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1980s Avant Garde Dress

Bernard Perris Vintage Avant Garde Dress- 1980s
Bernard Perris Vintage Avant Garde Dress- 1980s

Bernard Perris Vintage Avant Garde Dress- 1980s

By Bernard Perris

Located in Sparks, NV

Absolutely incredible vintage Bernard Perris dress with sculptural origami pleating and avant garde

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Lilli Rubin White Jersey Dress Gown 1980s  Avant Garde
Lilli Rubin White Jersey Dress Gown 1980s  Avant Garde

Lilli Rubin White Jersey Dress Gown 1980s Avant Garde

Located in Wallkill, NY

pads that is typical of the 1980's fashions and a full back zipper, with clips above the zipper. Lillie

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Pauline Trigere Black Wool Silk Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 80s Dress
1980s Pauline Trigere Black Wool Silk Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 80s Dress

1980s Pauline Trigere Black Wool Silk Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 80s Dress

By Pauline Trigère

Located in San Diego, CA

Avant Garde 1980s PAULINE TRIGERE black wool and silk taffeta dress ! Features a tailored wool

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

I Magnin Royal Blue One Shoulder Avant Garde Vintage Gown, 1980s
I Magnin Royal Blue One Shoulder Avant Garde Vintage Gown, 1980s

I Magnin Royal Blue One Shoulder Avant Garde Vintage Gown, 1980s

By I. Magnin

Located in San Diego, CA

Fabulous early 1980s I. MAGNIN royal blue Avant Garde full length taffeta maxi evening dress

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Ted Lapidus Size 8 Turquoise Blue Avant Garde Sequined Vintage 80s Gown
1980s Ted Lapidus Size 8 Turquoise Blue Avant Garde Sequined Vintage 80s Gown

1980s Ted Lapidus Size 8 Turquoise Blue Avant Garde Sequined Vintage 80s Gown

By Ted Lapidus Paris, Ted Lapidus

Located in San Diego, CA

Avant Garde TED LAPIDUS turquoise blue fully sequined evening gown dress ! Features thousands of

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Recent Sales

Ronaldus Shamask Avant Garde 1980's Vintage Cream Wool Dress Size 6/8
Ronaldus Shamask Avant Garde 1980's Vintage Cream Wool Dress Size 6/8

Ronaldus Shamask Avant Garde 1980's Vintage Cream Wool Dress Size 6/8

By Ronaldus Shamask

Located in Portland, OR

This vintage cream dress was designed by Ronaldus Shamask in the 1980's. The dress has front

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1980s American Day Dresses

Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown
Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown

Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown

By Ruben Panis, Ruben Panis for Elizabeth Arden

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1980s RUBEN PANIS Couture for Eilzabeth Arden Avant Garde one shoulder metallic silk

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Eugene Alexander Avant Garde Green + Black Vintage 80s Mini Dress
1980s Eugene Alexander Avant Garde Green + Black Vintage 80s Mini Dress

1980s Eugene Alexander Avant Garde Green + Black Vintage 80s Mini Dress

By Eugene Alexander

Located in San Diego, CA

Avant Garde EUGENE ALEXANDER 1980s green silk brocade and black silk velvet off the shoulder mini

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Hot Pink + Black Avant Garde Strong Shoulder Vintage 80s Cocktail Dress
1980s Hot Pink + Black Avant Garde Strong Shoulder Vintage 80s Cocktail Dress

1980s Hot Pink + Black Avant Garde Strong Shoulder Vintage 80s Cocktail Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Bring back the 80s in this amazing little number! Flattering black jersey bodice stretches to fit, with strong shoulders (shoulder pads are built in, but can easily be snipped out). ...

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown
Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown

Avant Garde Ruben Parnis 1980s Sz 8 Vintage One Shoulder Prurple Silk Gown

By Ruben Panis, Ruben Panis for Elizabeth Arden

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1980s RUBEN PANIS Couture for Eilzabeth Arden Avant Garde one shoulder metallic silk

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Lilli Diamond Fuchsia Hot Pink Strapless Avant Garde Gown and Sash Stole
1980s Lilli Diamond Fuchsia Hot Pink Strapless Avant Garde Gown and Sash Stole

