Dorothy O'Hara 1950s Black Cocktail Dress w/ Diagonal Front Pleating Size 10-12
By Arnold Constable, Dorothy O'Hara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a sophisticated vintage little black dress made by Dorothy O'Hara. It is made of black crepe fabric with a rayon/acetate lining, with wonderful front draped gathers for style...
1950s Black and White Leaf Print Sequin Cotton Fit and Flare 50s Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 50s black and white leaf print fit n' flare mini dress! Features a white background that is embelished with thousands of hand-sewn white sequins throughout. Fitted ...
$275Sale Price|68% Off
Mr Blackwell Woven Hem and Collar 1950s Low Back Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress by Mr. Blackwell. It is a semi fitted sheath with 3/4 length sleeves and a collar that dips lower in the back. The collar and 5" at the hem are woven ...
$971Sale Price|25% Off
1950s Dynasty Black Silk Fit n’ Flare 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Dress Scribe Print
By Dynasty
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1950s Dynasty black silk scribe print fit and flare dress !
1950s Unlabelled Haute Couture Stiffened Tulle Chevron Pattern Dress
Located in London, GB
Beautifully crafted from black tulle and horizontal stripes of thick black velvet the length of the dress.
1950s Wool and Satin Applique-Work Shift Dress
Located in London, GB
This is a really good example of 1950s knitted formal wear with an elaborate applique floral spray pattern that features on the bodice and the lower hem of the skirt. It is a classic...
1950s Kerrybrooke Red, White and Navy Blue Party in the Back Plaid Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome 50 KERRYBROOKE red, white and blue plaid fit n'flare shirt dress! When I first discovered this dress, I thought the back was the front, until I saw the actual front. Cotton b...
Gorgeous 1950s Black + Gold Silk Lace Fit and Flare Glitter Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1950s black and gold silk lace fit n' flare cocktail dress!
Mingolini Gugenheim 1950's Couture Brown Solid Beaded Gown and Jacket Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Italian couture fashion house was founded by tailor Sergio Mingolini and designer Carlo Gugenheim and was once a favorite of the high society women like Jackie Onassis and Babe ...
Bespoke Spanish Blue and Black Lace Mantilla Drop Waist Party Dress – XS, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
An Audrey Hepburn style stunner, this Givenchy-inspired dress features handmade Spanish lace cut from an enormous mantilla and meticulously hand sewn to a black tulle ground. The lac...
New Werle of Beverly Hills 1950s Sculptural Silk Dress
By Daniel Werle
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning sculptural black silk dress from Werle, Beverly Hills. It has a one shoulder fitted bodice with an inner boned corset. The skirt consists of 1 tier wrapping horizontally ...
Chic 1990s does 1950s White and Black Lace Strapless Vintage 90s Dress Small
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 90s does 50s white and black lace strapless dress! Features white French lace over a silk white underlay. Attached black taffeta origami layered belt. Full hidden zipper...
Black and Silver *Larger Size* Ombré New Look Strapless Party Dress – L, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
An unusual and discretely colorful party dress despite its dark hue, the dress features a silver ombré satin underskirt, which mellows to a pale lavender near the hemline. Even bette...
1950s Lane Bryant Blue and Green Floral Silk Dress
Located in London, GB
This charming 1950’s floral printed silk dress is by America designer Lane Bryant, who was extolled as one of the pioneers of ready to wear plus size clothing and the first to mass p...
Stunning 1950s Adele Ross Silk Floral Watercolor Belted Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Simply divine vintage 1950s Adele Ross watercolor dress! Features the finest silk fabric, with wonderful vibrant hues. Detachable ribbon belt. Can easily go from day to night. Zips u...
1950s Bettina of Miami Yellow + Black Cotton Lace Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1950s BETTINA OF MIAMI lightweight cotton and lace fit n' flare belted dress !
1950s Navy Lace and White Beaded Halter Neck Dress Suit
Located in London, GB
This elegant late 1950s to early 1960s dress and jacket combination is cut to a classic swing silhouette, with a nipped-in waist, flared, almost 360 circular skirt and playful halter...
Ceil Chapman Navy Chiffon Portrait Collar Dance Dress w 35' Sweep - M, 1950s
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Tucson, AZ
One look at this dress’s multidirectional bodice draping and it’s easy to see why seven of Chapman’s designs are featured in the Met’s permanent collection; the 35 feet of skirt just...
1950S Black & Silver Silk Organza Fully Sequined Cocktail Gown
Located in New York, NY
Custom made for mid-century opera and lounge singer Vivenne Della Chiesa who performed with the rat pack in Las Vegas in the 1950s. 1950S Black & Silver Silk Organza Fully Sequined C...
