Handmade 1940's floral Pattern Velvet Cocktail Dress Size 4 6
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This custom 1940's design is composed of a orange hue floral patterned velvet. Handmade. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for personal accurac...
Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Dress
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage black velvet gown. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, with gathering at the bust and by the side seam. It has cap sleaves and a side zip.
VINTAGE 1940s BIAS-CUT VELVET FUR-TRIMMED DRESS
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1940s bias-cut velvet dress is the black velvet dress your wardrobe is missing— it is just SO good.
Vintage 1940s Velvet Two-Piece Dress with Rose Appliqué
Located in New York, NY
A nod to the silhouette of Christian Dior's New Look, this incredible velvet skirt set was made in 1947. It was made by designer Lorraine Budny for the brand Sportwhirl, which was fo...
1970s Does 1940s Purple & Red Velvet Tie-Dye Boho Dress
Located in London, GB
Beautiful vintage late 1960s or early 1970s dress in deep purple with bold orange/red tie-dye pattern on the front of the bodice and around the hem. This dress has a very 1940s feel...
Heavy Black Silk Faille Shirtwaist Circle Dress w Velvet Trim, M-L, late 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A testament to how fine clothes *used* to be made, this immaculate day-to-evening shirtwaist dress boasts impeccable craftsmanship like finished buttonholes, hand finishing and luxur...
Beautiful 1940s Vintage Royal Blue Silk Velvet Dress w/ Lace & Rhinestones
Located in San Diego, CA
A true beauty! This 1940s silk velvet dress features so much detail!
1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves
Located in Sparks, NV
Flattering vintage 1940s cocktail dress in black velvet with a draped collar and 3/4 length sleeves.
Jeweled Deco Black Velvet and Georgette Drape Shoulder Cocktail Dress – L, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Though this wartime dress observed all the restrictions of clothes rationing, it suffered no loss of glamour thanks to its clever design tricks. The contrast of fabrics forces the ey...
Large Size 1940s Silver Grey and Black Silk + Velvet Flower 40s Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1940s silver and black silk and velvet dress! Little flowers printed throughout.
1940s Black Velvet Evening Gown with Ecru Lace and Rhinestones
Located in Kingston, NY
1940s black velvet evening gown featuring an elegant lace capelet overlay adorned with hand-set rhinestones. The fitted velvet bodice is suspended from narrow straps and transitions ...
A French Couture Beaded Chocolate Velvet Dress Circa 1940-1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940 France A cocktail dress, probably Haute Couture, dating from the 1940s.
1980 Carolyne Roehm Black Velvet Cocktail Dress W/ Rhinestone & Sequin Stripes
By Carolyne Roehm
Located in Gresham, OR
A 1980s Carolyne Roehm black velvet 1940s-inspired cocktail dress: Has the appearance of a suit with exposed panels of rhinestone and sequin striped silk.
Vintage 1940s Black Velvet Evening Dress or Hostess Gown
Located in Portland, OR
This vintage early 1940s black velvet gown by Kamore was originally designed to be a hostess gown or luxurious loungewear for the 40's woman who entertained in style.
Vintage 1940s Velvet Dress
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1940s Velvet Dress, Size Small: This is the black velvet dress your wardrobe is missing— it is just SO good.
1940s Burgundy velvet dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful vintage 1940s Burgundy velvet cocktail dress with creme dots.
Vintage 1940s party dress, Velvet burnout, novelty print
Located in NEWARK, GB
A superb, gorgeous vintage late 1940s evening dress. It has a sumptuous black silk velvet bodice with a soft sweetheart neckline and faux buttons shaped like flowers in a diamante s...
1940s Black Velvet gown with sequins applique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hollywood Glam 1940s V neck Sequin floral appliqué with colors of coral, seafoam green, dusty blue, and soft gold. 1940s sleeves, drape into soft folds and zip shut at wrists with m...
1940S Red Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Chinese Slip Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Red Rayon & Silk Burnout Velvet Chinese Slip Dress MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past.
1940's Silk Velvet Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
Exquisite 1940's soft, silk velvet dress in a lovely shade of dusty blue with bronze undertones.
