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1920s Art Deco Style Black Beaded Flapper Dress size UK 10 US 6
1920s Art Deco Style Black Beaded Flapper Dress size UK 10 US 6

1920s Art Deco Style Black Beaded Flapper Dress size UK 10 US 6

Located in Maghera, GB

A striking 1980s Art Deco Revival flapper-style evening dress, richly embellished with shimmering black sequins and dramatic beaded tassel fringe. Inspired by the glamorous silhouett...

Category

1980s Unknown Evening Dresses

Black jersey cocktail dress with rhinestone and beads neckline BLUMARINE New
Black jersey cocktail dress with rhinestone and beads neckline BLUMARINE New

Black jersey cocktail dress with rhinestone and beads neckline BLUMARINE New

By Blumarine

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black jersey cocktail dress with rhinestone and beads neckline. Fabric composition: 92% rayon, 8% spandex Extra rhinestone and beads provided.

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2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Rare Bob Mackie Gold Beaded Grapevine Illusion Gown Sharon Stone “Casino” US 6
Rare Bob Mackie Gold Beaded Grapevine Illusion Gown Sharon Stone “Casino” US 6

Rare Bob Mackie Gold Beaded Grapevine Illusion Gown Sharon Stone “Casino” US 6

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Elaborately beaded vines and leaves travel vertically over the body, creating Mackie’s signature illusion effect while emphasizing the long, sculptural silhouette.

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1990s North American Evening Gowns

NEW Missoni Crochet Knit Botanical Print Maxi Dress Gown with Beaded Details 40
NEW Missoni Crochet Knit Botanical Print Maxi Dress Gown with Beaded Details 40

NEW Missoni Crochet Knit Botanical Print Maxi Dress Gown with Beaded Details 40

By Missoni

Located in Switzerland, CH

Missoni's multicolored knitted dress is a sensational investment piece, note the bold botanical print and a dramatic beaded neckline. This effortlessly luxurious style requires littl...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Maxi Dress

Bob Mackie 1980s One Shoulder Beaded Gown With Sequin Lining
Bob Mackie 1980s One Shoulder Beaded Gown With Sequin Lining

Bob Mackie 1980s One Shoulder Beaded Gown With Sequin Lining

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This stunning black silk evening gown by renowned designer Bob Mackie is a one-of-a-kind piece, purchased at Amen Wardy in Newport in 1987/88. Its gold sequin detail adds a touch of ...

Category

1980s Evening Gowns

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6
Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 1950's cocktail dress is composed of beaded applique silk chiffon. Features a center back zipper closure.

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950's Green & Chartreuse Two Piece Beaded Gown Size 4
1950's Green & Chartreuse Two Piece Beaded Gown Size 4

1950's Green & Chartreuse Two Piece Beaded Gown Size 4

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gown is composed of two beaded pieces in green and chartreuse hues. There are zipper closures.

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20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

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

Stunning rich blue color, heavily beaded on front and back of bodice. Impeccable construction, with hand-finished details.

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1950s Evening Gowns

CARLOTA ALFARO Black Beaded Mesh Flapper Style Dress Size 4
CARLOTA ALFARO Black Beaded Mesh Flapper Style Dress Size 4

CARLOTA ALFARO Black Beaded Mesh Flapper Style Dress Size 4

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Carlota Alfaro dress is composed of a beaded black mesh with a jersey underlay. There is a zipper closure.

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20th Century Puerto Rican Cocktail Dresses

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Corset Black Mesh Net Beaded Floral Motif Evening Gown
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Corset Black Mesh Net Beaded Floral Motif Evening Gown

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Corset Black Mesh Net Beaded Floral Motif Evening Gown

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Black with black embellishments Hard boning all around upper waist Extremely sexy and flattering Has straps can be worn with or tucked in Back zip Size USA 6 ...

