Marion Michael 1940s Sage Green Tea Dress
Located in London, GB
A cute day dress by Marion Michaels. In a light sage green jacquard and silk fabric with swirling design in tonal shades. This dress has a chic frilled collar and cuffs and a fullish...
1940's Cotton Lace and Satin Cocktail Suit
Located in New York, NY
Charming Cotton Lace and Silk Satin Cocktail Suit from the 1940's. Strong shouldered, fitted suit in silk satin with full gathered sleeves. Both bodice and skirt are overlaid in cott...
1940S Ivory Hand Painted Rayon & Silk Kimono With Floral Embroidery
Located in New York, NY
1940S Ivory Hand Painted Rayon & Silk Kimono With Floral Embroidery
Amazing 1940s Botanical Asian Inspired Paisley Cotton + Linen 40s Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 1940s Botanical Asian inspired linen and cotton maxi dress! Features vibrant colors of red, green, yellow, black and beige. Full metal zipper up the front to control ...
Dorothy O'Hara Vintage Black Lace Cocktail Dress, 1940s
By Dorothy O'Hara
Located in Sparks, NV
Extremely rare vintage 1940s Dorothy O'Hara cocktail dress in unworn condition with the original tags still attached! Nude illusion lace bustline and draped front. Details: Par...
$195Sale Price|38% Off
1940s Vintage Flora Originals Women's Black Crepe Dress with Accents
Located in Port Hope, ON
Black crepe top and bronze and gold metallic rayon or acetate make up this lovely dress. The metallic pattern is also replicated on the short sleeve cuffs with bows and the two butto...
Evening coat by Jeanne Lanvin Haute Couture - Paris Winter Collection 1943
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in Toulon, FR
Winter 1943 Collection. Paris Kimono evening coat in satin, fully overstitched, by Jeanne Lanvin Haute Couture, Winter 1943 collection. Powder pink coat called Rose Polignac in homag...
Vintage 1940's Pink Cocktail Dress Rhinestone Silk Dress UK 10 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
A beauty in blush. This original 1940's pink silk dress, embellished with scattered claw set silver rhinestones, is the perfect piece to add to your vintage collection. The V shap...
1940s Vintage Monica Black Organza Cocktail Dress with Lace Detail
By Monica
Located in London, GB
This original vintage 1940s black organza dress features a unique guipure lace under layer in soft cream which is visible beneath the sheer fabric of the skirt, a pretty sweetheart d...
A French Printed Chiffon Silk Dress Raoul Dufy inspiration Circa 1940
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940/1950. France A nice summer dress in printed silk crepe dating from the 1940s / 1950s. Dense printing with strong polychromy with patterns of fruits, grapes, peach flowers,...
Nina Ricci 1940s Haute Couture Black Tiered Ruffle Strapless Evening Dress
By Nina Ricci
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A spectacular and extremely rare Nina Ricci Haute Couture evening dress, dating to the late 1940s–early 1950s. Crafted entirely by hand at 20 Rue des Capucines, Paris, this piece sho...
Jean Desses dress Haute Couture 1948
By Jean Dessès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JEAN DESSES - Brown and black silk dress, chest embroidered with rhinestones and lurex threads. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1948 Winter Haute Couture Collection. To be me...
Theater vestment by Henri Lebrun - French costume designer Circa 1940-1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940-1950 France. Chasuble for the theater by the famous French costume designer Henri Lebrun (attributed to) dating from the 1950s, when he worked with Karinska on Don Giovann...
1940's HOUSE OF WORTH black wool haute couture dress
By House of Worth
Located in San Fransisco, CA
House of Worth, 1940's A very rare black cocktail dress from the French House of Worth, dating to the 1940's. This striking design highlights the house’s couture-level craftsmanship...
Ceremonial dress in wool embroidered with gold - Tunisia, Hammamet, circa 1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940-1960 Tunisia Hammamet Spectacular Tunisian wedding dress from the Hammamet region, dating from the mid-20th century. Straight cut, slightly puffed at the hips, open at the...
1940s Black Jersey Dress with Novelty Umbrella Appliqué Studs
Located in London, GB
This late 1930s or early 1940s black and gold rayon crepe dress has delicate gold-toned studs across the bodice in the shape of tiny umbrellas. We have never seen this on another vi...