1980s Lilli Diamond Fuchsia Hot Pink Strapless Avant Garde Gown and Sash Stole

By Lilli Diamond

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing vintage 80s LILLI DIAMOND magenta strapless taffeta gown and extra large stole! Features a flattering ruched bodice, with a mermaid hem and origami flower detail. Hidden zipp...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Junko Koshino Avant Garde Tiered Dress
1980s Junko Koshino Avant Garde Tiered Dress

1980s Junko Koshino Avant Garde Tiered Dress

By Junko Koshino

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Killer Junko Koshino 1980s avant garde dress. AMAZING little dress! High rounded neckline with

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1980s Italian Day Dresses

Galanos Avant Garde 1980s Rhinestone Button Dress
Galanos Avant Garde 1980s Rhinestone Button Dress

Galanos Avant Garde 1980s Rhinestone Button Dress

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Beautiful vintage 1980s avant garde LBD by James Galanos. Batwing top with super draped neckline

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1980s Day Dresses

1980s Avant Garde Norma Kamali Rare Denim Vintage Dress
1980s Avant Garde Norma Kamali Rare Denim Vintage Dress

1980s Avant Garde Norma Kamali Rare Denim Vintage Dress

By Norma Kamali

Located in Portland, OR

This fabulous vintage dress was designed by Norma Kamali in the 1980's and was purchased at the

Category

1980s American Day Dresses

1980s Avant Garde Red Wool Knit Maxi Dress
1980s Avant Garde Red Wool Knit Maxi Dress

1980s Avant Garde Red Wool Knit Maxi Dress

Located in Dallas, TX

Amazing avant grade sweater knit dress in a brick red and gray patterned wool blend dating to the

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1990s American Maxi Dresses

Asymmetric Draped Avant Garde Silk Maxi Dress
Asymmetric Draped Avant Garde Silk Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Draped Avant Garde Silk Maxi Dress

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Killer 1980s avant garde silk maxi dress. Such an amazing find! Teal, black and purple graphic

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Late 20th Century Maxi Dresses

Vintage 1980's Comme des Garcons Avant Garde Funnel Dress
Vintage 1980's Comme des Garcons Avant Garde Funnel Dress

Vintage 1980's Comme des Garcons Avant Garde Funnel Dress

By Comme des Garçons

Located in Toronto, ON

Vintage 1980's Comme des Garcons avant garde black dress. Pull-over style with no zippers or

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1980s Japanese Day Dresses

Castelbajac 1980s Avant-Garde Double Sleeve Sweater Dress
Castelbajac 1980s Avant-Garde Double Sleeve Sweater Dress

Castelbajac 1980s Avant-Garde Double Sleeve Sweater Dress

By Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Located in Los Angeles, CA

De Castelbajac Shiba sweater dress from his S/S 1984 collection. As pictured in

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1980s French Day Dresses

Sybilla Vintage 1980s Avant Garde Architectural Black Cape Coat Dress
Sybilla Vintage 1980s Avant Garde Architectural Black Cape Coat Dress

Sybilla Vintage 1980s Avant Garde Architectural Black Cape Coat Dress

By Sybilla

Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Sybilla Vintage 1980s Avant Garde Black Cocoon Cape Back Zip Front Coat Dress Size: fits roughly

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1980s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses

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Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress
Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress

Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress

By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible, sexy, and timeless vintage 1980s Giorgio di Sant Angelo white beaded dress! Encrusted with thousands of seed beads, rhinestones, etc...The detail on this sexy little numb...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress

By Christian Dior, John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano Ivory Metallic Jacquard Slip Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2003
John Galliano Ivory Metallic Jacquard Slip Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2003

John Galliano Ivory Metallic Jacquard Slip Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2003

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

Bias-cut slip dress in ivory and gold-tone viscose blend jacquard, designed by John Galliano for Spring-Summer 2003. The fabric features a woven floral damask motif with metallic thr...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Navy Blue Chiffon White Rhinestone Flowers Vintage 60s Gown Maxi Dress
1960s Navy Blue Chiffon White Rhinestone Flowers Vintage 60s Gown Maxi Dress

1960s Navy Blue Chiffon White Rhinestone Flowers Vintage 60s Gown Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1960s navy blue and white silk chiffon flower rhinestone applique gown ! Features a tailored bodice with hand-sewn white flowers that are encrusted with rhinestones. Sheer ...

