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VICTORIA ROYAL Champagne Beaded Gown Size Large
VICTORIA ROYAL Champagne Beaded Gown Size Large

VICTORIA ROYAL Champagne Beaded Gown Size Large

By Victoria Royal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Victoria Royal gown is composed of a beaded silk in champagne hues with silver. The gown features a plunge style neckline and long sleeves.

Category

20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Dress
Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Dress

Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Dress

By Badgley Mischka

Located in New Hope, PA

The dress is covered with black bugle beads in a vermicelli pattern on sheer silk chiffon.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Embellished Beaded Slip Dress
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Embellished Beaded Slip Dress

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Embellished Beaded Slip Dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Milano, IT

• Roberto Cavalli Fall Winter 2002 collection • Soft blush pink silk blend slip dress with semi sheer layered construction • Intricately hand embellished with cascading green crystal...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1950’s Haute Couture Tapestry Beaded Dress
1950’s Haute Couture Tapestry Beaded Dress

1950’s Haute Couture Tapestry Beaded Dress

Located in Geneva, CH

Entirely embellished with hand sewn beads (see picture xxx), the dress has a flattering scooped neckline that plunges lower at the back and gives this recognizable 50’s silhouette !

Category

1950s Egyptian Cocktail Dresses

Fabrice Cobalt Blue Paisley Beaded Gown Ensemble, 1980s
Fabrice Cobalt Blue Paisley Beaded Gown Ensemble, 1980s

Fabrice Cobalt Blue Paisley Beaded Gown Ensemble, 1980s

By Fabrice

Located in Los Angeles, CA

From Haitian-American designer Fabrice Simon came an array of beaded gowns and dresses that adorned celebrities, socialites and heiresses in the 1980s.

Category

20th Century Evening Gowns

Gianfranco Ferré Beaded Long Sleeve Sheath Dress
Gianfranco Ferré Beaded Long Sleeve Sheath Dress

Gianfranco Ferré Beaded Long Sleeve Sheath Dress

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Gianfranco Ferré '90s cream coloured silk dress, embellished with geometric embroideries and faceted synthetic crystals of different shapes and black sequins. Midi length with three-...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

James Galanos Couture Beaded Floral Silk Mini Dress
James Galanos Couture Beaded Floral Silk Mini Dress

James Galanos Couture Beaded Floral Silk Mini Dress

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in Boca Raton, FL

With his designs ranging from eccentric to presidential, Galanos’ work played a tremendous role in carving out the concept of American couture. This Galanos beaded silk dress featur...

Category

1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns

2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels
2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels

2000s Valentino Pink Beaded Gown with Sheer Panels

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

The front of the bust is adorned with decadent embroidered and beaded roses in shimmering iridescent pink. The straps are smothered with beaded roses that mirror the detail at the bu...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Early Oscar de la Renta Beaded Chiffon Sheath
Early Oscar de la Renta Beaded Chiffon Sheath

Early Oscar de la Renta Beaded Chiffon Sheath

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in New York, NY

Early Oscar de la Renta Beaded Sheath with bohemian vibes from the 1960's.

Category

1960s American Sheath Dresses

1990s Patricia Lester Fortuny Pleated and Beaded Dress
1990s Patricia Lester Fortuny Pleated and Beaded Dress

1990s Patricia Lester Fortuny Pleated and Beaded Dress

By Charles and Patricia Lester, Patricia Lester

Located in London, GB

The dress has a rounded neckline, complete with beaded trim and long sleeves with a button cuff fastening on each side.

Category

1990s British Delphos Gowns

Gorgeous 1970s Hand-Beaded Silk Evening Dress Bohemian Gown
Gorgeous 1970s Hand-Beaded Silk Evening Dress Bohemian Gown

Gorgeous 1970s Hand-Beaded Silk Evening Dress Bohemian Gown

Located in Berlin, BE

The silk is densely worked with sequins and fine beadwork, arranged in meandering, almost improvisational patterns that recall antique textiles and early 20th-century decorative arts...

