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1940 House Dress

1940's HOUSE OF WORTH black wool haute couture dress
By House of Worth
Located in San Fransisco, CA
waist designed by the House of Worth dating to the 1940's. Best fits a US 4-6. Approximate measurements
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1940s French Cocktail Dresses

1940S Red Cotton Yellow Dot Print Wrap House Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Red Cotton Yellow Dot Print Wrap House Dress
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1940s Casual Dresses

1940S Yellow Cotton Seersucker Blue Floral Wrap House Dress With Belt & Pocket
Located in New York, NY
1940S Yellow Cotton Seersucker Blue Floral Wrap House Dress With Belt & Pocket
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1940s Casual Dresses

Pierre Cardin Op Art Scarf Hem Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Pierre Cardin Op Art Scarf Hem Dress in hyponotic rayon georgette print. A simple
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1970s French Day Dresses

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Located in New York, NY
"separates house," specializing in pieces a woman could wear both separately and as a set— quite a novelty at
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1940s Aesthetic Day Dresses

Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Size: XS Small Medium, see item detail
Vintage 1940's Marcelle Dormoy French Couture Black Silk Cut-Outs Low Back Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking and incredibly rare early 1940's full-length gown by French couturier Marcelle
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1940s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940S White & Red Cotton Seersucker Bohemian Russian Style Floral Rose Print Sh
Located in New York, NY
1940S White & Red Cotton Seersucker Bohemian Russian Style Floral Rose Print Short Sleeve House
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1940s Casual Dresses

Evening coat by Jeanne Lanvin Haute Couture - Paris Winter Collection 1943
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Toulon, FR
Parisian haute couture house that bears her name, Maison Lanvin, at the end of the 19th century. Today
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1940s French Peignoirs

1984 Givenchy Haute Couture Documented Silk Petal Appliqué Velvet Hourglass Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
off with a perfect nod to 1940's femme fatale design. As shown, we were thrilled to find the original
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1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

A Rare Blue Navy woollen dress by Henry à la Pensée - France Circa 1945
By HENRY
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1945-1950 France Elegant dress "à la Marinière" in Navy blue woolen cloth with the famous
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1940s French Blouses

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Marberl 1950s Silk Skirt Draped Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk dress from Marberl. It has long sleeves with fine metal zippers at the wrists, a princess seamed bodice for a great fit and a deep V cut back. The sleeves are...
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1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Loris Azzaro 1970s Silk Jersey Vintage Pink Empire Dress Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage 1970s Loris Azzaro pink silk jersey gown! Beautiful bodice, with a draped, Grecian/Empire feel to the body. Zipper works great, just could not fit the dress form. In...
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1970s French Evening Gowns

Chic 1960s Purple Linen Empire Waist Vintage 60s A Line Sleeveless Top Shirt
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s purple linen empire waist A-Line sleeveless top ! Features the perfect shade of medium purple. Flattering high mock neck. Beautiful pleating details on the back. Simply sl...
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1960s American Blouses and Tops

1930S Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bare Midriff Gown With Silver Lamé Deta
Located in New York, NY
1930S Black Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Bare Midriff Gown With Silver Lamé Detailed Lattice Work From Paris
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1930s Casual Dresses

S/S 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Knit Crochet Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an alluring crochet high-low Christian Dior dress, designed by John Galliano. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this stunning knit dress features a cowl neckline, lo...
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Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Blush Crinkle Silk Chiffon Rib Knit Yoke Skirt, 2000s
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Jean Paul Gaultier’s designs always have a particular erotic drama to them. From his cone-bra corset designed for Madonna, Gaultier tends to create garments that convey an apocalypti...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirts

Lipstick Red Silk *Larger Size* Sheath Dress w Convertible Scarf Back - L, 1960s
Located in Tucson, AZ
An ingenious design, this dress features a draped shoulder-to-shoulder scarf that may be worn in the back, the front, or even on the head for three different and completely captivati...
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1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