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1960s American Evening Gowns

Vintage Oscar de la Renta Blue 'Sequin' Print Semi Sheer 90s Ruffle Blouse Top
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Blue 'Sequin' Print Semi Sheer 90s Ruffle Blouse Top

Vintage Oscar de la Renta Blue 'Sequin' Print Semi Sheer 90s Ruffle Blouse Top

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage 1990s OSCAR DE LA RENTA vibrant blue and white sequin print ruffle blouse! Features an all-over print that looks like sequins. Semi-sheer fine silk. Hidden hook and-eyes...

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1990s American Blouses and Tops

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

Moschino Silk Color Block Maxi Skirt
Moschino Silk Color Block Maxi Skirt

Moschino Silk Color Block Maxi Skirt

By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous patchwork silk skirt in greens, pinks, red and brown from Moschino. It is work intensive with dozens of 1 1/2 X 1 1/2" squares joined together forming the front of the sk...

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1990s Italian Skirts

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Black Eyelet Trim Collared Jacket
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Black Eyelet Trim Collared Jacket

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Black Eyelet Trim Collared Jacket

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Black Eyelet Trim Collared Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Designer: Alexander ...

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Early 2000s Italian Jackets

Alfred Bosand Black Point D-Esprit Gown and Cape with Ruffles - M - 1960's
Alfred Bosand Black Point D-Esprit Gown and Cape with Ruffles - M - 1960's

Alfred Bosand Black Point D-Esprit Gown and Cape with Ruffles - M - 1960's

By Alfred Bosand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Alfred Bosand Black Point D-Esprit Gown and Cape with Ruffles - M - 1960's. This ensemble has a sexy 60's look. The gown has spaghetti straps and a black lining with point d'esprit o...

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1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

DOLCE & GABBANA Fall 1991 Runway Multicoloured Crystal-Embellished Mini Skirt
DOLCE & GABBANA Fall 1991 Runway Multicoloured Crystal-Embellished Mini Skirt

DOLCE & GABBANA Fall 1991 Runway Multicoloured Crystal-Embellished Mini Skirt

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Munich, DE

"You can not beat Dolce & Gabbana early '90s, especially these [crystal-embellished] looks", said Kim Kardashian when presenting the Kim x Dolce & Gabbana collection for Spring/Summe...

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1990s Italian Skirts

1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace RUNWAY dress with bustle
1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace RUNWAY dress with bustle

1992 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace RUNWAY dress with bustle

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Azzedine Alaïa, Runway 1992 A standout and cleverly designed piece from Azzedine Alaïa’s 1992 runway collection, this exceptionally rare black lace dress was documented on the runwa...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano white broderie anglaise cotton skirt suit, ss 1996
John Galliano white broderie anglaise cotton skirt suit, ss 1996

John Galliano white broderie anglaise cotton skirt suit, ss 1996

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

John Galliano white broderie anglaise cotton skirt suit comprising: fitted blazer jacket with hidden front button fastenings, notched lapel and accentuated waist and hips. Matching m...

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1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown  1955 Iconic Gown Dress

Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress

By Pierre Balmain

Located in Berlin, BE

'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...

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1950s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Brocade and black satin evening coat Circa 1925
Brocade and black satin evening coat Circa 1925

Brocade and black satin evening coat Circa 1925

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Brocade and black satin evening coat. Small black satin roses embellishment. Silk taffetas lining. SIZE 38 (Fr) M

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1920s Unknown Coats and Outerwear

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress
1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Slinky 1970s HIROKO salmon and coral color blocked jersey bias cut maxi dress! This beauty simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Slimming diagonal stripes on the front and...

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1970s American Maxi Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977
Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977

Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Geneva, CH

Cut from airy sheer silk chiffon, this rare 1977 Spring-Summer Saint Laurent Rive Gauche maxi dress is shirred from under the chest to the hips for a flattering - though comfortable ...

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1970s French Maxi Dresses

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1980s Avant Garde Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary 1980s avant garde dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Black is a pretty popular color, but we also have Blue, Gray, Red and more in stock now. If you’re looking for a 1980s avant garde 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 20th Century. An accessory like this designed by Victor Costa, Norma Kamali and Angelo Tarlazzi — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. 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 1980s Avant Garde Dress?

The price for a 1980s avant garde dress starts at $190 and tops out at $4,500, and on average, selling for $925.

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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