Category

1970s British Evening Dresses

Blumarine tulle dress embroidered with beads and crystals
Blumarine tulle dress embroidered with beads and crystals

Blumarine tulle dress embroidered with beads and crystals

By Blumarine

Located in Rubiera, RE

Blumarine tulle dress embroidered entirely by hand, with beads and crystals in an intertwined design of camellias, leaf shoots and ramages.

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino
Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress Red Valentino

By REDValentino

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black full beaded sleeveless cocktail dress. Shell composition: 100% polyester + beads and rhinestone.

Category

Early 2000s Indian Cocktail Dresses

Spectacular French Art Deco Beaded 'Flapper' Evening Dress
Spectacular French Art Deco Beaded 'Flapper' Evening Dress

Spectacular French Art Deco Beaded 'Flapper' Evening Dress

Located in Sharon, CT

Black silk gauze, heavily embroidered with irridized paillettes creating swirling complex patterns highlighted with densely embroidered irridized flowers. The heavy ornamentation of ...

Category

1920s French Cocktail Dresses

Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925
Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925

Full beaded see-through flapper dress Circa 1925

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Full beaded ( beads and sequins) see-through flapper dress.

Category

1920s European Evening Dresses

NWT Gucci $28K Deco Inspired Beaded Evening Dress
NWT Gucci $28K Deco Inspired Beaded Evening Dress

NWT Gucci $28K Deco Inspired Beaded Evening Dress

By Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gucci hand beaded silk evening dress adorned in contrasting shades of purple and rasberry pink accented in green beads brilliantly highlighting the magnificent artwork of the dress.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Pale blue fully beaded cocktail dress Circa 1960
Pale blue fully beaded cocktail dress Circa 1960

Pale blue fully beaded cocktail dress Circa 1960

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pale blue fully beaded cocktail dress on a chiffon base. Rayon lining.

Category

1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Alfred Bosand bugle beaded halter pleated gown
Alfred Bosand bugle beaded halter pleated gown

Alfred Bosand bugle beaded halter pleated gown

By Alfred Bosand

Located in New York, NY

Alfred Bosand Black fully-lined pleated dress has detailed silver glass micro beadwork in front and along the neck. The gown has a center back invisible zipper which measures 13" and...

Category

1980s Cocktail Dresses

Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress
Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress

Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress

By Versace

Located in Capri, IT

Versace Iconic Sequins and Beads Multicolour Long Dress Unique and rare long multicolour dress totally made in italy in italian size range 40 Beads and sequins all over

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Gucci Vintage Opulent Beaded Evening Dress Gown   NWT
Gucci Vintage Opulent Beaded Evening Dress Gown   NWT

Gucci Vintage Opulent Beaded Evening Dress Gown NWT

By Tom Ford, Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fab Gucci vintage ravishing red bias cut gown adorned with spiral panels showered in hand beadwork. Features plunging neckline and delicate tie shoulder treatment. Puddles with lon...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Miss Ruth 1960s Dress with Beaded Cut outs
Miss Ruth 1960s Dress with Beaded Cut outs

Miss Ruth 1960s Dress with Beaded Cut outs

$295Sale Price|56% Off

Size: M

Miss Ruth 1960s Dress with Beaded Cut outs

By Boutique by Miss Ruth, Miss Ruth

Located in Water Mill, NY

It has rows of black glass tubular beads surrounding crescent shaped cut outs around the neck front and back.

Category

1960s Chinese Evening Dresses and Gowns

1920s Black Silk Beaded Flapper Dress Large size
1920s Black Silk Beaded Flapper Dress Large size

1920s Black Silk Beaded Flapper Dress Large size

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful Large Size 1920s Black Silk V neck sleeveless flapper dress with clear bugle beads beaded in floral pattern. Fit US SIZE 6/8 Bust : 40 inch Waist: 34 inch Hip: 42 inch Leng...

