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1970s HALSTON Black Beaded Silk Halter Jumpsuit
1970s HALSTON Black Beaded Silk Halter Jumpsuit

1970s HALSTON Black Beaded Silk Halter Jumpsuit

By Halston

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

70s Halston black silk beaded V neck halter jumpsuit with open back. Perfect for cocktail party.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

Donna Karan Black beaded evening ensemble
Donna Karan Black beaded evening ensemble

Donna Karan Black beaded evening ensemble

By Donna Karan

Located in New York, NY

Donna Karan two-piece bugle-beaded evening ensemble is classical elegant! The skirt has a fitted waistband with a heavy-duty hook and snap for closing.

Category

1980s Italian Skirt Suits

Halston Aqua Sequin and Beaded Ensemble, 1980s
Halston Aqua Sequin and Beaded Ensemble, 1980s

Halston Aqua Sequin and Beaded Ensemble, 1980s

By Halston

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Early 1980s Halston Aqua Intricately Sequined and Beaded Ensemble. Skirt is adjustable with an elastic waist.

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses

Flirty Bias Silk Chiffon Beaded Dance Dress
Flirty Bias Silk Chiffon Beaded Dance Dress

Flirty Bias Silk Chiffon Beaded Dance Dress

Located in New York, NY

Flirty 2 layer bias cut red silk chiffon with handkerchief points at hem. Multicolor bugle beaded band across top of chest with tiny bias cord straps.

Category

1980s North American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Y2K Celine Black LBD with Beaded Bow
Y2K Celine Black LBD with Beaded Bow

Y2K Celine Black LBD with Beaded Bow

By Celine

Located in Miami, FL

Celine size 38 from the Philo era black mini dress, wrap style with a sequin detail bow at the front. It criss crosses at the back and forms a deep V down the front. Internal strin...

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Julien Macdonald Beaded Gown with Mesh Panels
Julien Macdonald Beaded Gown with Mesh Panels

Julien Macdonald Beaded Gown with Mesh Panels

By Julien Macdonald

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful bodycon stretch sequin and beaded dress from Julien MacDonald. It is fitted through the hips then falls straight to the hem with a slit on one side.

Category

Early 2000s English Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress
Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress

Valentino S/S 2006 Silk Jersey Beaded Dress

By Valentino

Located in Paris, FR

Short flutter sleeves and fitted silhouette through hip. Elaborate beaded and sequined trim in gold and bronze tones adorns the sleeve cuffs, hemline, and decorative straps across sh...

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Elegant Art Deco Silk Velvet Beaded Gown
Elegant Art Deco Silk Velvet Beaded Gown

Elegant Art Deco Silk Velvet Beaded Gown

Located in New York, NY

Austere and Elegant Art Deco Silk Velvet Beaded Gown from the 1930's, retailed by Saks Fifth Ave.

Category

1930s American Maxi Dress

MA Burgundy Crochet Fringe Dress with Beaded Straps
MA Burgundy Crochet Fringe Dress with Beaded Straps

MA Burgundy Crochet Fringe Dress with Beaded Straps

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW ATELIER Burgundy Crochet Fringe Dress with Beaded Straps Measurements Overall length: 55 in.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

1960s Pink Mesh Beaded Tunic Cocktail Dress
1960s Pink Mesh Beaded Tunic Cocktail Dress

1960s Pink Mesh Beaded Tunic Cocktail Dress

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful vintage 60s Pink Sheer Mesh tunic beaded in white, pink and gold flower beads. Collar and sleeves is beaded in pink beads.

Category

1960s American Bridesmaids Dresses

1950s Heiress Boutique Dusky Pink Beaded Dress
1950s Heiress Boutique Dusky Pink Beaded Dress

1950s Heiress Boutique Dusky Pink Beaded Dress

Located in London, GB

This lovely Heiress 1950s fine crepe occasion dress in dusky pink is pretty, gamine and features some gorgeous design details. The classic hourglass silhouette draws in neatly at the...