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1990s Evening Gowns

Custom Black Floral Beaded Applique Gown with Nude Size 2
Custom Black Floral Beaded Applique Gown with Nude Size 2

Custom Black Floral Beaded Applique Gown with Nude Size 2

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gown is composed of a beaded black mesh with a floral pattern, and nude lining detail.

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20th Century American Evening Gowns

Todd Oldham 1993 Vintage Women's Rayon Beaded Gown with High Slit
Todd Oldham 1993 Vintage Women's Rayon Beaded Gown with High Slit

Todd Oldham 1993 Vintage Women's Rayon Beaded Gown with High Slit

By Todd Oldham

Located in Miami, FL

From the 1993 SS Runway collection is this INSANE black 90s fitted gown with detailed heavily beaded collar and sleeves. The beading and embroidery on one sleeve is done in swirle...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

BADGLEY MISCHKA Silver Beaded Lace and Satin Gown Size 10
BADGLEY MISCHKA Silver Beaded Lace and Satin Gown Size 10

BADGLEY MISCHKA Silver Beaded Lace and Satin Gown Size 10

By BADGLEY MISHCKA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Badgley Mischka dgown is composed of a silver lace with satin skirt, and a beaded bodice. Features a sheer lace metallic sleeves.

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20th Century Italian Evening Gowns

Jean Lutece Couture-Style Silk Dress In Sage Green With Intricate Beads - 60s
Jean Lutece Couture-Style Silk Dress In Sage Green With Intricate Beads - 60s

Jean Lutece Couture-Style Silk Dress In Sage Green With Intricate Beads - 60s

By Jean Lutece

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The neckline and hem are adorned with finely executed bead and rhinestone embroidery, delicately hand-applied to create a subtle yet radiant sparkle.

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1960s Evening Dresses

BALESTRA Nude Chiffon Gown with Beaded Design Size 6 8
BALESTRA Nude Chiffon Gown with Beaded Design Size 6 8

BALESTRA Nude Chiffon Gown with Beaded Design Size 6 8

By BALESTRA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Balesto gown is composed of a beaded silk chiffon in a beige hue. There is a a side zipper closure with shoulder hook and eye closures.

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20th Century Italian Evening Gowns

Vintage 1982 Bob Mackie Red Fully Beaded Dress Gown size US 4
Vintage 1982 Bob Mackie Red Fully Beaded Dress Gown size US 4

Vintage 1982 Bob Mackie Red Fully Beaded Dress Gown size US 4

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

This strapless gown is constructed from black silk and completely encrusted with red sequins and bugle beads in intricate swirling and linear patterns, creating a striking play of li...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Alessandro Dell'Acqua New Silk Skirt and Top with Bead Trim
Alessandro Dell'Acqua New Silk Skirt and Top with Bead Trim

Alessandro Dell'Acqua New Silk Skirt and Top with Bead Trim

By Alessandro Dell'Acqua

Located in Water Mill, NY

The long sleeve top buttons up front and at the hem has a sheer 3" panel of intricately pattern grey glass seed beads and silver sequins. There is a matching panel around along the ...

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1990s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

FRED HAYMAN 90's Vintage 24K Colored Gold Glass Beaded Dress
FRED HAYMAN 90's Vintage 24K Colored Gold Glass Beaded Dress

FRED HAYMAN 90's Vintage 24K Colored Gold Glass Beaded Dress

By Fred Hayman Beverly Hills

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Great for bride, bridal, wedding festivities Fred Hayman Vintage 1990's 24K gold colored embellishments (not actual gold) Black/gold threaded background Low back Back zip Does not ha...

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1990s Cocktail Dresses

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown
MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown Decade: Material: Metal Vintage condition: Measurements Bust : 33 in Waist : 25 in...

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21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve
1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve

1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve

By Mollie Parnis

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1950's Mollie Parnis black rayon and chiffon long sleeve gown with unique asymmetrical shear chiffon and beading shoulder. The intricate beaded pattern, made up of rhinestones and bu...

