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.
$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...
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Todd Oldham 1993 Vintage Women's Rayon Beaded Gown with High Slit
By Todd Oldham
Located in Miami, FL
From the 1993 SS Runway collection is this INSANE black 90s fitted gown with detailed heavily beaded collar and sleeves. The beading and embroidery on one sleeve is done in swirle...
$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...
Todd Odham Heart Embroidered Silk Skirt with Beading 1980s
By Todd Oldham
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk skirt trimmed in red sequin and embroidered hearts framed in an intricate beaded design. It has a 2" red sequin embroidered w...
Todd Oldham Red Metal Chain Link Dress 1995
By Todd Oldham
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a stunning vintage Todd Oldham red metal chain link dress featuring wide straps, slinky body, and above the k...
Emilio Pucci Pink Silk Shell Seashell Print Belted Sleeveless Sun Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in San Francisco, CA
Emilio Pucci textured silk pink dress with black and white shell print. Small yellow outlines on a few of the shells, and a few scattered 'Emilio' signatures throughout. Fitted botto...
Rare Roberto Cavalli Archive Leopard Silk Corset Evening Gown, Rachel Bilson
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CACHAN, FR
A rare and highly collectible Roberto Cavalli archive evening gown from the house’s celebrated 40th Anniversary era. Expertly crafted in Italy, this spectacular full-length gown sho...
Bonwit Teller 1970s Batik Print Belted Cotton 70s Vintage Brown Safari Dress
By Bonwit Teller
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1970s BONWIT TELLER batik printed cotton shirt dress! Features warm tones of brown, terra-cotta, tan and ivory. Buttons up the entire front, and at each sleeve cuff. De...
Bustier Printed ballon cocktail dress VERSACE JEANS COUTURE
By Versace Jeans Couture
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Bustier Printed ballon cocktail dress. Fabric composition 1 ( bustier) : 89% polyester, 11% elastane. Fabric composition fabric 2 (skirt) 100% polyester ( a bit thicker than the bus...
Dolce & Gabbana burgundy knit skirt
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in New York, NY
Dolce & Gabbana burgundy wool cable-knit skirt with a high side slit on the left side measuring 17". The waistband height is 1 1/2", waist measures 28" - 31". 50% wool & 50% acrylic ...
Torso Creations Black 2-Piece Fishnet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Flamenco Gown & Top
By Torso Creations
Located in Gresham, OR
Torso Creations Black 2-Piece Fishnet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Flamenco Skirt & Top: Burlesque-inspired black fishnet cropped top is trimmed in fringe wit...
Robert Rodriguez Silk Dress with Large Flower
By Robert Rodriguez
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous mint green silk dress by Robert Rodriguez. It has spaghetti straps and lots of diagonal seaming leading to a large petal flower compri...
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Size: XS
1970s Arnold Scaasi Vintage Metallic Gold Lamé Silk Dress/ Gown (Skirt + Top)
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage 1970s 2-piece evening dress ensemble by Arnold Scaasi in metallic gold printed silk lamé. This ensemble fits like a modern size XS. The top is fully lined with rear ...
Vicky Tiel Ruched Strapless Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous stretch silk net dress from Vicky Tiel Couture in a beautiful shade of green. It has a boned strapless corset style bodice wrapped flatteringly with ruching crisscrossing ...
UNWORN Beautiful Emilio Pucci Signature Print Silk Jersey Bow Tie Dress 44
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful Emilio Pucci dress Made of softest silk jersey Signature print in beautiful blue and beige colors "Emilio" signature discreetly written all over Simply slips on Bow tie det...
1950's Original by Rudolf Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress
By Original by Rudolf
Located in Sharon, CT
1950's BallRoom Dress. Designer Max Cory Rudolf NYC Boutique. Tulle Slip attached to skirt. Bow in front below waist. Zipper in back. Appx USA 6
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...
TODD OLDHAM Vintage black gold eye brooch crystal fringe single strap dress S
By Todd Oldham
Located in Hong Kong, NT
TODD OLDHAM Vintage black gold eye brooch crystal fringe single strap dress S Reference: WECN/A00061 Brand: Todd Oldham Material: Rayon, Silk Color: Black, Gold Pattern: Solid Closur...
1990s Todd Oldham Beaded Halter Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in Austin, TX
1990s Todd Oldham Beaded Silk Gown. Tie at neck, side zip Condition: Very good size S/M Length: 51”
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...