Velvet / Rayon Black Embellished Dress 1940s
Located in Port Hope, ON
This tailored dress is in great condition for its age. The upper part is velvet embellished with embroidery and has a scalloped neckline and diamente. The rayon skirt has a shine and...
1940s Black Velvet Hand Painted Dress
Located in London, GB
Sensational black velvet gown with beautiful hand painted floral motifs in subtle hews of purple and green. This gorgeous full length, strapless evening dress features pretty black ...
Late 1940's Hattie Carnegie Black Dress with Velvet and Pom Pom Details
By Hattie Carnegie
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Late 1940's Hattie Carnegie crepe dress with pom pom and jet black velvet details at the waist and mock turtleneck neckline. 3/4 length dolman sleeves with gathered and softly pleate...
1940s Martha Gale Brown Velvet Flower Embroidered Pocket Vintage 40s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare 1940s MARTHA GALE chocolate brown velvet dress! Features soft brown velvet, with a pocket on the right side hip with hand embroidered bright flowers.
Sold
Size: none; comparable to size S
Minimalist Black Velvet Contrast Coat Dress with White Appliqué Collar- S, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Almost monastic in its simplicity, this unique coat dress maintains its femininity via full length princess seams that accentuate curves and encourage the skirt to swirl around the l...
1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown
Located in New York, NY
1940S Burgundy Silk Velvet Bias Cut Gown
Sold
Size: none; comparable to size small
Black Silk Velvet Film Noir Double Indemnity Plunge Bias Midi Dress – S, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A dress Barbara Stanwyck might have worn alongside Fred MacMurray, this swirling dress reeks of the double-crossing Femme Fatale. The alluring plunge neckline, body-skimming flare sk...
Pre-War Black Velvet Art Deco Bead and Rhinestone Cocktail Dress – L, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A jewel of Art Deco design in an unheard-of larger size, this beautiful dress exudes machine-age minimalism and geometry. Its richly-adorned notched V neckline is outlined with a sta...
1993 Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe black velvet RUNWAY dress
By Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very unique, 1940's style jet-black velvet dress with yellow accents designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe dating to fall of 1993 exactly as seen on the runway worn by Yasmin Le Bon i...
Sold
Size: unmarked; fits like modern M
1940s Henri Bendel Black Velvet Evening Gown with Dolman Sleeves + Lace Insert
By Henri Bendel
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Made from what we believe is silk velvet (no content tag), this piece features a velvet-covered button front bodice with cuffed Dolman sleeves, a wide lace insert at the center front...
Late 1940s Hand Embroidered Black Velvet Fitted Dress
Located in Rockwood, ON
This is really an amazing and strong styled late forties dress that I just love. It is made of a black cotton velvet so has mote of a matte feel and flatness to the pile then its sil...
Red Velvet Drop Waist Dress circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a red velvet drop waist dress c. 1940s. The designer for the dress is unknown due to the lack of a tag and its age.
1940's Heavily-Beaded Blue Crepe-Chiffon & Velvet Goddess Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Once in awhile you see a breathtaking dress that stands out from the rest and you know you have to have it. You are not even sure where you are going to wear it, but you will wear it...
1940's Black Velvet Asymmetric One-Shoulder Bombshell Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
In this gorgeous 1940's "Madeleine et Cie" designer gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern haute-couture. T...
1940's Hollywood Black Velvet Gown w/ Lace Train and Wrap
Located in Toronto, ON
Late 1940's red carpet velvet boned bodice gown with lush black and white lace and crinoline layered train.
Vintage 1940s Beaded Deep Green Velvet Evening Dress W Ruching & Hip Swag
Located in Portland, OR
This ultra glamorous 1940s evening gown is in a luxurious deep green velvet fabric, The shade of green is so rich and sophisticated and the ruched sweetheart bodice of the dress is b...
1940's Mainbocher Couture Midnight Blue Sculpted Silk-Velvet Evening Gown
By Mainbocher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The integrity of luxurious fabrics, intricate cut, quality workmanship were cherished by Mainbocher's upper crust customers. This early 1940's gown is a perfect example of his genius...
Vintage 1940's Brooks Costume Couture Beaded Velvet Strapless Corset Bustle Gown
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A truly breathtaking and one-of-a-kind couture creation by Brooks Costume Company. The Brooks Costume Company was the foremost maker of theatrical costumes in New York in the early p...
