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1950s Taffeta Dress

1950's Original by Rudolf Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress
1950's Original by Rudolf Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress

1950's Original by Rudolf Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress

By Original by Rudolf

Located in Sharon, CT

1950's BallRoom Dress. Designer Max Cory Rudolf NYC Boutique. Tulle Slip attached to skirt. Bow

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Taffeta Embroidered Floral Black Cocktail Dress
1950s Taffeta Embroidered Floral Black Cocktail Dress

1950s Taffeta Embroidered Floral Black Cocktail Dress

Located in London, GB

This charming 1950s black taffeta embroidered party dress with cross over straps is gamine

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1950s American Evening Dresses

1950s Blanes Black Taffeta Rose Applique Dress
1950s Blanes Black Taffeta Rose Applique Dress

1950s Blanes Black Taffeta Rose Applique Dress

Located in London, GB

This 1950s black taffeta ball dress by quality British brand Blanes, is perfect for a black or

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1950s British Ball Gowns

1950s Floral Taffeta Silk French Couture New Look Style Dress
1950s Floral Taffeta Silk French Couture New Look Style Dress

1950s Floral Taffeta Silk French Couture New Look Style Dress

Located in London, GB

This stylish vintage couture 1950s silk taffeta coat dress with wide lapel and French cuff detail

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Taffeta Full Circle Dress
1950s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Taffeta Full Circle Dress

1950s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Taffeta Full Circle Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in London, GB

black taffeta silk design is exquisite. Its the first thing you notice about this dress which has the

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1950s American Evening Dresses

1950s Traina-Norrell Yellow Taffeta Silk Rose Print Dress
1950s Traina-Norrell Yellow Taffeta Silk Rose Print Dress

1950s Traina-Norrell Yellow Taffeta Silk Rose Print Dress

By Traina-Norell

Located in London, GB

mid to late 1950s. The fabric is a superb silk taffeta in a rose print whilst the colours are

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1950s American Evening Dresses

1950s Ceil Chapman Black Taffeta and Ruched Silk Jersey Dress
1950s Ceil Chapman Black Taffeta and Ruched Silk Jersey Dress

1950s Ceil Chapman Black Taffeta and Ruched Silk Jersey Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in London, GB

This early 1950s Ceil Chapman taffeta and silk dress is a timeless and elegant party dress. It has

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1950s American Evening Dresses

Beautiful 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue Beaded Blue Silk Taffeta Gown
Beautiful 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue Beaded Blue Silk Taffeta Gown

Beautiful 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue Beaded Blue Silk Taffeta Gown

By Saks Fifth Avenue

Located in San Diego, CA

Drop dead gorgeous 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue gown! Stunning rich blue color, heavily beaded on front

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1950s Evening Gowns

1950s Black Strapless Silk Tafetta Cocktail Dress
1950s Black Strapless Silk Tafetta Cocktail Dress

1950s Black Strapless Silk Tafetta Cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1950s Black silk taffeta strapless cocktail dress with white graffiti print. Perfect for wedding or

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1950s American Evening Gowns

Recent Sales

1950's black sequin and taffeta  tea length evening dress
1950's black sequin and taffeta  tea length evening dress

1950's black sequin and taffeta tea length evening dress

Located in San Francisco, CA

Featured is a black sequin and taffeta evening dress. It is sleeveless, with a black sequin shelf

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1950s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s Black Taffeta Rhinestone Cocktail Dress
1950s Black Taffeta Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

1950s Black Taffeta Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black rayon crepe/taffeta * acetate lining * rhinestone/pearl studded

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950's Two-Toned Turquoise Taffeta Strapless Gown
1950's Two-Toned Turquoise Taffeta Strapless Gown

1950's Two-Toned Turquoise Taffeta Strapless Gown

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is an exquisite and alluring, 1950's vintage, two-toned turquoise, taffeta, strapless gown

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1950s Evening Gowns

Vintage 1950s Emma Domb Black Taffeta Dress
Vintage 1950s Emma Domb Black Taffeta Dress

Vintage 1950s Emma Domb Black Taffeta Dress

By Emma Domb

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950's dress * black taffeta * peylon lined skirt * shirred bodice * double

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress
Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress

Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * red dot print taffeta * tulle lining * back bow tie accent * metal

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s BLACK SILK TAFFETA & LACE COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS
1950s BLACK SILK TAFFETA & LACE COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