Category

1920s American Day Dresses

2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress
2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress

2006 Valentino Haute Couture Runway Floral Pleated Beaded Dress

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

Bands of it finish the cuffs, encircle the waist and under the bust, as well as finishing the skirt. Sequins and beads in tonal silver, bronze, coffee-brown and palest pink form incr...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1990s Gold Beaded Lace NWOT Strapless Bridal Cocktail Dress
1990s Gold Beaded Lace NWOT Strapless Bridal Cocktail Dress

1990s Gold Beaded Lace NWOT Strapless Bridal Cocktail Dress

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as a century. Each piece is selected with both quality and rarity in ...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Jackie Rogers Elegant Bias Chiffon Beaded Evening Dress
Jackie Rogers Elegant Bias Chiffon Beaded Evening Dress

Jackie Rogers Elegant Bias Chiffon Beaded Evening Dress

By Jackie Rogers

Located in New York, NY

The cowl neckline is beaded with sequins overlaid with crystals in pale blue degrading from neck to waist.

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Donald Brooks Gold Beaded Dress 1960s
Vintage Donald Brooks Gold Beaded Dress 1960s

Vintage Donald Brooks Gold Beaded Dress 1960s

By Donald Brooks

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Donald Brooks short sleeve cocktail dress featuring gold chevron pattern beading atop a nude chiffon lining and back zipper closure. Circa 1960's. Excellent Vintage Conditio...

Category

1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Alexander McQueen 2008 Beaded Leather Fringe Cocktail Dress
Alexander McQueen 2008 Beaded Leather Fringe Cocktail Dress

Alexander McQueen 2008 Beaded Leather Fringe Cocktail Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in San Francisco, CA

Rare Alexander McQueen vintage 2000s black leather fringe dress with beaded straps that travel the full length of the dress.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

1981  Halston Black Beaded Cocktail Dress with Cardigan
1981  Halston Black Beaded Cocktail Dress with Cardigan

1981 Halston Black Beaded Cocktail Dress with Cardigan

By Roy Halston Frowick

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1981 Halston Black beaded sleeveless cocktail dress with cardigan jacket.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses

Vintage Beaded Cocktail Dress by Party Time
Vintage Beaded Cocktail Dress by Party Time

Vintage Beaded Cocktail Dress by Party Time

Located in London, GB

A chic vintage cocktails dress by Party Time. The dress has a black background with beading in a wonderful mix of Fall colours. The dress is fully lined , and has a central back zip....

Category

1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Mike Benet 1960s Red Gown with Pearl & Beaded Embellishments
Mike Benet 1960s Red Gown with Pearl & Beaded Embellishments

Mike Benet 1960s Red Gown with Pearl & Beaded Embellishments

By Mike Benet Formals

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This striking 1960 gown by Mike Benet features vibrant cherry red fabric that commands attention. Pearl and bead embellishments delicately accentuate the neckline and underbust, addi...

Category

1960s Evening Dresses

Krizia Beaded & Sequined Mini Dress w/Snake Motif
Krizia Beaded & Sequined Mini Dress w/Snake Motif

Krizia Beaded & Sequined Mini Dress w/Snake Motif

By Krizia

Located in Studio City, CA

Rare vintage Krizia beaded and sequined snake motif mini dress featuring a wraparound snake with a red beaded tongue that hangs off the dress at the front.

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Printed cocktail dress with beaded work Lancetti NEW
Printed cocktail dress with beaded work Lancetti NEW

Printed cocktail dress with beaded work Lancetti NEW

By Lancetti

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Printed cocktail dress with beaded work. Fabric composition: 100% polyester Zip in the middle back and split in the bottom , lenght= 25 cm Polyester chiffon ruffles on the side.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Jenny Packham  Main line Grey Ombre Beaded Dress
Jenny Packham  Main line Grey Ombre Beaded Dress

Jenny Packham Main line Grey Ombre Beaded Dress

By Jenny Packham

Located in London, GB

The dress has wonderful bead detail in a star design in varying shades of grey.