A Pierre Balmain Ceremonial Satin Evening Dress Bolero and Purse Circa 1950
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1950 France Pierre Balmain Paris evening or ceremony dress with matching bolero and purse from the 1950s. Ivory Duchess satin embroidered with white and silver tulbular pearls...
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1950s French Twin Sets

A Loris Azzaro Couture Embroidered Sequins Evening Dress Circa 1970/1980
By Loris Azzaro, Loris Azzaro Couture
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1970/1980 France Paris Loris Azzaro Haute Couture evening dress embroidered with black sequins dating from the 70's. Entirely embroidered with black sequins superimposed like ...
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1970s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

1950s Red Ruffled Dress Flamenco Dancer Party
Located in Wallkill, NY
Spectacular! I look at this dress and think Flamingo Dancer with a Full Layered Ruffled skirt. Very tiny Polka Dot motif. Lined and the dress fabric is backed. Summer fun in this dre...
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1950s Casual Dresses

Superb 1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Metallic Gold Lame Dress with Bolero (38)
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Port Hope, ON
Outstanding piece in excellent condition. The dress is boned to the waist and has a an inset bra. The permanent pleats of the skirt complement the gathers to be found at the bust and...
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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Adele Simpson 1940s Wrap Top and Skirt
By Adele Simpson
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece skirt and top set in a tan cotton linen blend. The top has a crew neck, cap sleeves, shoulder pads and wraps closing at one side and shoulder with self covered bu...
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1940s American Day Dresses

Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
Featured in "Halston: An American Original" by Elaine Gross and Red Rottham, this beautiful sleeveless off white silk dress from Halston is completely adorned in horizontal rows of e...
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1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1970 Mainbocher Couture Vogue Documented Hot Pink Flocked Silk Dress
By Mainbocher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous Mainbocher couture shocking pink abstract floral dress dating back to his 1970 collection. As shown, this design was modeled by Loulou de la Falaise for Vogue magazine. Main...
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1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

New Vintage Pierre Cardin Oversized Avantgarde Collector Item 1960's Sunglasses
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage new Pierre Cardin Oversized dark carey frame sporting a pair of solid brown lenses. Designed and produced in the 1960’s. This pair of vintage Pierre Cardin is a collecto...
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1960s French Sunglasses

Issey Miyake Copper Pleated Spiral Skirt, 1990S
By Issey Miyake
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Issey Miyake is acclaimed for his awe-inspiring avant-garde designs that frequently make use of pleating and interesting plays with space and volume. While Issey Miyake continues to ...
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1990s Japanese Skirts

Recent Sales

Luxurious Teal Silk Velvet House Wrapper with Beaded Bird
Located in Oradell, NJ
Offered for sale is this exquisite and luxurious teal silk velvet house wrapper with an embroidered
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Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Evening Gowns

Important 1940s Madame Grès Grecian Goddess Silk Knit Gown in Black and Red
By Madame Gres
Located in Houston, TX
bottom of the dress, echoing classical antiquity. The dress is accented by a dramatic red pleated drape
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1940s French Evening Gowns

1940s Irene Lentz Black Wool Blazer with Scallop Detail
By Irene, Irene Lentz
Located in Houston, TX
vent for ease of wear. Subtle but sublime black scallop-like piping throughout the dress highlights
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1940s American Blazers

Manuel Pertegaz Numbered 1960's Straw Hat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fashion house in the early 1940's. His designs (along with those of Jeanne Lanvin and Cristóbal
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20th Century Spanish Hats

Mollie Parnis 1960's Stunning Floor Length Lux Coat
By Mollie Parnis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
worn as primary garment/dress. One of the first designers to be known on a name basis rather than
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1960s Unknown Jackets

1940S Cotton Red And Green Floral Print Wrap Dress House Robe
Located in New York, NY
1940S Cotton Red And Green Floral Print Wrap Dress House Robe
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1940s American Day Dresses

1940's Claire McCardell Polka-Dot Print Silk Scarf-Neck Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
inches This vintage designer dress comes from a smoke-free house. This garment is in excellent
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1940s Day Dresses

