Bruce Oldfield's success is perhaps more poignant when underscored by his upbringing as a charity child in 1950s Britain. He was fostered by a seamstress, who encouraged his early love of fashion, and Barnardos Children's Charity sent him to art and fashion school. He remains deeply involved with the charity to this day.

Out of school, he landed a one year deal designing shoes for Henri Bendel in New York. After that, another capsule collection in London gave him the momentum to start his own shop. Charlotte Rampling took a liking to him and helped make his designs well known.

In the 1970s he made a splash in the fashion world of London, but it was his romantic, colour coordinated designs for Diana, Princess of Wales that created his fame in the 1980s. He also designed for Joan Collins and Charlotte Rampling in their movies. The high publicity surrounding all three women made him a well-known designer of the era.

His designs for Diana epitomize his style, the dramatic silhouette that emphasizes the body and its sensuous curves. Women that entered his shop were charmed not only by the man, but by his encouragement to show off their curves. In 1984 he had opened his own shop in London, selling ready made dresses, and creating unique couture pieces for discerning women. Later, he would design wedding outfits for many famous brides. Oldfield specializes in occasions, selling ready-to-wear evening gowns and couture designs for something special.

In 1990 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the fashion world. His love of women shines through in the romantic, sweeping gowns that he designs for them. His plunging necklines and wrapped styles highlight waist and hips, his straight skirts show off legs, and full skirts appeal to the feminine. Bruce dressed Diana Ross, Joan Collins, and Faye Dunaway in the early 1980s.

His timeless designs avoided the excesses of some 1980s designers, and his disdain for shoddy workmanship made his clothing enduring classics. His use of sumptuous fabrics like velvet, taffeta and silk make his dresses works of art that women love to appear in. His philosophy was to create a progression of fashion that changed gently throughout the years.

Today Bruce remains a popular and famous designer, creating wedding couture in particular, but also creating designs for shoes, china, and more. His dress design was one of the top choices for the recent royal wedding. His work in the 1980s remains relevant because Bruce Oldfield creates classics for classically beautiful women.