1950s BLACK SILK TAFFETA & LACE COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

Located in San Francisco, CA

Featured is a party dress from the early 1960s. Crisp black taffeta portrait collar with notched

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1950s Evening Dresses

1950s TIZZONI Italian Couture Blue Taffeta Cocktail Dress
1950s TIZZONI Italian Couture Blue Taffeta Cocktail Dress

1950s TIZZONI Italian Couture Blue Taffeta Cocktail Dress

Located in Milan, Italy

This amazing 1950s cocktail dress is in a blue silk taffeta fabric. It has full pleateds circle

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1950s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1950s Clifton Wilhite Black Silk Taffeta Dress
Vintage 1950s Clifton Wilhite Black Silk Taffeta Dress

Vintage 1950s Clifton Wilhite Black Silk Taffeta Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black silk taffeta * dramatic side peplums * bodice stays * gathered

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950s Tee-ca Black Beaded Taffeta Cocktail Dress
Vintage 1950s Tee-ca Black Beaded Taffeta Cocktail Dress

Vintage 1950s Tee-ca Black Beaded Taffeta Cocktail Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950's dress * black taffeta * pellon lining * black floral print * rhinestone

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black and Fuchsia Floral Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress
1950s Black and Fuchsia Floral Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress

1950s Black and Fuchsia Floral Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fit and flare, 1950’s cocktail dress, made from black silk taffeta is woven with bold, fuchsia

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black Taffeta and Lace Tiered Party Dress with Bows
1950s Black Taffeta and Lace Tiered Party Dress with Bows

1950s Black Taffeta and Lace Tiered Party Dress with Bows

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Black silk taffeta. Fit-n-flare silhouette. Lace trim. Ruched bodice. Full petticoat. Built-in

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950's Suzy Perette Metallic Halter Dress
Vintage 1950's Suzy Perette Metallic Halter Dress

Vintage 1950's Suzy Perette Metallic Halter Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black taffeta * metallic floral stitching * halter neck * boning in

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950s Jane Andre Dress and Jacket
Vintage 1950s Jane Andre Dress and Jacket

Vintage 1950s Jane Andre Dress and Jacket

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s 2 pc dress * black taffeta * muslin lining * tulle lined hem * corrugated

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Pauline Trigere Wool Day Dress with Taffeta Sleeves 1950's
Pauline Trigere Wool Day Dress with Taffeta Sleeves 1950's

Pauline Trigere Wool Day Dress with Taffeta Sleeves 1950's

By Pauline Trigère

Located in New York, NY

Pauline Trigere black wool fitted day dress with a dramatic taffeta sleeve treatment and a "bateau

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1950s American Day Dresses

1950’s Black Taffeta Bubble Cocktail Dress
1950’s Black Taffeta Bubble Cocktail Dress

1950’s Black Taffeta Bubble Cocktail Dress

Located in London, GB

Beautiful black organza dress with white guipure lace underlay in the skirt and pretty sweetheart

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950's Burgundy Silk Taffeta Evening Dress Custom Made
1950's Burgundy Silk Taffeta Evening Dress Custom Made

1950's Burgundy Silk Taffeta Evening Dress Custom Made

Located in New Hope, PA

lavender pops against the deep burgundy changeable silk background. The dress has narrow flat straps above

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1950s American Evening Dresses

Marie Louise Bruyere Couture Taffeta Cocktail Dress C. 1950's
Marie Louise Bruyere Couture Taffeta Cocktail Dress C. 1950's

Marie Louise Bruyere Couture Taffeta Cocktail Dress C. 1950's

Located in New York, NY

Marie Louise Bruyere, black taffeta, cocktail dress c. 1950's. Dress is fitted at the waist with a

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1950s French Cocktail Dresses

1950s Ricci Michaels Maroon Taffeta Strapless Dress
1950s Ricci Michaels Maroon Taffeta Strapless Dress

1950s Ricci Michaels Maroon Taffeta Strapless Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a gorgeous 1950’s number in a lovely dark maroon taffeta. It has a full skirt and an

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1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s Jacques Heim Actualité Taffeta Cocktail Dress
1950s Jacques Heim Actualité Taffeta Cocktail Dress

1950s Jacques Heim Actualité Taffeta Cocktail Dress

By Jacques Heim

Located in New York, NY

This strapless black silk cocktail dress from Heim Actualité is of a classic early-1950s style