Numbered 1940s John Lewis Vintage Dress Long Black Velvet Evening Gown Fur Trim
Located in Portland, OR
This is a 1943 vintage black velvet dress that was purchased at John Lewis & Co on Oxford Street in London. The dress buttons up the front with covered buttons and has pretty whi...
Deluxe Blue Velvet Vintage 1940s Blazer Skirt Suit Rhinestones Peplum Jacket 10
Located in Portland, OR
This is an exquisite 2 piece vintage 1940’s suit with a straight skirt and a fabulous peplum jacket. The blazer has a sequined applique on the collar and closes with beautiful decor...
$1,850
Size: none; comparable to size XS
Will Steinman New Look Pink Blue Strapless Back Bow Ballerina Dress - XS, 1950s
By Will Steinman
Located in Tucson, AZ
Pure spun-sugar perfection, right down to the cotton candy colors. Visible beneath the silver lattice-embroidered top skirt, the ruffled attached petticoat provides volume enough to ...
Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage white sheer oversized piano shawl / scarf! Feature thousands of hand-sewn pearl, beads, rhinestones and sequins. Pearl tassels feature pink iridescent pailliettes o...
Vintage black brown floral velvet beaded backless bias slip dress gown M - L
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE This is an absolutely beautiful vintage find, I would estimate from around the late 90's. A floor length floral velvet gown that cut on the bias it fits the body b...
1990's Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Long sleeve Leopard Zucca print mini Dress
By Fendi
Located in Sheffield, GB
1990’s Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld Long sleeve Leopard print mini Dress. MADE IN ITALY. Slightly sheer stretchy material. Repeat FF logos amongst the iconic 1990s Fendi House Leopard pr...
$1,100
Size: none; comparable to size large
Regency Burgundy Silk Velvet Jeweled Cutout Back Bias Gown with Train – L, 1930s
Located in Tucson, AZ
While the rich color, poured-on bias draping and jewel button sleeves will elicit gasps, the real star of this gown is the back: two diamond cutouts linked by pave jeweled hoops make...
1960s I. Magnin Double-Breasted Leopard Print Faux Fur w Notched Collar
By I Magnin and Co
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Russell Taylor / I. Magnin Double-Breasted Leopard Print Faux Fur w Notched Collar: A Puuuuurrrrr-fect coat for the coming Fall months, with a plush warm weight, wide notched ...
Sybil Connolly Couture Green Pleated Linen Maxi Dress, 1960s
By Sybil Connolly
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Known as the Dior of Dublin, couturier Sybil Connolly is revered for her high caliber designs and artisanal technique. A raving success since her first fashion show in 1953 which lan...
$5,653
Size: FR 38 - IT 42 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black silk spandex and leather lace up dress, ss 2003
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana; black silk spandex figure hugging evening dress. - Lambskin leather grommet trim - Open on both sides with lace up fastenings - Invisible side zip closure ...
Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...
New Emilio Pucci Runway Pumps Heels Wedges Sz 37
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Emilio Pucci Gorgeous Blue Suede Wedge Heels Size: 37 Suede Adjustable Ankle Strap Pucci Painted Cork Heel Heels: 5" Platforms: 1" New With Dust Cover
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
Roberto Cavalli Runway Sequin Sun Evening Gown and Cape F/W 2004 Size 40IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli - Sequin runway evening gown with Swarovski crystal embellished sun cape. Neckline presents a sharp daring plunge to the navel. The back of the dress is held by jewe...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
RARE Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2003 Pink Embroidered Kimono Clutch Bag Purse
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE „KIMONO“ Bag by TOM FORD for GUCCI SS 2003 Very rare and exclusive GUCCI signature piece Collector's Item! Pink frayed, layered silk Black hand-embroidery Mat black t...
Maggie Norris Couture vtg nude beaded floral crystal oriental asian silk dress
By Maggie Norris Couture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE An exquisite and very rare vintage couture dress by Maggie Norris that would have been specially made to order. Oriental style, the dress is composed of a very pal...
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse, ss 1993
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace silk off-shoulder cropped blouse with signature Versace print. Spring-Summer 1993
With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.
In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.
Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy
Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.
Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.
Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.
The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.
Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.
This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.