Category

2010s Indian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie Black Evening Gown With Velvet & Beaded Trim
Bob Mackie Black Evening Gown With Velvet & Beaded Trim

Bob Mackie Black Evening Gown With Velvet & Beaded Trim

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This stunning Bob Mackie black evening gown epitomizes 80s glamour with its luxurious velvet and intricate beaded trim detailing. The sophisticated silhouette demands drama—layer it ...

Category

1980s Evening Gowns

Dries Van Noten Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress, 2000s
Dries Van Noten Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress, 2000s

Dries Van Noten Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress, 2000s

By Dries van Noten

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Black silk satin and chiffon with a patchwork of different and interesting beadwork - from seed beads to bugle beads. Simple silhouette with complex construction and decoration.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Lorena Sarbu Green Leather and Silk Beaded Mini Dress
Lorena Sarbu Green Leather and Silk Beaded Mini Dress

Lorena Sarbu Green Leather and Silk Beaded Mini Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great vintage condition with very light bead loss (not noticeable), lining is mint. Opalescent beads flutter throughout adding to the sparkling element of this dress.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mini Dress

Black beaded cocktail dress BOB MACKIE for NEIMAN MARCUS
Black beaded cocktail dress BOB MACKIE for NEIMAN MARCUS

Black beaded cocktail dress BOB MACKIE for NEIMAN MARCUS

By Bob Mackie

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black beaded ( sequin, beads and rhinestone) cocktail dress.

Category

1980s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

Dior by John Galliano 2006 beaded lace style gown
Dior by John Galliano 2006 beaded lace style gown

Dior by John Galliano 2006 beaded lace style gown

By Christian Dior

Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH

Perfect for a stand out look, and the lace detail isn’t actually lace, It’s completely made out of hunderds of small beads. The exact same dress was actually used in that years Dior ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s
Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s

Eisenberg Originals Dress with Beaded Lace Panel 1940s

By Eisenberg Originals

Located in Water Mill, NY

It has a crew neckline, long sleeves and a stunning richly detailed glass seed beaded lace insert across the upper chest and along the front of the dolman sleeves.

Category

1940s American Day Dresses

1960s Turquoise Scallop Pleated and Beaded Embellished Shift Dress
1960s Turquoise Scallop Pleated and Beaded Embellished Shift Dress

1960s Turquoise Scallop Pleated and Beaded Embellished Shift Dress

Located in London, GB

Here, ombré vines made from dark grey-blue beads and pale blue stitching encircle light blue iridescent beads and pearls - decadent detailing that makes this gown a stand-out piece f...

Category

1960s American Evening Dresses

1960s White and Green  Beaded Mini Cocktail Dress
1960s White and Green  Beaded Mini Cocktail Dress

1960s White and Green Beaded Mini Cocktail Dress

By British Crown Colony

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 1960s Intricate White and Green beaded sequin floral pattern on white lace mini cocktail dress.

Category

1960s Hong Kong Mini Dress

Vintage Tan & Multicolor Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Halter Mini Dress
Vintage Tan & Multicolor Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Halter Mini Dress

Vintage Tan & Multicolor Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Halter Mini Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in New York, NY

Vintage tan silk halter mini dress by Bob Mackie. Gold-tone and black bead and sequin embellishments throughout. Keyhole at back.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

Gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE by OLEG CASSINI
Gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE by OLEG CASSINI

Gold beaded cocktail dress BLACK TIE by OLEG CASSINI

By Black Tie by Oleg Cassini

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Gold beaded cocktail dress with bead fringes . Main fabric composition: 100% silk.