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1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Very Interesting 1950s Draped Taffeta Dress
Very Interesting 1950s Draped Taffeta Dress

Very Interesting 1950s Draped Taffeta Dress

Located in New York, NY

This dress is Very well made and finely detailed from richly bodies silk. This is an avant-garde

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black Taffeta Vintage Dress with Lace Overlay
1950s Black Taffeta Vintage Dress with Lace Overlay

1950s Black Taffeta Vintage Dress with Lace Overlay

Located in London, GB

Lovely and classic 1950s black sleeveless party dress with full skirt pleated at the waist and

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1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s Cahill of Beverly Hills Taffeta and Lace Wedding Dress
1950s Cahill of Beverly Hills Taffeta and Lace Wedding Dress

1950s Cahill of Beverly Hills Taffeta and Lace Wedding Dress

Located in London, GB

This is an extraordinary vintage wedding dress from the late 1950s to early 1960s, from one of the

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1950s American Wedding Dresses

1950s Suzy Perette Velvet and Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ "Bib" Front
1950s Suzy Perette Velvet and Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ "Bib" Front

1950s Suzy Perette Velvet and Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ "Bib" Front

By Suzy Perette

Located in Gresham, OR

A super-cute 1950 Suzy Perette "Bib" front cocktail dress: full skirt and fitted bodice in velvet

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

James Galanos 50s Butterfly Print Silk Taffeta Wrap Construction
James Galanos 50s Butterfly Print Silk Taffeta Wrap Construction

James Galanos 50s Butterfly Print Silk Taffeta Wrap Construction

By James Galanos

Located in Gresham, OR

James Galanos 1950s butterfly print silk taffeta cocktail dress with wrap construction and front

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Vintage Blue Taffeta Strapless Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Blue Taffeta Strapless Cocktail Dress

1950s Vintage Blue Taffeta Strapless Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning blue taffeta party dress from the 1950s featuring a unique asymmetric strapless cut with

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1950s American Day Dresses

Mignon 1950's Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress
Mignon 1950's Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress

Mignon 1950's Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress

By Mignon

Located in New York, NY

Mignon Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress from the 1950's. Silk taffeta is tucked through the

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Vintage Velvet + Taffeta Full Sweep Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Velvet + Taffeta Full Sweep Cocktail Dress

1950s Vintage Velvet + Taffeta Full Sweep Cocktail Dress

By MADEMOISELLE

Located in Sparks, NV

Gorgeous vintage 1950s party dress in black taffeta and velvet. Full sweep and flared skirt

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Suzy Perette Emerald Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ Peplum
1950s Suzy Perette Emerald Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ Peplum

1950s Suzy Perette Emerald Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w/ Peplum

By Suzy Perette

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s gorgeous Suzy Perette emerald green silk taffeta cocktail dress: Stiffened "Criss-Cross

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Suzy Perette Apricot Silk Taffeta Bubble Hem Cocktail Dress
1950s Suzy Perette Apricot Silk Taffeta Bubble Hem Cocktail Dress

1950s Suzy Perette Apricot Silk Taffeta Bubble Hem Cocktail Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous, stunning 1950s Suzy Perette apricot silk taffeta bubble hem cocktail dress with scoop

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Fred Perlberg 1950s Black Taffeta Scoop Bodice Quilted Full Skirt Evening Dress
Fred Perlberg 1950s Black Taffeta Scoop Bodice Quilted Full Skirt Evening Dress

Fred Perlberg 1950s Black Taffeta Scoop Bodice Quilted Full Skirt Evening Dress

By Fred Perlberg, Fred Perlberg Originals

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fred Perlberg Dance Originals 1950s black taffeta scoop bodice quilted full circle skirt cocktail

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Ceil Chapman Matador Style Black Silk Dress, 1940s
Ceil Chapman Matador Style Black Silk Dress, 1940s

Ceil Chapman Matador Style Black Silk Dress, 1940s

By Ceil Chapman

Located in London, GB

This late 1940s or early 1950s black taffeta silk dress is by internationally acclaimed American

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1940s American Evening Dresses

1950s Christian Dior - New York -sale
1950s Christian Dior - New York -sale

1950s Christian Dior - New York -sale

By Christian Dior

Located in Austin, TX

1950s Christian Dior blue taffeta dress with separate crinoline skirt. Condition: Fair, armholes

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

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Victor Costa Strapless Dress
Victor Costa Strapless Dress

Victor Costa Strapless Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Alford, MA

One of Victor Costa's best designs, this strapless cocktail/evening dress is fashioned of white satin and black velvet alternating horizontal stripes with fitted bodice leading to an...