1940's Worth Sleeveless Black Wool Crepe Dress
By Worth
Located in Studio City, CA
1940's House of Worth sleeveless black wool crepe dress with subtle scooped neckline, V-back and
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1940s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1940's Howard Greer Navy-Blue Beaded Silk-Rayon Cocktail Dress
By Howard Greer
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
major costume designer to take the leap of establishing his own couture house. Greer specialized in
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1950s Cocktail Dresses

A Silver Lamé Evening Dress by Lucile Manguin - France Haute Couture Circa 1940
By Lucile Manguin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940 France Sculptural silver lamé evening dress with a large oval neckline and small kimono
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1940s French Evening Dresses

1940S Buttercream Yellow & Purple Cotton Seersucker Floral Zipper Front House D
Located in New York, NY
1940S Buttercream Yellow & Purple Cotton Seersucker Floral Zipper Front House Dress With Pockets
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1940s Casual Dresses

1940'S Black Hand Painted Rayon Taffeta Old Hollywood "Royal Maid" Glamorous H
Located in New York, NY
1940'S Black Hand Painted Rayon Taffeta Old Hollywood "Royal Maid" Glamorous House Dress
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1940s Casual Dresses

1940's Mainbocher Couture Midnight Blue Sculpted Silk-Velvet Evening Gown
By Mainbocher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mainbocher was a well-respected couturier who operated fashion houses in Paris and later New York
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1940s Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940s Vintage Gilbert Adrian Original Dress Pink Ruffles Rare Designer Gown
By Adrian, Gilbert Adrian
Located in Portland, OR
This vintage Gilbert Adrian dress came from the estate of a woman who owned a luxury fashion
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1940s American Evening Dresses

Rare Custom Gilbert Adrian Vintage Dress 1940s Black Fringe Formal Evening Gown
By Gilbert Adrian
Located in Portland, OR
designer for MGM before starting his own fashion house after he left the studio in 1941. This statement
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1940s American Evening Gowns

1990's Christian Dior Seductive Beaded Silk-Satin Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1990s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1949 Lanvin Haute Couture Documented Sculpted Black Wool Cocktail Dress
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dress dating back to the mid to fall-winter 1949. Lanvin was recognized for her innovative approach to
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1940s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Classic Iconic Christian Dior Cocktail Dress w/Matching Wrap
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
strongly suggests the iconic dresses of Christian Dior in the 1940's-early 50's. Strapless cocktail
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21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

1970's Christian Dior London Couture Pleated Silk Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1970s Cocktail Dresses

1940's Silk House Coat
Located in London, GB
A stunning gown or very glamorous house coat from the 1940s. In a wonderful blue, this gown is a
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1940s Caftans

1990's Christian Dior Black Strapless-Illusion Collar & Cuffs Mini Party Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950's Edith Small Seafoam Blue Rhinestone Lace Tulle One-Shoulder Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ballerina-length dress by Edith Small. Although originally from Chicago, in 1945 Edith Small opened her
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1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1990's Christian Dior Black Velvet-Flocked Silk Applique Bias-Cut Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1948 Paquin Couture Watercolor Floral Print Silk Hourglass Trained Gown
By Antonio del Castillo, Jeanne Paquin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
House of Paquin was opened on the rue de la Paix in 1890 by Jeanne Paquin. The establishment was very
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1940s French Evening Gowns

1951 Christain Dior Original NY Strapless Polka-Dot Silk Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of haute couture. While the House of Dior is still a
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1950s French Formal Gowns

Haute Couture Evening Coat By Philippe et Gaston Circa 1935/40
Located in Toulon, FR
with pearls as well as their dressed outfits. The House closed in 1937. After WWII, only the name
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1930s French Caftans