1950s Demi-Couture Ballet Length Strapless Silk Taffeta & Chantilly Lace Dress
Located in Gresham, OR
1950s Demi-Couture Ballet Length Strapless Silk Taffeta & Chantilly Lace Dress w Butter Yellow Silk Taffeta Front Lining; A delicate sequin-embellished overskirt is layered over a p...
A Vintage 1950s Green Dress and Bolero Jacket by Butterick
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage green cocktail dress and matching bolero jacket. The dress has a boned bodice, with a flared skirt and side zip. The jacket has a three button fastening. Both the ...
1950s L'Aignon Navy Cotton Short-Sleeve Dress with Pleat Detail
Located in London, GB
This navy cotton dress was made by L’Aignon in the 1950s - a very high quality American ready to wear brand sold in some of the best department stores in the US. They regularly adver...
1950s Autumnal 3 - D Checkered Plaid Pleated 50s Cotton Vintage Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1950s 'Autumnal' pleated cotton dress! Warm tones, in plaid, with three dimensional contrasting black sketched plaid throughout.
1950s Howard Greer Floral Silk Taffeta Strapless Trumpet-Skirt Cocktail Dress
By Howard Greer
Located in Gresham, OR
1950s Howard Greer designed floral silk taffeta strapless cocktail dress: Bodice is fully boned and features a pleated inset of pointe d'esprit décolletage and a structured scooped a...
1950s Vintage Wool Scoop Neck Cocktail Dress with Metallic Floral Embroidery
Located in Sparks, NV
Flattering vintage 1950s light weight wool cocktail dress with a scoop neck, metallic floral embroidery and back train. Unlined with rear metal zip and hook closure and snap closure ...
1950S FONTANA COUTURE Black & White Silk Dupioni Tiered Skirt Gown With Velvet
Located in New York, NY
in good condition however the bodice shows pin holes where the dress was taken in and then let back out with a new zipper. 1950S FONTANA COUTURE Black & White Silk Dupioni Tiered Ski...
1950s Cobalt & Black Silk Satin Floral Brocade Gown w Draped Bodice & Fishtail
Located in Gresham, OR
1950s Cobalt & Black Silk Satin Floral Brocade Gown w Draped Bodice & Fishtail: From Ransohoff's of San Francisco, the premier high-fashion women's specialty store so well remembere...
Vintage 1950s Black Evening Gown with Iridescent Green & Blue Leaf Pattern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage gown is composed of a black silk with a leaf motif in metallic hues of blue and green. The dress features a fitted bodice with flared skirt. There are center back button...
THERESE French Shop 1950s Three Dimensional Floral Bodice Black Silk Gown
Located in Los Angeles, CA
THERESE French Shop, 1950s three dimensional floral bodice gown in black silk with velvet trim on flowers. The own featuring dynamic pleated floral detail at the bust. The skirt ha...
1950s Sophie of Saks Fifth Avenue Flocked Floral Print Cocktail Dress w Jacket
By Sophie Gimbel, Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in Gresham, OR
1950s Sophie of Saks Fifth Avenue Flocked Floral Print Faille Cocktail Dress w Jacket: A heavenly design by Sophie Gimbel of pink and fuchsia roses and leaves on a black background.
Gorgeous 1950s Demi Couture Leopard Cheetah Print Silk Fit n' Flare 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage 1950s demi couture leopard/cheetah print fit and flare silk dress! This is one bombshell of a dress, and is a classic beauty! Features allover animal print. Fitted b...
1950s Ceil Chapman Navy Silk Shift Dress with White Lace Top
By Ceil Chapman
Located in London, GB
White lace forms wide, sheer sleeves. The dress fastens at rear with a hidden tonal white zip and hook-and-eye.
Black Silk Velvet Imperialist Chandelier Bead and Passementerie Gown–XS-S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
A gown that would be right at home sledding through the steppes or attending the Mariinsky Theater, this regal dress literally drips with understated glamour. Eye-catching thanks to ...
1950S PIERRE BALMAIN Black & Blue Haute Couture Silk Organza Beaded Trained Gow
By Pierre Balmain
Located in New York, NY
Gown is missing label and is priced accordingly. True Haute Couture construction fully boned and lined in silk faille in the bodice and satin back crepe in the skirt. Exceptional han...
Incredible Vintage Rose Taft 1950s Style Black + Brown Lace + Silk Taffeta Gown
By ROSE TAFT
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely gorgeous vintage ROSE TAFT black and brown 1950s 50s style couture strapless gown! Features a full brown silk satin gown, with an attached black silk French lace overlay. Bl...
1950s Demi Couture Gunmetal Silver Grey Silk Taffeta Vintage Dress and Purse Bag
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 50s demi couture gunmetal / silver gray silk taffeta dress and handbag ensemble ! Features a beautiful gunmetal color with just the right amount of slight sheen. Flowers pr...
