Size Large Blue Jean Denim Sleeveless Vintage 90s Mini Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 90s TODD OLDHAM blue jean / denim sleeveless dress ! Buttons up the front, with pockets at each side of the waist. In great condition Made in USA Marked Size Large Meas...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Size: S
S/S 1999 John Galliano Stretch Knit Sheer Flare Black Sweater Dress Small
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This John Galliano dress from the Spring/Summer 1999 "Ballets Russes" collection is cut in a fitted silhouette in black open-knit that flares at the hem. It features thin knit straps...
PRADA, Silk Peacock Appliqué, Limited Ed. Runway Collection Dress, S/S 2005
By Prada
Located in Kingston, NY
100% Silk Taffeta Authentic Prada Spring 2005 Runway Collection y2k Peacock Applique Dress. Silk printed fabric with appliqué peacock. Tie back wit...
1970 Adolfo Sailor Stripe Navy & Cream Knit Maxi Dress W/ Button Front
By Adolfo
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Adolfo body-conscious rayon knit sailor striped navy and cream maxi dress with front button placket closure. Gives a modern Gaultier vibe. Size ...
1970 Emilio Pucci Silk Jersey Print Maxi Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Gresham, OR
A wonderful 1970s Emilio Pucci long-sleeved silk jersey print maxi dress in purple, blue, aqua and green. Banded cuffs, hem and squared neckline. Slip-on shift style design.
$1,295
Size: 10 (Vintage)
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960's Blue Signature Print V-neckline Long Sleeve Silk Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1960's Emilio Pucci signature print in shades of blue, gray, and cream silk jersey dress. Long sleeves. V-neckline. Yoked waist. Gathered skirt with center pleat detail. De...
Chanel Creations 1970's Bow Detail Wool Dress With Lion Head Buttons
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Rare Item - Chanel Creations 1970's Bow Detail Wool Dress With Lion Head Buttons Navy midi dress crafted from wool with white, oversized bow detail to the shoulder and gold 'Lion He...
Versace Silk Halter Dress with Embroidery
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous fine stretch silk halter dress from Versace with a colorful pink lily print on a turquoise background. The halter neck and bust area are compris...
Elegant Moroccan Caftan in Blue Metallic Floral Brocade
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant Moroccan caftan metallic blue floral brocade, This is an exceptional example of Moroccan fashion design. Handcrafted in Morocco and tailored for a relaxed fit with wide sleeves, it is made in the traditional form of a Moroccan caftan using metallic brocade fabric. It is trimmed in handcrafted “passementerie”. The neckline does up with ball shaped buttons and loops. The body of the garment is loose fitting and flares to the bottom. The sleeves are somewhat bell shaped with an open cuff that does up with metallic gold buttons. The fabric is a rich looking metallic thread blend brocade. This long maxi dress kaftan is embroidered and embellished entirely by hand with detailing around neckline, shoulders and cuffs. One of a kind evening Moroccan Middle Eastern gown. The kaftan features a traditional neckline, embellished sleeves. It is a slip on, the button does not open. In Morocco, fashion preserves its traditional style inherited from great civilizations that found their way to Northwest Africa, such as the ottomans and the moors. Moroccan fashion has been recognized for its style and has garnered a reputation, winning awards in international fashion shows throughout Europe. Marrakech Bohemian, Yves Saint Laurent style. Sizing: No size is indicated, but, being a loose fitting garment, this should fit a range of medium to large sizes, please rely on the following measurements for fit: Measured flat: Shoulders 16” across Sleeves 23.5” Bust 20” Waist 24” around Hips 26” around Length 58”. Condition: It is in very good condition with no wear, tear, stains or odors. this caftan looks like it saw little use and was well stored over the years. This is a beautiful example of Moroccan fashion design, only now becoming more appreciated and sure to increase in value! Women's long flare bell sleeves Islamic dress...
Versace Blue Leather Cutout Lace Embellished Gown IT40
By Versace
Located in Brossard, QC
Versace leather cut out floral details embellished with Swarovski crystal and sequins over tulle sky-blue gown. Tulle, crepe. Tonal bead and crystal embellishments, overlay, crosso...
Lilli Ann New 1940s Asymmetric Neckline Silk Dress
By Lilli Ann
Located in Water Mill, NY
A rare unworn 1940s dress in purple silk from Lilli Ann. It has an asymmetrical front neckline with a V in back, short sleeves and a straight skirt with a back kick pleat. The dres...
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Green Blue Op Art Signature Print Sheath Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Green Blue Op Art Signature Print Sheath Dress Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Emilio Pucci Style: Sheath Dress Color(s): Shades of green, blue, purple, white and bl...
Prada Fall 2008 Vintage Women's Black Wool Felt Corset Bust Dress
By Prada, Miuccia Prada
Located in London, GB
Utterly stunning vintage Prada dress from the Fall 2008 collection. In amazing unworn condition. Made from soft and thick black wool felt and the t...
Todd Oldham 90s "Rubik's Cube" Print Runway Dress Ensemble
By Todd Oldham
Located in New York, NY
Todd Oldham 90's runway ensemble. Rubik's cube print Dress and jacket set. Very good vintage condition FINAL SALE.
Todd Oldham Backless Runway Gown 1990s
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black full length dress from Todd Oldham. It has a square front neckline and is backless with the exception of ties at the waist. The skirt falls straight to the hem and ...
Rare Vintage Todd Oldham 1990s Bodycon Tapestry Print Strapless 90s Boho Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and super sexy vintage TODD OLDHAM 90s strapless tapestry print mini dress! Flattering body con fit that hugs the body, and flatters like no o...
Todd Oldham Colorful Midriff Top & Skirt
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fab 2 piece jersey set from designer Todd Oldham in a brightly colored check pattern. It consists of a midriff top with a cutout tie back and a functiona...