Category

1950s British Cocktail Dresses

1920's Black Silk Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress
1920's Black Silk Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress

1920's Black Silk Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exquisite flapper dress from the 1920's embodies the sultry sophistication of the period with intricate beading, geometric paneling, and fabulous bugle beaded fringe. Crafted ...

Category

1920s American Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps
Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps

Gianni Versace Silk Dress with Beaded Straps

By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful black silk dress with beaded straps from Gianni Versace Couture. It is a simple dress that skims the body with 2 straps at each shoulder made of silver glass tubular bea...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1960s Beaded Banff Dress with Sheer Sleeves
1960s Beaded Banff Dress with Sheer Sleeves

1960s Beaded Banff Dress with Sheer Sleeves

By Banff Ltd

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black knit beaded Banff dress from Zacks, an upscale 1960s department store in England.

Category

1960s English Evening Dresses and Gowns

Twin-Set, Long black dress with beads.
Twin-Set, Long black dress with beads.

Twin-Set, Long black dress with beads.

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

Twin-Set, Long black dress with beads in size S. The item has been worn once and is in excellent condition

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

2000s KRIZIA Sheer micro mini beaded yellow
2000s KRIZIA Sheer micro mini beaded yellow

2000s KRIZIA Sheer micro mini beaded yellow

$340Sale Price|60% Off

Size: 0-6

2000s KRIZIA Sheer micro mini beaded yellow

By Krizia

Located in Austin, TX

2000s KRIZIA Sheer mini beaded nylon and spandex with beading Condition: Excellent 33" bust, 30" waist, 31" hips, 29" length One size ( fits US 0 - 6 ) 

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Elegant Art Deco Beaded Chiffon Tunic Dress
Elegant Art Deco Beaded Chiffon Tunic Dress

Elegant Art Deco Beaded Chiffon Tunic Dress

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Art Deco Tunic Dress of black silk chiffon with diamond and radiating patterns of iridescent purple beads throughout. Sheer dress slips over the head with sides open to hip w...

Category

1920s French Chemises

Full beaded cocktail dress Circa 1925's
Full beaded cocktail dress Circa 1925's

Full beaded cocktail dress Circa 1925's

$4,117

Size: 38 (Fr) 8 (US) M

Full beaded cocktail dress Circa 1925's

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Full beaded ( glass beads) cocktail dress on a black chiffon base SIZE 38 (Fr) M

Category

1920s French Cocktail Dresses

Karl Lagerfeld Elaborately Beaded Silk Dress 1990s
Karl Lagerfeld Elaborately Beaded Silk Dress 1990s

Karl Lagerfeld Elaborately Beaded Silk Dress 1990s

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous navy silk dress with beautifully beaded circles and lines in clear and burgundy glass beads from Karl Lagerfeld.

Category

1990s French Day Dresses

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE Runway Beaded Backless Dress FR36
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE Runway Beaded Backless Dress FR36

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE Runway Beaded Backless Dress FR36

By Alexandre Vauthier

Located in Hong Kong, NT

rare ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER COUTURE SS2023 Runway Lesage filigree pailette hand beaded backless dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/F00883 Brand: Alexandre Vauthier Designer: Alexandre Vauthier...

Category

2010s Cocktail Dresses

Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress
Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress

Valentino Boutique Black and White Beaded Dress

By Valentino

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous off white silk dress completely covered in black and white glass beads from Valentino Boutique. It is sleeveless with a scoop neckline front and back, skims the body and ...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1960s Grey Skirt with Elaborate Bead Trim
1960s Grey Skirt with Elaborate Bead Trim

1960s Grey Skirt with Elaborate Bead Trim

Located in Water Mill, NY

Around the hem is 5" of an elaborate configuration of various sized white beads, sequins and silver embroidery- stunning. It has a center back matching metal zipper and is fully lined.