Helen Rose Rare 1950s Black Silk Chiffon Babydoll Gown, Cap Sleeves, Size 2-4
By Helen Rose
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous vintage long black chiffon gown by Helen Rose, from the 1950's. The gown has short cap sleeves, empire waist, a zipper up the back, and a flowing skirt. Measure...
1950s Ann Fleischer for I Magnin Hand Ribbon Knit Navy Blue + Red Vintage Dress
By I. Magnin
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare ANN FLEISCHER for I. MAGNIN early 1950s navy blue and red hand knit ribbon silk belted dress ! Couture quality with the entire dress literally hand woven with silk ribbons. Chic...
Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set
By Lillie Rubin
Located in Water Mill, NY
A rare, new 1950s dress and coat set from Lillie Rubin in a black silk damask flower pattern.
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Ceil Chapman Size 6 Black Silk Chiffon Fully Sequined Long Sleeve Gown 50s
By Ceil Chapman
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare museum quality early 50s vintage Ceil Chapman black silk chiffon sequin evening gown. Impeccable tailoring and fit one would expect from Chapman. Tailored bodice with long semi ...
1950s Black Lace & Tulle Skirt Ensemble W/ Colorful Silk Flower Applique
Located in Gresham, OR
A 1950s style black lace and tulle skirt ensemble features a wonderful color combination of silk flowers arranged throughout the assymetrical skirt hemline. The large grosgrain ribbo...
Blums-Vogue Sleeveless Black Silk X Sheath, Couture Quality – M-L, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Blums-Vogue department store was Chicago society’s go-to department store for Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Galanos, Oscar de la Renta, Sarmi, and Yves Saint Laurent. Though without labe...
1950S PAULA WHITNEY Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Amazing Ruffled Poof Ball
Located in New York, NY
Very good condition, small area at neckline where there is breakage. 1950S PAULA WHITNEY Black Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Amazing Ruffled Poof Ball Skirt Cocktail Dress
1990s Couture Black Silk Hi - Lo Beaded Sleeveless 50s Style Cocktail Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s does 1950s demi couture black silk dress! Features a fitted bodice, with a flared high-low skirt.
Vintage 1950s Susan Small Gown
By Susan Small
Located in London, GB
A headturning evening gown from the 1950s by Susan Small. The dress has an olive /grey background with multi colour horizontal bands., and has a square neckline , cap sleaves and a ...
1950s Philip Hulitar Ivory and Black Velvet Pearl Encrusted Beaded Gown
By Philip Hulitar
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Phillip Hulitar 1950s, ivory silk chiffon and black velvet cocktail dress is the perfect party dress or great for wedding.
1950s Green and Blue Butterfly Print Brocade Coat
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Late 50s Beautiful blue and green brocade swing coat with butterfly and roses pattern. Size X large Bust: 52 inches/ coat length : 43.5” Sleeve length 22 inches ** condition: The ...
1950S Navy Blue Silk & Lace Strapless Gown With Trumpet Skirt
Located in New York, NY
1950S Navy Blue Silk & Lace Strapless Gown With Trumpet Skirt
Pierre Balmain Boutique Balmain Paris black vintage 1950s evening dress
By Pierre Balmain Boutique Paris
Located in Genova, IT
Vintage 1950s evening dress, signed Pierre Balmain. A rarity, made in the French couturier's golden years, when he dressed the most fashionable women in Paris and Hollywood stars. P...
Ceil Chapman 1950s Vintage Navy Silk Jersey Goddess Draped Gown Size Small
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Ceil Chapman gown is composed of a navy jersey. The dress features draping and straps which can be styled on or off the shoulders. There is a center back drape as well and a zip...
Sapphire Silk Halter Ball Gown w Tabletop Pannier Hoop Skirt - XXS, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Worn by a well-to-do young Parisian at her debutante ball, which included a pre-party on a Seine-docked yacht. The convertible halter neck adds real-world practicality, but the jaw-...
1950s Adele Simpson Black Silk Two Piece Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress Set Suit
By Adele Simpson
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1950s ADELE SIMPSON black silk two piece blouse and skirt! Features a tailored 3/4 sleeves blouse with tie at center neck. Silk Covered buttons up the front center. High waisted...
Jane Andre 1950s Full Skirt Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black dress by Jane Andre in a cotton linen blend. It has cap sleeves, a drop waist and full skirt. There is fine band around the crew neckline and the drop waistline ending ...
1950s Neiman Marcus Couture Black Silk Chiffon Strapless Vintage 50s Wiggle Gown
By Neiman Marcus
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous bombshell 1950s NEIMAN MARCUS couture strapless silk chiffon evening dress!
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.