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1950s American Evening Gowns

FRANK USHER Black Lace Beaded Gown Sheer Sleeves Size 12
FRANK USHER Black Lace Beaded Gown Sheer Sleeves Size 12

FRANK USHER Black Lace Beaded Gown Sheer Sleeves Size 12

By Frank Usher

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Frank Usher gown is composed of a beaded lace. Features sheer sleeves with a scallop edge neckline.

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20th Century American Evening Gowns

vintage LORIS AZZARO metallic black ruched dress with beaded waist embellishment
vintage LORIS AZZARO metallic black ruched dress with beaded waist embellishment

vintage LORIS AZZARO metallic black ruched dress with beaded waist embellishment

By Loris Azzaro

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Striking vintage Loris Azzaro strapless evening dress in black metallic fabric with a subtle liquid-like sheen. The bodice is carefully ruched and crossed to create a sculpted, hourg...

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1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI silk floral cloque white bead petal mini bow dress IT42 M
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI silk floral cloque white bead petal mini bow dress IT42 M

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI silk floral cloque white bead petal mini bow dress IT42 M

By Giambattista Valli

Located in Hong Kong, NT

The front bodice features clear and white flower petal bead embellishments cascading down the chest. A slender white ribbon bow accent details the waistline.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini Dress

Iconic 1989 Bob Mackie White Embroidered Beaded Grapevine Design Gown
Iconic 1989 Bob Mackie White Embroidered Beaded Grapevine Design Gown

Iconic 1989 Bob Mackie White Embroidered Beaded Grapevine Design Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

A white embroidered net gown with a beaded grapevine design, from the California Collection - a salute to the Napa Valley.

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1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Stunning Vintage Stephen Yearick 1980s Fully Beaded Shooting Star Chiffon Gown
Stunning Vintage Stephen Yearick 1980s Fully Beaded Shooting Star Chiffon Gown

Stunning Vintage Stephen Yearick 1980s Fully Beaded Shooting Star Chiffon Gown

By Stephen Yearick

Located in San Diego, CA

Thousands of hand-sewn black seed beads throughout the entire dress. Right shoulder features a 'Shooting Star' design in gold and silver sequins and beads.

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1980s American Evening Gowns

NEW Missoni Gold Metallic Crochet Knit Beaded Crystal Corset Midi Dress 42
NEW Missoni Gold Metallic Crochet Knit Beaded Crystal Corset Midi Dress 42

NEW Missoni Gold Metallic Crochet Knit Beaded Crystal Corset Midi Dress 42

By Missoni

Located in Switzerland, CH

A stunning evening gown by MISSONI - a rare find! Perfect a glamorous evening Midi length Golden shades with metallic lurex threads for a shimmering look Bustier corset top for a per...

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2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci Off White Silk Sleeveless Shift Dress with Beaded Bodice & Hem
Nina Ricci Off White Silk Sleeveless Shift Dress with Beaded Bodice & Hem

Nina Ricci Off White Silk Sleeveless Shift Dress with Beaded Bodice & Hem

By Nina Ricci

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Nina Ricci off white silk sleeveless shift dress with beaded bodice and hem. Simple and chic, this dress has a jewel neckline which is sewn with interesting off white beads, each and...

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21st Century and Contemporary French Chemises

Bill Blass Black Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Gown Size 10
Bill Blass Black Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Gown Size 10

Bill Blass Black Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Gown Size 10

By Bill Blass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black silk adorned with silver and champagne hued beads on the bodice. Features a center front drape detail, long sleeves, and a center back cl...

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20th Century American Evening Gowns

Elizabeth Mason Couture Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Made to Order
Elizabeth Mason Couture Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Made to Order

Elizabeth Mason Couture Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Made to Order

By Elizabeth Mason Couture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fashioned from the finest black Silk Dupioni, this exquisite cocktail dress features a heavily beaded hem and neckline. This is a couture custom order and can be made in a variety ...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses

BRUCE ARNOLD 1960's Black Hand-Beaded Gown Size 6
BRUCE ARNOLD 1960's Black Hand-Beaded Gown Size 6

BRUCE ARNOLD 1960's Black Hand-Beaded Gown Size 6

By BRUCE ARNOLD

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Super Sexy Bruce Arnold gown is fully hand-beaded and composed of a black sequin on rayon and features a floral detail.