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Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress
Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress

Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress

By Mollie Parnis

Located in San Diego, CA

From the queen of dressing First Ladies, comes this wonderfully chic 1970s vintage MOLLIE PARNIS blue and white nautical linen/cotton dress ! Features the perfect linen/cotton blend ...

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1970s American Cocktail Dresses

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress

By Guy Laroche

Located in San Diego, CA

1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

JUDITH LEIBER Gold & Silver Tone Rosette Clutch Optional Strap
JUDITH LEIBER Gold & Silver Tone Rosette Clutch Optional Strap

JUDITH LEIBER Gold & Silver Tone Rosette Clutch Optional Strap

By Judith Leiber

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Judith Leiber purse features a lovely floral pattern in white and gold rhinestone. There is a gold interior. In good vintage condition, there are some missing rhinestones and sl...

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20th Century Clutches

1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress
1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress

1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress

By Lillie Rubin, Janine of London

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy 90s JANINE OF LONDON for LILLIE RUBIN silver gray crushed velvet metallic bodycon dress! Features the softest crushed velvet that stretches to fit. Has what first appears to be ...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses

1930s White Floral Cutout Organza Dress
1930s White Floral Cutout Organza Dress

1930s White Floral Cutout Organza Dress

Located in London, GB

This is a magnificent example of a 1930s cut-out work, organza dress in really pristine vintage condition. It is an archetypal 1930s shirt-waister design that reaches ankle length an...

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1930s French Wedding Dresses

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk
1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff Couture Ball Gown in Deep Teal Silk

By Irene Scharaff

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s MGM Mme. Etoile by Irene Sharaff couture ball gown in deep mauve and teal silk tulle and horsehair : Irene Sharaff, 5-time Academy Award Winner for costume design, made this go...

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1950s American Ball Gowns

Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown
Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown

Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown

By Versace

Located in Naples, FL

Versace F/W 2005 Runway Campaign Halter High Slit Slip Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 49 from the Fall 2005 Collection. Featured in the Fall 2005 Campaign. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ...

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set

Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...

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Early 2000s French Day Dresses

1950s Fred Perlberg Beautiful Robins Egg Blue Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Fred Perlberg Beautiful Robins Egg Blue Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Fred Perlberg Beautiful Robins Egg Blue Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

By Fred Perlberg Originals, Fred Perlberg

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s FRED PERLBERG robin eggs blue fit n' flare dress! Features a ribbed fitted bodice with cap sleeves. Full forgiving skirt with attached sash belt. Full metal zipper up...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...

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1990s Italian Day Dresses

Rare Natural Silver Raccoon Hooded Fur Coat
Rare Natural Silver Raccoon Hooded Fur Coat

Rare Natural Silver Raccoon Hooded Fur Coat

$1,067Sale Price|32% Off

L 36.23 in

Rare Natural Silver Raccoon Hooded Fur Coat

Located in Amsterdam, NL

This vintage coat is made of very high quality silver raccoon fur is 3/4 lenght with an attached hood, rare to find. We offer more exclusive fur items, view our frontstore Details:...

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20th Century Unknown Coats and Outerwear

John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black fine silk dress with stretch from Christian Dior. It has a scoop neck front and back with intricate lacing starting at one shoulder crossing the front and back wrap...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Victor Costa Cotton Floral Dress
1980s Victor Costa Cotton Floral Dress

1980s Victor Costa Cotton Floral Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in London, GB

A lovely party dress by American designer Victor Costa. This dress is in a wonderful floral print on a green background. dress has gathering down to hip leval, with three self fabric...

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress

By Escada Margaretha Ley, Amen Wardy

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...

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1980s German Cocktail Dresses

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1950s Taffeta Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary 1950s taffeta dress for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Blue, Red and more. If you’re looking for a 1950s taffeta dress from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Ceil Chapman, Emma Domb and Christian Dior are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1950s Taffeta Dress?

The price for a 1950s taffeta dress starts at $235 and tops out at $7,500, and on average, selling for $700.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

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.

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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.