Category

1980s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress
1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress

1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress

$45,000

Size: No tag, fits best S or US 4-6

1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress

By Atelier Versace

Located in Switzerland, CH

Breathtaking Atelier Versace Evening Dress An amazing Haute Couture piece One of the most stunning pieces by Atelier Versace From the 1990s, created by Gianni Versace Fully hand-bea...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Gucci Rare 2006 Runway Shimmery Opulence Gold Beaded Gown
Gucci Rare 2006 Runway Shimmery Opulence Gold Beaded Gown

Gucci Rare 2006 Runway Shimmery Opulence Gold Beaded Gown

By Tom Ford, Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Halter bodice offers a sexy low draped neckline; fitted at waist and flairs out a bit. All hand beaded and lined in silk. Back zipper closure.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Renato Balestra Chiffon Beaded Stripe Asymmetrical Evening Dress, 1980s
Renato Balestra Chiffon Beaded Stripe Asymmetrical Evening Dress, 1980s

Renato Balestra Chiffon Beaded Stripe Asymmetrical Evening Dress, 1980s

By BALESTRA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1980s evening dress by Italian couture house Balestra.Black and silver beads and embellishments create a zebra-esque feathered, striped motif.

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses

DOLCE & GABBANA black cotton BEADED FLORAL BROCADE Dress 42 M
DOLCE & GABBANA black cotton BEADED FLORAL BROCADE Dress 42 M

DOLCE & GABBANA black cotton BEADED FLORAL BROCADE Dress 42 M

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Zürich, CH

This luxury Dolce & Gabbana dress is richly embellished with tonal beads in varying sizes, hand-worked into intricate floral formations across the bodice and hem, exemplifying the ho...

Category

2010s Evening Gowns

Balmain Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Dress, Beaded Embroidery, Size 36
Balmain Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Dress, Beaded Embroidery, Size 36

Balmain Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Dress, Beaded Embroidery, Size 36

By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, Balmain

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture (N°132-027) Dress composed of silk chiffon, embroidered with beads and sequins. Back zip closure. Additional information: Dimensions: Bust: 36 cm (14....

Category

1960s French Evening Dresses

1960s Cream Silk Beaded Sequin Custom Cocktail Dress
1960s Cream Silk Beaded Sequin Custom Cocktail Dress

1960s Cream Silk Beaded Sequin Custom Cocktail Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1960s custom cocktail dress Cream silk Hand beaded and sequined Back slit and zipper Fully lined Personal property of actress Maria Bello

Category

1950s Cocktail Dresses

1960s Black Crepe Cocktail Dress With Beaded Embellishment
1960s Black Crepe Cocktail Dress With Beaded Embellishment

1960s Black Crepe Cocktail Dress With Beaded Embellishment

Located in London, GB

This glamorous vintage 1960s cocktail dress with elaborate bead embellishments is in beautiful condition and is of excellent quality although unlabelled.

Category

1960s British Evening Dresses

Gaby of Espana Two Piece Beaded Evening Ensemble, 1960s
Gaby of Espana Two Piece Beaded Evening Ensemble, 1960s

Gaby of Espana Two Piece Beaded Evening Ensemble, 1960s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

We don't like to use (overuse) the word rare but sometimes it’s unavoidable. 1960s era Gaby of Espana cocktail or evening ensemble of ivory chiffon festooned with tiny pale blue see...

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses

Herve Leger Bandage Dress Embroidered with Beads, 2000s
Herve Leger Bandage Dress Embroidered with Beads, 2000s

Herve Leger Bandage Dress Embroidered with Beads, 2000s

By Herve Léger

Located in New York, NY

Herve Leger bandage dress embroidered with beads. Period: 2000s Sleeveless, fastens with a zipper at the back.

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses

Thierry Mugler Couture Pink Flame Beaded Silk Gown
Thierry Mugler Couture Pink Flame Beaded Silk Gown

Thierry Mugler Couture Pink Flame Beaded Silk Gown

By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler

Located in Concord, NC

This early 2000’s vintage Thierry Mugler gown features a halter neckline with a plunging V-front. The dress transitions from vibrant fuchsia to deep red, with flame-like cutouts ador...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and 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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