USPS issued the Oscar de la Renta Forever stamps on February 16, 2017, as an 11-stamp commemorative pane. One stamp is a black-and-white portrait of the designer; the other 10 show close details from his gowns.
Issue Facts
| Issue name | Oscar de la Renta |
|---|---|
| Issue date | February 16, 2017 |
| First-day city | New York, New York |
| Format | Pressure-sensitive adhesive pane of 11 |
| Design count | 11 |
| USPS item | 562700 |
| Art director and designer | Derry Noyes |
| Postage type | First-Class Mail Forever |
What Appears on the 11 Stamps?
The large visual anchor is a monochrome portrait of Oscar de la Renta. Ten companion designs crop closely into different gowns, turning color, fabric, embroidery and surface detail into abstract miniature compositions. The portrait was photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin; USPS separately credits Norman Jean Roy for the light-pink dress photograph.
Why USPS Honored Oscar de la Renta
Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, de la Renta moved to Spain to study art and entered fashion through European design houses. He relocated to New York in 1963 and became known for polished daywear and evening gowns. USPS described his 50-year career as helping elevate American style and draw international attention to New York fashion.
Pane and Production Details
The original pane was sold as a complete group of 11 rather than individual stamps. USPS announced a print quantity of 17.6 million stamps. Ashton Potter printed the pressure-sensitive issue by offset process, and every stamp uses a vertical format.
Can the Stamps Still Be Used?
Yes. Each genuine unused stamp remains valid at the current one-ounce First-Class Mail letter rate because USPS issued it as a Forever stamp. A heavier, square, rigid, oversized or international mailpiece can require additional postage.
Collecting and Identification
- Confirm that the complete pane contains one portrait and 10 garment-detail designs.
- Check the 2017 issue date and item number 562700 against the pane markings.
- Do not confuse original postal value with collector resale value; condition, intact format and market demand affect the latter.
- A complete pane preserves the intended fashion sequence more clearly than loose singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Oscar de la Renta stamp designs are there?
There are 11 designs: one portrait and 10 gown details.
Are Oscar de la Renta stamps Forever stamps?
Yes. USPS issued each stamp at the First-Class Mail Forever rate.
Who designed the stamp pane?
USPS art director Derry Noyes designed and directed the issue using existing photographs.
Primary sources: the USPS Oscar de la Renta release and Postal Bulletin specifications. Facts checked September 1, 2026.