Vintage 1990 Givenchy Haute Couture Green Silk Billow-Sleeve Plunge Fringed Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with a perfect nod to 1940's femme fatale design. It is an exquisite piece of wearable runway art from
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1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 2006 Christian Dior by John Galliano Beaded Burgundy Silk Bias-Cut Gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This stunning Christian Dior gown from John
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Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Ivory Floral Silk Bias-Cut Gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This rare Christian Dior
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Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Metallic Blue Silk Lace-Up Bias Cut Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This stunning Christian Dior
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Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 1999 Christian Dior by Galliano Suede Lace Bias-Cut Slip Gown and Jacket
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
late 1940's. This stunning Christian Dior documented runway dress ensemble from John Galliano's iconic
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1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1978 Givenchy Boutique Black Red Black-Color Silk Bow Blouse & Wool Maxi Skirt
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
launched in 1952, at the same time that he opened his couture house. Successful Haute-Couture models from
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1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Vintage 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Gold Lace & Pink Silk Bias-Cut Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This stunning Christian Dior documented
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Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Chinese green satin evening coat Bronze with chrysanthemums - Europe Circa 1940
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940 Europe for the cut China for the satin Elegant evening or interior dress in bronze
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1940s French Mantle Coats

1949 Christian Dior Haute-Couture Black Velvet Dress Skirt Set
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of haute couture. While the House of Dior is still a
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1940s Pencil Skirts

1994 John Galliano Black Silk & Metallic Lace Cropped Kimono-Style Wrap Jacket
By John Galliano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
together a career-making collection that fused the East and West of Japanese kimonos and glamorous 1940's
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1990s French Jackets

1940's Nina Ricci Haute-Couture Black & White Embroidered Silk Tie-Neck Dress
By Nina Ricci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The French fashion house Nina Ricci, known for its feminine, ladylike clothing, has long been the
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1940s French Cocktail Dresses

1940s Chinese Style Print Grey Silk Vintage Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a great dress in a wonderful detailed print. The dress is rather Chinese inspired, with a
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1940s Chinese Dresses

An Edward Molyneux Couture Long Embroidered Evening Dress Circa 1950
By Edward Molyneux
Located in Toulon, FR
-of-pearl from the famous house designer Edward Molyneux and dated 1948/1952. Dress in black taffeta
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1940s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

A Jeanne Lanvin Couture Dress-Coat in Wool Circa 1945
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1945 France Dress-Coat or Redingote in chestnut curly wool from the Haute Couture Designer
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1940s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

A Jeanne Lanvin Couture Dress-Coat in Wool Circa 1945
A Jeanne Lanvin Couture Dress-Coat in Wool Circa 1945
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Size: Equivalent French Size 38
Heavenly Fischer vintage 40s silk white ivory lace wedding night gown slip dress
Located in Paris, FR
An absolutely beautiful and very rare night gown by Heavenly Fischer from the 1940's. Perfect to
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1940s North American Evening Dresses

1970's Christian Dior Striped-Cotton Bohemian Off-Shoulder Dress Ensemble
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1970s French Aesthetic Day Dresses

Vintage 1942 Paquin Haute Couture Blue Silk Velvet Sculpted Shelf-Bust Dress
By Jeanne Paquin
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking Paquin French haute-couture cocktail dress in one of the prettiest shades of deep
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1940s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Madeleine Vionnet set in silk crepe and blonde lace Circa 1935/1940
By Madeleine Vionnet
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935/1940 France Set dress and blouse Madeleine Vionnet dating from the last years of the
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1930s French Day Dresses

Madeleine Vionnet set in silk crepe and blonde lace Circa 1935/1940
Madeleine Vionnet set in silk crepe and blonde lace Circa 1935/1940
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Size: Equivalent French Size 36 
Vintage Sheer Net and Black Silk Satin Evening Dress With Rhinestone Buttons
Located in Portland, OR
This gorgeous vintage dress was designed back in the late 1930's or early 1940's and is reminiscent
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1930s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960's Malcolm Starr Ivory Creme Beaded Rhinestone Silk Strapless Evening Gown
By Malcolm Starr
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
construction ideal for a wedding or red carpet affair. The design house was started in the 1940's by his
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1960s American Maxi Dress

1990's Christian Dior Seductive Navy-Blue Velvet Bias-Cut Halter Evening Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This
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1990s French Evening Gowns