Category

1960s Hong Kong Skirts

Scaasi Boutique Feather Bead Accent Dress 1980s
Scaasi Boutique Feather Bead Accent Dress 1980s

Scaasi Boutique Feather Bead Accent Dress 1980s

By Scaasi Boutique, Arnold Scaasi

Located in Water Mill, NY

It has a nude lined black flower lace bodice which is highlighted with black glass carnival beads and sequins plus a smattering of ostrich feathers of varying lengths.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses

Loewe Suede Dress with Beaded Detail
Loewe Suede Dress with Beaded Detail

Loewe Suede Dress with Beaded Detail

By Loewe

Located in New York, NY

Loewe, slightly fitted, suede, halter neck gown having a low back, and tiny black, beading detail sewn onto black leather ground that decorates the neckline, armholes and back.

Category

2010s Spanish Evening Gowns

French Chinoise Art Deco Beaded Evening Blouse
French Chinoise Art Deco Beaded Evening Blouse

French Chinoise Art Deco Beaded Evening Blouse

Located in Sharon, CT

Embroidered mostly silver beads in a Chinoise design, on a semi transparent black ground.

Category

1920s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Beaded Silk Column
Oscar de la Renta Beaded Silk Column

Oscar de la Renta Beaded Silk Column

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in New York, NY

Oscar de la Renta Beaded Black Silk Column with empire cut. Elaborately beaded bodice in tinsel, crystals, beads, embroidery and silk covered "stones".

Category

Early 2000s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Late 2010s Dennis Basso Floral Beaded Gown
Late 2010s Dennis Basso Floral Beaded Gown

Late 2010s Dennis Basso Floral Beaded Gown

By Dennis Basso

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Gorgeous Dennis Basso v neck floral beaded gown. Based out of NYC, Dennis Basso is a master of evening wear.

Category

2010s American Evening Gowns

Sleeveless cocktail dress with beaded work REDValentino
Sleeveless cocktail dress with beaded work REDValentino

Sleeveless cocktail dress with beaded work REDValentino

By REDValentino

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Sleeveless cocktail dress with beaded work. Double lays of fabric, the top lays is beaded and finish with a shiny fabric band.

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1990s Bob Mackie Blue Beaded and Sequinned Dress
1990s Bob Mackie Blue Beaded and Sequinned Dress

1990s Bob Mackie Blue Beaded and Sequinned Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in London, GB

These dresses were fabulously costly in their day and always hand beaded by the most skilled artisans onto signature black silk mesh.

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses

1920s Black and Cream Silk Beaded Long Flapper Dress
1920s Black and Cream Silk Beaded Long Flapper Dress

1920s Black and Cream Silk Beaded Long Flapper Dress

Located in London, GB

The majority of the bead work consists of transparent rocaille beads which appear silver toned when they catch the light.

Category

1920s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Zuhair Murad Silver Beaded Cocktail Dress - Size S
Zuhair Murad Silver Beaded Cocktail Dress - Size S

Zuhair Murad Silver Beaded Cocktail Dress - Size S

By Zuhair Murad

Located in Krakow, PL

Make a statement in this Zuhair Murad silver beaded cocktail dress! This stunning dress features a fitted silhouette and luxurious embellishments, including sequins, crystals, rhines...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress
1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress

1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress

By Fabrice

Located in London, GB

In this design, stripes are formed from zig-zagging rows of clear, silver and grey beads whilst thousands of iridescent cylindrical beads cover the rest of the body.

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Black jersey dress with beads embroideries Givenchy
Black jersey dress with beads embroideries Givenchy

Black jersey dress with beads embroideries Givenchy

By Givenchy

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black jersey dress with beads embroideries. No lining. Size : S

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1990s Bob Mackie Red Beaded and Sequin Dress
1990s Bob Mackie Red Beaded and Sequin Dress

1990s Bob Mackie Red Beaded and Sequin Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in London, GB

This is an extremely detailed example and is fully embellished with rows of ruby red sequins and bugle beads. These dresses were extremely costly in their day and always hand beaded ...