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20th Century Hong Kong Evening Gowns

1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown
1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown

1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown

By Guy Laroche

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Beautiful hot pink, gold, white and silver sequins and beads at neckline, empire waist, upper arm and down the front center seam of bust.

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1970s French Empire Waist Dresses

F/W 1991 Valentino Garavani Runway Pink Heavily Beaded Ikat Dress 8
F/W 1991 Valentino Garavani Runway Pink Heavily Beaded Ikat Dress 8

F/W 1991 Valentino Garavani Runway Pink Heavily Beaded Ikat Dress 8

By Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This Valentino dress from the Fall/Winter 1991 collection features a fitted mini silhouette fully covered in multicolor beading, sequins, and embroidery arranged in an Ikat-style pat...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall Winter 2001 black beaded maxi evening gown
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall Winter 2001 black beaded maxi evening gown

Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall Winter 2001 black beaded maxi evening gown

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in PARIS, FR

Rare Christian Dior by John Galliano black knit and beaded maxi gown from the iconic Spring Summer 2001 collection.

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Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

Ceil Chapman Attributed Black Gown with Beaded Bodice Size Small
Ceil Chapman Attributed Black Gown with Beaded Bodice Size Small

Ceil Chapman Attributed Black Gown with Beaded Bodice Size Small

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Ceil Chapman gown is composed of a black chiffon skirt and features an upper beaded lace bodice. The dress has an empire waist with a full gathered skirt.

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1950s Unknown Evening Gowns

Beautiful 1960s Lord & Taylor Turquoise Blue Silk Chiffon Beaded Grecian Gown
Beautiful 1960s Lord & Taylor Turquoise Blue Silk Chiffon Beaded Grecian Gown

Beautiful 1960s Lord & Taylor Turquoise Blue Silk Chiffon Beaded Grecian Gown

By Lord & Taylor

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 60s vintage Lord & Taylor turquoise blue silk chiffon beaded and sequin encrusted gown! Thousands of hand-sewn sequins, crystals, rhinestones and beads around the neckline ...

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1960s Evening Gowns

Stunning Vintage Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded Silk Chiffon Leopard Gown
Stunning Vintage Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded Silk Chiffon Leopard Gown

Stunning Vintage Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded Silk Chiffon Leopard Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Drop dead gorgeous vintage Bob Mackie Fall 1997 Gown! Features all-over beading on bodice, with a leopard chiffon backdrop. Skirt features beading amongst layers of silk chiffon on a...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

90's Vintage Couture Silk Hand Embroidered Beaded Cowl Back Evening Gown
90's Vintage Couture Silk Hand Embroidered Beaded Cowl Back Evening Gown

90's Vintage Couture Silk Hand Embroidered Beaded Cowl Back Evening Gown

By Eavis & Brown

Located in Leonardo, NJ

perfect for bride, bridal, wedding Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier This is a 1:1 1990's Vintage Beige color with delicate f...

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1990s Evening Gowns

Valentino 1990s Vintage Silk Beaded Dress Black White Ombre Size 8
Valentino 1990s Vintage Silk Beaded Dress Black White Ombre Size 8

Valentino 1990s Vintage Silk Beaded Dress Black White Ombre Size 8

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

Black cocktail dress with lace, beads and velvet belt Christian Lacroix
Black cocktail dress with lace, beads and velvet belt Christian Lacroix

Black cocktail dress with lace, beads and velvet belt Christian Lacroix

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black cocktail dress with lace, beads and velvet belt. Fabric composition: silk, rayon, cotton, nylon , lace, glass beads and metal beads.