1960's Malcolm Starr Emerald-Green Draped Silk Chiffon Rhinestone Goddess Gown
By Malcolm Starr
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
impeccably seamed and on the level of modern day couture. The design house was started in the 1940's by his
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1960s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1940s Vintage Copper Brown Floral Jacquard House Dress or Robe Duster Coat/ Belt
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible vintage 1940s copper brown floral jacquard house coat or robe with bold shoulders and
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1940s American Overcoats

1940s Vintage Copper Brown Floral Jacquard House Dress or Robe Duster Coat/ Belt
Located in Sparks, NV
Incredible vintage 1940s copper brown floral jacquard house coat or robe with bold shoulders and
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1940s American Overcoats

A Couture Skirt And Jacket Bar Set by Germaine Lecomte - Paris Circa 1947/1950
Located in Toulon, FR
colleagues. Germaine Lecomte is renowned all over the world and dresses many artists of the time. The house
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1940s French Skirt Suits

Vintage Ferragamo Woven Leather Tote Style Handbag
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Atlanta, GA
1940's but Ferragamo's version bears the fashion house's superior craftsmanship including beautiful
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Late 20th Century Italian Tote Bags

Traina-Norell Silk Twill Floral Dress
By Traina-Norell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleeveless silk twill fancy summer dress with back kick flounce and matching scarf + belt.
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1950s American Day Dresses

Irene black beaded cocktail dress
By Irene Lentz, Irene
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1940s Black silk crepe beaded cocktail dress w/dolman sleeves. Long black beaded stitched
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1940s American Cocktail Dresses

Zandra Rhodes Dress Black Chiffon Dress
By Zandra Rhodes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black chiffon dress with 3/4 length flutter sleeves. Metallic silkscreen printed with pearl beading
Category

1980s English Cocktail Dresses

1950s Cristobal Balenciaga Haute Couture Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Rockwood, ON
The Balenciaga Haute Couture atelier opened in 1937, closed briefly from 1940 -1945 and then
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1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Late 1940s Norman Hartnell Attr Couture Net Gown
By Norman Hartnell
Located in Rockwood, ON
dressed the royals and the aristocrats. London's couture industry established itself after the 1st World
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1940s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Rare c1945 Balmain Lucien Lelong Gown
By Lucien Lelong
Located in Rockwood, ON
Balmain both worked for the house at the start of their respective careers and this particular dress most
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1940s Evening Gowns

Claire McCardell playsuit, jacket & sun dress. 1940/50
By Claire McCardell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950’s 3 Piece Play-Suit, Jacket and Dress Circa late 1940/early 1950 Claire McCardell for
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1940s American Sportswear

Mainbocher Lace Evening Dress & Cape
By Mainbocher
Located in New Hope, PA
Mainbocher was the only American designer to run a Couture House in Paris. He designed for many of
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1940s American Evening Gowns

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1940 House Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary 1940 house dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. If you’re looking for an option in black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in brown, silver and more. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Christian Dior, House of Worth and John Galliano are often thought to be among the most stylish. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a 1940 House Dress?

On average, a 1940 house dress on 1stDibs sells for $1,927, while they’re typically $588 on the low end and $15,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

From museum-worthy vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing available on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think Galliano and Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Chanel remain classic for haute couture advocates and beyond. By exploring the vast array of vintage collections on these pages, you can transform your closet into a retreat that is as retro as it is royal. 

Velvet cocktail dresses and silk evening gowns designed by French-born American couturiere Pauline Trigère — who dressed Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor — have proven timeless since their mid-century debut, while an overcoat by Alexander McQueen is the perfect finishing touch. In fact, an emerald one stays in rotation for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Those seeking modern high-fashion brands are also in luck. Turn your day-to-day into a runway with selections from Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace or complete that fresh look with stunning footwear classics from the likes of Gucci and Christian Louboutin. The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. 

Build your collection of covetable and iconic vintage garments by shopping on 1stDibs. No matter where you roam, our diverse apparel and accessories will keep you covered in the hottest styles and comfiest black hoodie imaginable.

Questions About 1940 House Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    This is usually a small room, attached to the bedrooms within a house that allows for storage and is used for dressing in. If you want to set up a dazzling dressing room to get primped up within your house, then look no further than our tips on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

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