Oscar de la Renta was an icon like no other in the fashion world. His dresses have taken center stage during many historic moments for the industry — donned by silver screen starlets, British royalty, and political powerhouses alike. His label continues to carry on his legacy, producing some of history’s best designer dresses.

Like many celebrated designers before him, de la Renta began by working for established houses. In the late ‘50s, he sharpened his skills crafting complex dress sketches for Cristóbal Balenciaga. He went on to design for several other esteemed labels, including Lanvin and Elizabeth Arden, before launching his namesake label in 1965.

Soon thereafter, Oscar de la Renta gowns became some of the most sought-after garments in the womenswear world. From chiffon cocktail dresses and tulle minis to sequin ball gowns and taffeta flares, de la Renta’s designs did it all. In late 2016, some two years after de la Renta’s passing, the label handed the creative reins over to Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia. Both designers got their start in fashion working for the house under de la Renta’s tutelage, so it seemed only fitting for them to carry his legacy forward. Since the duo’s debut collection as co-creative directors for Fall/Winter 2017, they’ve created a vibrant design energy respectful of the house’s sophisticated style philosophies.

THE MOST ICONIC OSCAR DE LA RENTA DRESSES

Extraordinary people and landmark events demand attire that rises to the occasion. Prominent figures from every walk of life have donned a signature Oscar de la Renta dress to demonstrate their renown. Here are some of the most notable figures to step out in one of de la Renta’s famous designer dresses:

Sarah Jessica Parker

The black-and-white ball gown Parker wore at the 2014 Met Gala is one for the history books. Along the back of the sleeveless A-line dress was a train with Oscar de la Renta’s name embroidered in a boldly contrasting red hue.

Jennifer Garner

Garner walked the red carpet of the 2004 Emmy Awards in a flamenco-inspired white lace evening gown from de la Renta’s Spring 2005 collection. The statement Oscar de la Renta white dress had a tiered skirt ending in a regal train.

Hillary Clinton

The former first lady was an avid proponent of Oscar de la Renta’s designs, opting for an extravagant gown at the 1997 Inaugural Ball. The vivacious long-sleeve dress sported a transparent mock neckline and glittering embroidery throughout.

Oprah Winfrey

Of her countless red-carpet appearances, Oprah’s finery at the 2010 Costume Institute Gala makes it one of her most memorable. The dark navy v-neck gown featured shimmering sequin appliques along the organza top, giving way to a cascading skirt of ruffled silk.

Amal Alamuddin

Amal Alamuddin wed George Clooney in 2014, bedecked with a classic white gown from Oscar de la Renta. The dress embodied quintessential wedding regalia, with intricate lacework complemented by a delicate off-shoulder cut flowing into an opulent train. 

Audrey Hepburn

With none other than Oscar de la Renta on her arm, Audrey Hepburn stole the show at the 1988 Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. The bodice was adorned with feathers and glittering embroidery, but the true focal point of the oxblood-hued piece was a voluminous feather boa wrapped around Hepburn’s neck and spilling down her shoulder.

7 MODERN OSCAR DE LA RENTA DRESSES

Oscar de la Renta’s design house remains among the most prestigious fashion labels worldwide, and the company honors its founder’s legacy by carrying forth his delicate and sophisticated sensibilities. Its impressive catalog of dresses runs the stylistic gamut, including guipure lace midi dresses, floral tapestry shifts, and silk-chiffon evening gowns. Here are seven ready-to-wear dresses that embody the de la Renta aesthetic:

Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress

The Floral Applique Puff-Sleeve Mini is remarkable, even among so many superb Oscar de la Renta cocktail dresses. Its head-turning design deftly straddles extravagance and class, standing out while retaining an air of sophistication. The sheer mini features vibrant floral sequins, a square neckline, and short puff sleeves in a sheath silhouette.

Floral Gown 

An elegant piece fit for a princess, Oscar de la Renta’s Floral Guipure Gown sports a trumpet skirt, mesh underlayer, and scoop neck top. The fit-and-flare silhouette is made all the more ethereal by its soft blue hue, reminiscent of the show-stopping dress from the label’s 2013 bridal collection. 

Embroidered Gown

Over the years, the label has proven masterful at embroidery, a trait highlighted by this stunning Oscar de la Renta floral dress. Its muted translucent fabric is adorned by a delicate floral design that’s equal parts grounded and graceful. The Degrade Passion Flower-Embroidered Gown features a bateau neckline, side slip pockets, and a floor-sweeping bottom hem.

Shift Mini Dress 

Oscar de la Renta’s designers share an apparent affinity for floral designs. The label’s Floral Cutout Shift Mini Dress shakes it up, steering away from prints and appliques in favor of something more flirtatious. The simplistic mini-dress, cut from moire faille, spotlights playfully blooming cutouts along the bottom hem. Other key traits include a round neckline, a shift silhouette, and a scalloped hem.

Cady Midi Dress 

The Mixed Botanical Cady Midi Dress is perfect for brunch on a balmy summer day. Its mixed botanical print exudes a breezy energy that offsets the dress’s traditional silhouette, comprising a square neckline, short cap sleeves, and a pleated skirt with a below-the-knee hem.

Moire Mini Dress

This Moire Faille Bow-Detail Mini Dress is distinguished by a draped ruffle detail along the upper hem and a celebratory bow sitting at the waistline. The sleeveless mini-dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a banded waist, and a flared silhouette. Equal parts formal and fun, the design would make a statement at any upscale gathering. 

Fringe Mini Dress

Oscar de la Renta faithfuls can enjoy a nostalgic ‘60s throwback with the brand’s Gingham Plaid Fringe Dress. A heritage gingham print adorns the flared mini silhouette, which has a square neckline, shoulder straps, and a fringe hem along the bottom.

Oscar de Renta’s legacy is defined not only by the iconic dresses he designed but by the impact of those who donned them. His creations were strong yet sophisticated — topical yet timeless — just like the women who wore them down runways, wedding aisles, and red carpets.

Looking for equally bold accessories to pair with an Oscar de la Renta gown? Bergdorf Goodman carries a wide selection of designer jewelry, handbags, and pumps to complete the look.