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Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown US 6
2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown US 6

2000s Valentino Garavani Navy Silk Floral Pleat Beaded Backless Gown US 6

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in West Hollywood, CA

The bodice features pleated cups with beaded detailing, and a large pleated floral appliqué with beadwork is placed at the hip.

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Kaufmanfranco NWT Rare Tiger Sequins Hand Beaded Sleevless Cocktail Dress Size 4
Kaufmanfranco NWT Rare Tiger Sequins Hand Beaded Sleevless Cocktail Dress Size 4

Kaufmanfranco NWT Rare Tiger Sequins Hand Beaded Sleevless Cocktail Dress Size 4

By KaufmanFranco

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This dress is spectacular. Purchased in Beverly Hills at Neiman Marcus. Retailed for over $3800. From the 2015 Collection, brilliantly designed by Kaufmanfranco. each sequin attached...

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2010s American Evening Dresses

Vintage 1960s Pat Sandler Beaded Cocktail Dress Silk Paisley Green Dress US 2
Vintage 1960s Pat Sandler Beaded Cocktail Dress Silk Paisley Green Dress US 2

Vintage 1960s Pat Sandler Beaded Cocktail Dress Silk Paisley Green Dress US 2

By Pat Sandler for Highlight

Located in Nashville, TN

Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned Fabric: Silk Brocade, sequins, glass beads, claw set glass rhinestones, silk taffeta lined.

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers
1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers

1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers

By Bob Mackie

Located in Gresham, OR

1970s Bob Mackie Black Crepe Column Gown w Glamorous Bugle Bead Streamers: In classic, simple but glamorous Mackie style, this crepe column takes a daring plunge w sheer tulle criss-...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Michael Kors Collection Densley Beaded Gown spring 2017 New Tags
Michael Kors Collection Densley Beaded Gown spring 2017 New Tags

Michael Kors Collection Densley Beaded Gown spring 2017 New Tags

By Michael Kors

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Stunning Michael Kors runway look #55 gown with a cut-out front and large cut-out open back. This is the gown version of that runway look, just longer and better!! Done in brown sil...

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2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

PAUL SMITH Size 4 Black Jersey Beaded Open Back Long Dress
PAUL SMITH Size 4 Black Jersey Beaded Open Back Long Dress

PAUL SMITH Size 4 Black Jersey Beaded Open Back Long Dress

By Paul Smith

Located in San Francisco, CA

Marked: IT 40 Measurements: Shoulder: 16 inches Bust: 34 inches Waist: 33 inches Hip: 37 inches Sleeve: 28 inches Length: 45.5 inches Sui Generis Reference: 1344...

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21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Roberto Cavalli Black Bias Cut Beaded Silk Evening Dress, FW 2004
Roberto Cavalli Black Bias Cut Beaded Silk Evening Dress, FW 2004

Roberto Cavalli Black Bias Cut Beaded Silk Evening Dress, FW 2004

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Roberto Cavalli ▪ Creative Director: Roberto Cavalli ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2004 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: XS ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excellent ▪ Mannequin: 183 cm / 6...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Jean-Louis Scherrer Couture 1990's Black Gown with Gold Beaded Straps
Jean-Louis Scherrer Couture 1990's Black Gown with Gold Beaded Straps

Jean-Louis Scherrer Couture 1990's Black Gown with Gold Beaded Straps

By Jean-Louis Scherrer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

In great vintage condition with some enamel chipping on some gold beads, not noticeable from afar. Beaded drape attaches at the right side with snaps (9) Dimensions: Chest: 33" Bac...

Category

20th Century 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.

Questions About Beaded Gowns

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Ball 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, a beaded dress can be taken in. However, the process is generally more time-consuming because individual beads need to be removed during the alteration process. As a result, you can typically expect to pay a professional seamstress or tailor more for altering beaded dresses. On 1stDibs, find a variety of beaded dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.

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