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses

Beaded and embroidered ball gown - France Circa 1920
Beaded and embroidered ball gown - France Circa 1920

Beaded and embroidered ball gown - France Circa 1920

$1,729

Size: Equivalent to French size 38-40

Beaded and embroidered ball gown - France Circa 1920

Located in Toulon, FR

France Black silk chiffon ball gown entirely embroidered with translucent glass beads and Cornély embroidery, dating from the french Années Folles.

Category

1920s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1960s Hannalore Pink Chiffon Beaded Maxi Dress
1960s Hannalore Pink Chiffon Beaded Maxi Dress

1960s Hannalore Pink Chiffon Beaded Maxi Dress

Located in London, GB

The bodice is adorned with a line of circular rhinestones and hundreds of iridescent beads, creating a cascading waterfall effect down the front of the dress which circles around the...

Category

1960s British Evening Dresses

Oceanus Shell Fully Hand-Beaded Halter-Neck Mini Dress
Oceanus Shell Fully Hand-Beaded Halter-Neck Mini Dress

Oceanus Shell Fully Hand-Beaded Halter-Neck Mini Dress

Located in London, GB

Brand New - Oceanus Shell Fully Hand-Beaded Halter-Neck Mini Dress Ocean-inspired, hand-beaded though out the layout showcasing shimmering shells, starfish, and aquatic patterns set...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mini Dress

2014 Julien Macdonald Runway Blue Sequin Beaded Dress
2014 Julien Macdonald Runway Blue Sequin Beaded Dress

2014 Julien Macdonald Runway Blue Sequin Beaded Dress

By Julien Macdonald

Located in London, GB

In the sheerest places, panels are crafted from blue lace or mesh that has been beaded with rows of diamonds formed from glittering blue bugle beads and rhinestones.

Category

2010s British Evening Dresses

Mingolini Gugenheim Black Beaded Dress on Lace, 1960s
Mingolini Gugenheim Black Beaded Dress on Lace, 1960s

Mingolini Gugenheim Black Beaded Dress on Lace, 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

From the late 50s/early 60s, it features a heavily beaded design over corded lace and is fully lined.

Category

20th Century Day Dresses

1960s Sarmi Silk Chiffon and Beaded Ballerina Dress
1960s Sarmi Silk Chiffon and Beaded Ballerina Dress

1960s Sarmi Silk Chiffon and Beaded Ballerina Dress

By Sarmi

Located in London, GB

The dress is in very good vintage condition. Some beads are missing though these are not noticeable when worn.

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Escada Couture Velvet Heart Beaded Dress
1980s Escada Couture Velvet Heart Beaded Dress

1980s Escada Couture Velvet Heart Beaded Dress

By Escada

Located in Miami, FL

It has a magenta satin strip folded over at the top and a colorful heart embroidered with beads on the right side hip which doubles as a pocket.

Category

1980s German Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de la Renta Crystal Beaded Dress
Oscar de la Renta Crystal Beaded Dress

Oscar de la Renta Crystal Beaded Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in New York, NY

Oscar de la Renta, sleeveless, fitted, cocktail dress encrusted with crystal bead work. Bead work detail includes an ombre pattern at the thighs and African inspired motifs at the hem.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

Alexander McQueen F/W 1998 "Joan" Beaded Dress
Alexander McQueen F/W 1998 "Joan" Beaded Dress

Alexander McQueen F/W 1998 "Joan" Beaded Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in PARIS, FR

Intricately embroidered with metallic thread, faceted beads and iridescent sequins in floral motifs. Designed with a sleeveless cut, sculpted silhouette and asymmetrical cut-out at t...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

1970s Adolfo Gold Lace Beaded Evening Tunic
1970s Adolfo Gold Lace Beaded Evening Tunic

1970s Adolfo Gold Lace Beaded Evening Tunic

By Adolfo

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Exquisite Adolfo gold lace beaded evening tunic from the 1970s. Beautifully detailed with gold sequin applique throughout and faux pearl, emerald marquis bead and gold thread trim al...