1940s Pale Blue Rayon Dress With Navy And White Pebble Print
Located in London, GB
This charming 1940s cold rayon pebble print dress in pale blue, navy and white is captivating in its simplicity and is in beautiful vintage condition. A tidy shift cut, this dress fe...
1940S Black Sheer Nylon & Lace Fitted Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black Sheer Nylon & Lace Fitted Cocktail Dress
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. Dress in chocolate velvet panne with puffed three-quarter sleeves adorned with embroidery in sablé ...
Rare 1940s Novelty Asian Print Avant Garde Silk Strong Shoulder Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage mid 40s novelty Asian print strong shoulder silk dress! Features a warm marigold yellow color. Prints in red, green, blue, orange and ivory throughout. Metal zipper at t...
Beautiful 1940s Black Sequin Crepe Vintage 40s Short Sleeve Cocktail Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1940s black crepe sequined cocktail dress! Features hundreds of hand-sewn black sequins on the entire front bodice. Free flowy skirt is both flattering and comfortable. Met...
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...
Vintage 1940s Orange Tangerine Lace Cocktail Dress with Tulle Overlay
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940s orange tangerine lace V neck flutter sleeves lace dress over tulle fabric. Fitted on the waist . Old Hollywood Glamour. Fit size Medium Dress lined in acetate. Measurement Bus...
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! Lace covered pocket at waist, encrusted with rhinestones. Shawl-like collar, with a matching adjustable belt. Bea...
$420Sale Price|55% Off
Vintage 1940s Barbara Tfank Black Cotton Dress with Solestis Lace Ruffle Sleeve
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming black stretch cotton slim dress with French lace ruffle sleeve detail. The internal bustier with bones gives a shapely silhouette. Perfect dress to be worn from day to eveni...
1940s Black Crepe Dress with Multi Color Sequin Dress
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1940s Black Crepe Dress with Green and Yellow Paisley beaded sequins. Dress comes with sash/belt. Size M
1940s Vintage B. Altman & Co. Denim Chambray Dress w/ Horse Buttons
By B. Altman & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible 1940s B. Altman & Co. Cotton Denim/Chambray dress, with horse buttons up bodice, and at sleeve cuffs! Beautiful lightweight fabric, with a flattering neckline, and full sk...
Black crêpe wrap and drape cocktail dress with black sequin Circa 1940's
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black crêpe wrap and drape cocktail dress with black sequin. Bow in sequin in the front of the skirt. Zip on the right side. No lining. SIZE L
1940's Black wool "trompe l'oeil" dress with sequin and gold thread embroderies
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
1940's Black wool dress with sequin and gold thread embroderies . No lining. Shoulder pads. Zip on the left side. SIZE L
Vintage Black Crepe Dress with Sequin Detail
Located in London, GB
A black crepe dress with sequin trim by Schroder Wulf. This dress is sleavless with a round neckline, a bow at waist leval and asymetric layers . It is fully lined.
1940s Black Cocktail Dress with Cap Sleaves
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage cocktail dress with a layered skirt and cap sleaves. The dress opens with fabric covered buttons at the front , and has an attractive stitched collar.
1950s Black Jersey and Twisted Tassel Wiggle Dress
Located in London, GB
This 1950s black wiggle dress is a fantastic example of early rayon jersey. It is of superb quality and is likely a high-end American made department store piece. It features ¾ leng...
1940s Black Crepe Sheath Dress with Multi Color Sequins
By Eisenberg
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless and chic 1940s Eisenberg black crepe sheath dress featuring red, green, pink and purple floral sequins trough out. Both front and back neckline has key hole opening. Side me...
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. Fitted bodice, with a forgiving full skirt. Black silk velvet portrait collar, with 13 blac...
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. Unlined with side metal zip closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust meas...
1940s Orchid Print Rayon Crepe Dress W/ Dramatic Orchid Corsage
Located in Gresham, OR
1940s Orchid print rayon crepe dress: Large-scale orchid print makes this fabulous V-neck dinner dress really pop! Long sleeves and a sarong-style pleated and gathered panel at sid...
