80s Gown
1980s Italian Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Evening Gowns
1980s Italian Evening Gowns
1980s Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Italian Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
1980s Unknown Evening Gowns
1980s Evening Dresses
1980s Unknown Court Gowns
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s American Evening Dresses
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Ball Gowns
1990s Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
20th Century Italian Day Dresses
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s Italian Evening Dresses
1980s Evening Dresses
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
1980s English Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s American Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
20th Century Italian Sheath Dresses
20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s Unknown Evening Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
1980s Unknown Evening Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
1980s Evening Dresses
1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
20th Century Italian Informal Dresses
1980s Italian Evening Gowns
1980s French Evening Dresses
1980s Cocktail Dresses
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s French Evening Gowns
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80s Gown For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 80s Gown?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Fashion accessories were very popular in the '80s and some of the trendier ones included leg warmers, scrunchies, large neon earrings, plastic bangles and neon fingerless gloves.
- What is an illusion gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024An illusion gown is a formal dress that creates the appearance of having open cutouts that reveal bare skin. In actuality, these cutouts usually feature a layer of sheer fabric. For example, an illusion gown might look as if it were backless but features a sheer tulle panel with tiny hidden buttons. On 1stDibs, shop a range of illusion gowns from some of the world's top boutiques.
- What is a Schiaparelli gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Schiaparelli gown is an elaborate evening or formal dress from the luxury fashion house Schiaparelli. Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer well known for her lovely and revolutionary approach to formalwear. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Schiaparelli haute couture from top sellers around the world.
- What is a draped gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A draped gown is a single piece of garment that is draped around the body. It is a cutaway or stitched as in a tailored garment. Drape gowns can hold to the body through sashes, pinning, knotting, clasps, belts, tying drawstrings, fibulae, or just friction and gravity. Find a range of vintage and designer draped gowns on 1stDibs.
- What is a tulle gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Tulle typically refers to rayon, silk or nylon that has a stiff, fine netting. A tulle gown is simply a gown that incorporates this material into its design. Tulle adds an airy feeling to a dress or gown. Shop a collection of vintage and designer tulle gowns from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a Worth gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Worth gowns are evening gowns designed by Charles Frederick Worth, an English fashion designer who opened his first shop in Paris in 1858. Worth gowns are meticulously constructed with a wide range of textiles in luxurious colors and textures. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Worth gowns from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Is a gown and a dress the same?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, a gown and a dress are not always the same type of clothing. While a gown is a type of dress, not all dresses are gowns. Gowns tend to be more formal and suited for black-tie and evening events. Shop a wide selection of high-end gowns and designer dresses on 1stDibs.
- What is the meaning of gown?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The meaning of gown is a long dress typically worn for formal occasions. A traditional gown usually has a fitted bodice and a full, flowing skirt. However, contemporary designers create gowns in a wide range of silhouettes. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of gowns from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023There are many things that you can wear to a 1980s party. Get inspired by the era’s fitness craze and wear a leotard, tights, leg warmers and a headband or a wind suit with a matching jacket and pull-on bottoms. Give the preppy look a try with a sweater set for women or a crewneck sweater tied around the neck of a polo shirt for men. Or, go punk with a vintage band t-shirt, distressed jeans, spiked jewelry and a wallet chain. Find a collection of vintage 1980s apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A number of bags were popular in the 1980s, including belt bags made of a variety of materials. Some designer handbags carried by celebrities of the era include the Hermès Birkin, Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag, the Chanel Gold Chain Classic Flap and various Prada nylon bags. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, tracksuits were popular in the 1980s. During the decade, the world of fitness heavily influenced fashion, with everything from leg warmers and tracksuits transitioning from the gym to the runways and the street. Velour tracksuits were especially popular looks of the day. Explore a collection of 1980s apparel on 1stDibs.
- What are ball gowns called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Ball gowns are sometimes called evening gowns or gowns. It is also technically correct to refer to a ball gown as a dress. However, the term dress can also describe pieces that are more casual than gowns. Shop a range of ball gowns from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The best color for an evening gown is a matter of preference. Evening gowns are popular in a variety of colors, including black, red, purple, green, blue, pink and more. 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Chinese dressing gown is called a cheongsam or a qipao. It is often styled as a high-necked, closely fitted dress with a slit on the side. Cheongsams were considered fashion-forward and influenced the rise of modern Chinese women in the 20th century. Shop a selection of cheongsams on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A ball gown dress and a princess dress are different names for the same style of cut in a wedding dress. This style of dress features a flattering fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt that flares out at the waist. The term ball gown is associated with more volume in the skirt than the term princess dress. Browse 1stDibs to find a beautiful array of wedding dresses from top boutiques around the world.
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