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 Circa 1990s Green Jewel-Toned Chain Statement Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Oscar de la Renta Circa 1990s Green Jewel-Toned Chain Statement Necklace is a vibrant and eye-catching accessory that embodies the boldness of the era. This stunning piece featur...
Oscar De La Renta Gold Plated Camellia Flowers Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Oscar de la Renta gold plated choker-chain necklace. It has long gold plated bar links that end with a bouquet of two ivory color resin Camellias flowers with leaves...
Gold Plate
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Faux Pearl Romantic Heart Necklace 22k Antique Gold Plating
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Romantic Faux Pearl Resin Heart Choker with 22k Antique Gold Finish A timeless symbol of elegance, the Oscar de la Renta faux pearl heart choker is a refined blend of vintage romanc...
Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
$388Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Gold Jeweled Abstract Pendant Long Chain Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
Stunning golden pendant rope necklace from Oscar de la Renta! The large abstract statement pendant is accented with topaz crystals. Necklace is 30 inches around. Marks: Oscar de la...
Crystal, Gold Plate
$256Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar de la Renta Embellished Black Crystal Coral Motif Pendant on Gold Chain
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A stylish Oscar de la Renta pendant necklace. Features a black faux coral motif decorated with clear crystals on a gold-plated chain. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
Crystal, Gold Plate
Oscar De La Renta Gold Plated Flower Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Oscar de la Renta gold plated chain/choker necklace. It is adorned with five clusters of Lantana flowers like. It has a gold plated t...
Gold Plate
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dm 5.13 in L 16 in
Oscar de la Renta Gold Critter Choker Necklace with Bee Motif, Contemporary
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A golden wire choker accented with a bee, by Oscar de la Renta. Gold-plated. Hallmarks: Oscar de la Renta, Made in USA
22k Gold, Gold Plate
22k Gold Jean Mahie Figural Pendant Necklace
By Jean Mahie
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designer: Jean Mahie Materials: 22 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 208.2 grams (pendant - 120.5 grams) Measurement: Pendant - 2.5/8" x 3" Chain - 22" x 1/4" (each link - 9/16" x 5/16") Hallmarks: Jean Mahie 903 A rare 22k gold figural pendant...
22k Gold
$448Sale Price|20% Off
W 3 in L 16 in
Oscar de la Renta Textured Metal and Crystal Hammered Collar Necklace 16" Long
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Striking and sophisticated, this Oscar de la Renta choker necklace is a true statement piece featuring sculptural openwork links in rich 22k gold plating. The handmade design sparkle...
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Mixed Metal
$392Sale Price|20% Off
H 1 in W 2 in L 16 in
Oscar de la Renta 22K Gold-Plated Pewter & Brass Ginkgo Leaf Statement Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Oscar de la Renta 22K gold-plated necklace features an intricate composition of interlocking ginkgo leaves hand-cast in pewter and assembled with brass elements. The sculptural ...
22k Gold, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass
5.19 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Solitaire Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A stunning necklace with exuberant elegance- in this exceptional 5.19 carat Natural Fancy Yellow, Radiant cut diamond. This magnificent stone sits on a 4 prong setting and is attache...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$556Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.125 in D 0.125 in L 16 in
Oscar De La Renta Gold Plate Violet Tanzanite Swarovski Crystal Tennis Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold violet tanzanite Swarovski crystal tennis necklace. Luxury designer jewelry. 16" adjustable to 20.5". Made in USA. Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated viole...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Mixed Metal
Oscar De La Renta Gold Tone Boomerang Necklace, Circa 1980s, USA
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Alford, MA
Gold tone necklace composed of boomerang-shaped components in graduated sizes is attributed to Oscar de la Renta, but unmarked. Chain in back is adjustable. Great statement necklace....
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...
Oscar de la Renta Starfish Necklace in Silver and Gold Tone with Faux Pearls
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta statement choker necklace featuring silver and gold tone star fish with faux pearl and Swarovski crystal accents. Perfect for glamming it up at the beach or pool, o...
Jade Carnelian Lapis Malachite Tiger's Eye 14 Karat Gold Necklace Dog Clip
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular natural mined gemstone necklace with graduated beads of Jade, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, and Tiger's Eye with a rare and wonderful Dog Clip Clasp in 14 Karat Gold. The necklace is 26 inches (63 cm) long. The graduated gemstone beads range from 7mm to 12mm (1/2 inch). The combination of the natural gem colors with the warm 14 Karat gold Dog Clip...
Carnelian, Multi-gemstone, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Tiger's Eye, 1...
Art Deco Coral Necklace Antique Silver Natural Coral
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Art Deco - Victorian Coral Necklace of great beauty. The necklace is 54 inches long - a stunning length. It is Silver with gorge...
Coral, Silver
Vintage Dogwood Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Embrace timeless mid-century elegance with this charming vintage dogwood flower pendant necklace. A true classic of mid-20th-century costume jewelry, this piece beautifully pairs a b...
Sold
W 2 in D 0.125 in L 15 in
Oscar De La Renta 22k Gold Plated Hammered Chain Link Statement Collar Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated hammered chain link statement collar necklace. Luxury designer jewelry. 15" with 4.5" extender. Made in USA. Oscar de la Renta 22k gold plated hamm...
Gold Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Mixed Metal
Sold
W 2 in D 0.375 in L 16 in
Oscar De La Renta Gold Crystal Star Moon Celestial Charm Statement Necklace
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Oscar de la Renta gold crystal star moon celestial charm statement necklace. Luxury designer jewelry. 16" + 5" extender. Made in USA. Oscar de la Renta gold plated celestial charm s...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass, Mixed Metal
Sold
W 3.5 in D 0.25 in L 18 in
Oscar de la Renta Coral-Inspired 22k Gold-Plated Necklace with Austrian Crystals
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Sculptural Coral-Inspired Necklace with Austrian Crystals in 22k Gold Plating An exquisite statement of organic beauty, this Oscar de la Renta necklace draws inspiration from the in...
Coral, Crystal, Gold Plate, Mixed Metal
Oscar de la Renta Swarovski Crystal Flower Collar Necklace and Matching Earrings
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Tustin, CA
Created by the elite fashion house of Oscar de la Renta, this very substantial statement necklace features a daisy-chain of gleaming blossoms alight with sparkling Swarovski topaz cr...
Crystal, Gold Plate