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage White Cocktail Dress with Bead Detail
Vintage White Cocktail Dress with Bead Detail

Vintage White Cocktail Dress with Bead Detail

Located in London, GB

It is decorated with coral colour beads and red and gold thread. Measurements: Bust 37'', waist 28'',length 41''

Category

1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

1950s Selfridges Midnight Blue Chiffon Beaded Dress
1950s Selfridges Midnight Blue Chiffon Beaded Dress

1950s Selfridges Midnight Blue Chiffon Beaded Dress

Located in London, GB

The intricate floral surface design comprises of prong set rhinestones, silver rocailles, pearlescent beads and petrol spill metallic sequins. Smaller clusters of deep violet rocaill...

Category

1950s British Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Silk Beaded Maxi Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Beaded Maxi Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Silk Beaded Maxi Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The most remarkable being the intricate beaded creating a pattern around the round neckline and the cuffs on the arm.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Maxi Dress

Couture Mingolini Gugenheim Vintage Beaded Dress+ Jacket
Couture Mingolini Gugenheim Vintage Beaded Dress+ Jacket

Couture Mingolini Gugenheim Vintage Beaded Dress+ Jacket

Located in Sparks, NV

Both pieces are meticulously hand beaded with tiny sparkling steel cut seed beads in shades of ink blue.

Category

1960s Italian Dress and Coat Ensembles

Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s
Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s

Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s

Located in New York, NY

Elaborately Beaded French FLapper Dress, c.1920s Indigo knee-length gauze Flapper dress with intricate beading of art deco style motifs in shades of indigo, blue and silver.

Category

1920s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Exceptional 1920s Couture Black Beaded Flapper Dress
Exceptional 1920s Couture Black Beaded Flapper Dress

Exceptional 1920s Couture Black Beaded Flapper Dress

Located in London, GB

Exceptional 1920s Black fine silk chiffon plissé flapper dress with unusual handkerchief hem hand-beaded throughout with miniature glass beads arranged in a spring flower bouquet and...

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses

Vintage Halston Beaded Black Jersey Evening Gown
Vintage Halston Beaded Black Jersey Evening Gown

Vintage Halston Beaded Black Jersey Evening Gown

By Halston

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Halston black jersey bias cut evening gown with asymmetrical beaded panels, low neckline, deep V at back, long sleeves, and slit.

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Beaded Evening Dress
Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Beaded Evening Dress

Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Beaded Evening Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha

PVC collar with glass beads embroideries. High leg slit. Open back. Rounded hem.

Category

Early 2000s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress
Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress

Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress

By Nina Ricci

Located in London, GB

Nina Ricci  Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress Black dress fully crafted from silk and adorned with an intricate bead and sequin detailing with a delicate...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

1960's Gold Heavily Embellished Beaded Lace Bombshell Gown
1960's Gold Heavily Embellished Beaded Lace Bombshell Gown

1960's Gold Heavily Embellished Beaded Lace Bombshell Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Clusters of metallic micro sequins and clear seed beads strung on gold thread adorn a network of gold lame net lace adorn the entire gown for an incredibly textural, three dimensiona...

Category

1960s American Evening Gowns

White and gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE
White and gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE

White and gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE

By BLACK TIE

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

White and gold beaded cocktail dress . Shell composition: silk. Lining composition: rayon.

Category

1980s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Unworn Beaded African Dress

By Alber Elbaz

Located in New York, NY

Black sequins , ebony and deep russet dangling wood beads adorn the empire bodice. Very full burnout chiffon fabric patterned in an african mudcloth design is overlaid a black semis...

Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

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Beaded Gowns For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of beaded gowns for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for Black beaded gowns and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Gray, Brown and more. Finding the perfect accessories for you may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions of these were made as early as the 19th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Beaded gowns such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Bob Mackie, Oscar De La Renta and Halston are consistently popular. Finding accessories for sale for women should be easy, but there are 57 pieces available to browse for men as well as unisex, too.

How Much are Beaded Gowns?

On average, beaded gowns on 1stDibs sell for $1,200, while they’re typically $95 on the low end and $112,000 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Evening Dresses And Gowns 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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