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.
IGI Certified 6.6 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Statement Necklace in 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 6.6 Carat Diamond Ruby Necklace 8K Gold
This necklace centers a 4.20 carat natural ruby red, complemented by diamond accents, for a total gemstone weight of 6.6 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
One Of A Kind Gorgeous Ruby & Rosecut Diamond Necklace Made In 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of craftsmanship, this necklace showcases rich rubies paired with the timeless sparkle of rosecut diamonds. Crafted in a luxurious blend of 14k gold and polished silver...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby Burst Necklace in 18kt Gold & Diamonds
By Estaa
Located in Mumbai, IN
Step into celestial opulence with the Ruby Burst Necklace from the Akasa Collection, a radiant symbol of power, vitality, and sophistication. Expertly crafted in 26.704 gms 18KT gold...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby Glass Statement Collar 1960s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A magnificent Vintage Ruby Statement Collar. Clever design incorporates large ruby glass stones amongst grand metal motifs whilst leaving no detail to...
Elegant Lab-Created Ruby & CZ Teardrop Statement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite bib style necklace showcases a stunning design, featuring lab-created pear shape rubies and cubic zirconia set in a rhodium-plated base. The piece boasts a captivating...
Ruby, Rhodium, Base Metal
Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Necklace A necklace with 43 oval-cut rubies separated by round-cut diamonds set in a floral motif Approximately Measures: 16" lon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Spectacular Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning dinner necklace featuring a stunning array of vivid red gem pear-shape rubies, weighing a total of 22.06 carats. The rubies are elegantly arranged, complemented by round-c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s-Inspired Oscar de la Renta Gold-Tone Metal Collar Necklace w Inset Jewels
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s-Inspired Oscar de la Renta Gold-Tone Metal Collar Necklace w Inset Jewels: A stunning Mughal 1960s inspired articulated, jeweled and enameled metal bib necklace in bright cora...
Victorian Era Inspired Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Necklace Made In 14k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary festoon-style necklace evokes the classic elegance of old-world court jewelry. Designed for the modern collector who appreciates historical grandeur, the piece fea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Silver,...
Oscar De La Renta Amethyst Crystal Art Nouvau Inspired Link Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Elevate your ensemble with the enchanting allure of this Oscar de la Renta collar necklace. This gold-toned masterpiece draws inspiration from the art-nouveau era, featuring: Art-Nouveau Inspired Golden Links: Each link is a testament to the timeless art-nouveau style, intricately designed to capture the essence of this iconic period. Amethyst Crystals: Sparkling amethyst tear and round crystals, meticulously placed to create a harmonious and luxurious look. Light Amethyst Baguette Crystals: Elegant baguette crystals accent the necklace with a soft amethyst hue, adding a subtle touch of color and sophistication. Versatile Length: Measuring 16 inches (approximately 40.64 cm) with an additional 3.6-inch (approximately 9.14 cm) extension chain, this necklace offers both comfort and adaptability, ensuring the perfect fit for any neckline. Crafted with precision and care, the Oscar de la Renta Collar Necklace is a statement piece that embodies luxury and elegance. Whether it’s for a gala or a sophisticated dinner, this necklace promises to be the centerpiece of your jewelry collection! Marks / Hallmarks / Etc: Oscar de la Renta tags: Gold Collar Necklace, Amethyst Crystal Necklace...
Crystal, Gold Plate