Late 1940s Fred A. Block Black Crepe Shirtwaist Dress w Pale Blue Beaded Insets
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful late 1940s Fred A. Block Original black rayon crepe shirtwaist-style cocktail dress with fitted waist (belt missing) and covered buttons down front to hip. Skirt is plea...
Traina Norell Black Satin Cocktail Dress, Drop Waist & Full Skirt xs
By Traina-Norell, I. Magnin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a wonderful vintage dress from designers Traina-Norell. It is made of a heavy black satin and has a fitted bodice, drop waist and very full skirt. There is a button front clo...
Dorothy O'hara Black Rayon Dress w/ Tuck Point Design, c 1940s
By Dorothy O'Hara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a lovely vintage black rayon crepe dress by designer Dorothy O'Hara. It is knee length, with 3/4 sleeves and a great tuck pint design on the bodice, which gathers at the wais...
Elizabeth Mason Couture Strapless Dress w/ Bolero Jacket
By Elizabeth Mason Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a "One Of A Kind" cocktail dress with matchin bolero jacket from Elizabeth Mason Couture. This dress is custom made from a 1940's dress kit/pattern, using a heavier weight ta...
Don Loper Black Cocktail Dress, Circa 1940
By Don Loper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage black cocktail dress by Don Loper, from the 1940's. The dress has gathering detail down the side seam, a fitted waist, hooks at the top shoulder, and a zipper at th...
Ceil Chapman (Attributed) Vintage Black Matte Jersey Cocktail Dress, 1940
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage black cocktail dress Attributed to: Ceil Chapman. Circa 1940's. Label missing. The piece is skilfully ruched, with a scoop neckline front and back. It has zipper ...
1940s Norman Young Red Georgette Maxi Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a very fine example of late 1940s to early 1950s evening wear by British designer Norman Young who made high end occasion wear for department stores and specialist boutiques ...
Pale blue night gown with white lace inset
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale blue night gown with white lace inset. Pale blue satin ribbon . SIZE 38 (Fr) M
1940s Golden Yellow Silk damask Luxurious Dressing Gown Robe
Located in New York, NY
Fully lined in luscious silk satin. Has some small stains on sleeve and hem, Priced as-is
1940s Lady Alice Tropical Print Rayon Jersey Dressing Gown
Located in Gresham, OR
A charming 1940s Lady Alice tropical print rayon jersey dressing gown with ukuleles, maracas and stylized palms. Center front zipped, tie at neckline and waist with a softly gathered...
A Japonese Quilted and embroidered dressing gown in pink silk satin Circa 1940
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1940-1950 Japan Quilted and embroidered indoor dressing gown in powder pink silk satin, labelled ‘Saito, Yokohama, Japan’ with Mount Fuji in the background. Loose fit, long sle...
1940S Black & Gold Rayon Taffeta Ball Gown With Hand Embroidered Hem Bodice
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black & Gold Rayon Taffeta Ball Gown With Hand Embroidered Hem Bodice
1940S Black & Rusty Orange Printed Cotton Summer Gown With Great Fullness Towar
Located in New York, NY
1940S Black & Rusty Orange Printed Cotton Summer Gown With Great Fullness Towards The Back
Off-white silk night gown with ruffles and hand-made embroideries Circa 1940's
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white silk night gown with ruffles and hand-made embroideries. Tiny pleats under the bust. SIZE 40 (Fr) L
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Red Evening Gown
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's red gown, evening wear. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches. P...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Vintage 1940's Chenille Dressing Gown 1940s Blue Chenille Rove UK 10 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
Rendered in a palette of turquoise blue, this original 1940's chenille dressing gown, accented by a decorative lotus and geometric pattern along the hemline, is a wonderful addition ...
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Woman's Fashion Study, Design for a Formal Evening Gown
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's evening gown. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Colored pencil and pencil on paper. Archivally ma...
Paper, Pencil, Color Pencil
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Red Gown, Evening Wear
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's formal dress, evening wear. Inscription reads: "Gold rayon and wool Bengaline dress suit for movie ...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Vintage 1940's Dressing Gown 1940's Red & Cream Pattern Robe UK 8-10 US 4-6
Located in Nashville, TN
This original vintage 1940's berry red cold rayon robe with a pattern of white apostrophes, is the perfect addition to your loungewear collection. The V shaped neckline is framed b...
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.