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Black Rhinestone Dress 1980s

Adolfo 1980’s Black Wool Knit Rhinestone Embellished Dress- Size 6
Adolfo 1980’s Black Wool Knit Rhinestone Embellished Dress- Size 6

Adolfo 1980’s Black Wool Knit Rhinestone Embellished Dress- Size 6

By Adolfo

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Adolfo 1980’s Black Wool Knit Rhinestone Embellished Dress- Size 6 This 1980’s fantastic Adolfo creation is in a black wool knit, Bateau neckline with 12 rows of horizontal rhinesto...

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Silk and Rhinestone Dress
1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Silk and Rhinestone Dress

1980's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Silk and Rhinestone Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Toronto, Ontario

YSL 1980's slinky black silk crepe V-neck cocktail dress with front zip trimmed in single row of rhinestones.

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1980s French Evening Dresses

1980’s Vintage Colourful Gem Black backless Rhinestone funnel neck Mini Dress
1980’s Vintage Colourful Gem Black backless Rhinestone funnel neck Mini Dress

1980’s Vintage Colourful Gem Black backless Rhinestone funnel neck Mini Dress

Located in Sheffield, GB

A Fun 1980’s stretchy body con Mini dress, featuring colourful Rhinestone shoulders and sleeves, figure hugging silhouette and backless keyhole reverse. The dress has statement padd...

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1980s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details
1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details

1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details

By Bill Blass

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1980's Bill Blass evening/cocktail dress in deep emerald velvet with sparkling rhinestone button accents along the shoulder and bodice. The silhouette features softly gathered detail...

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1980s Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture 1980s Black Silk Jersey + Lace Rhinestone Dress
Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture 1980s Black Silk Jersey + Lace Rhinestone Dress

Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture 1980s Black Silk Jersey + Lace Rhinestone Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous vintage late 80s VICKY TIEL COUTURE black silk jersey and lace cocktail dress! Features signature flattering gathers and drapes. Sweetheart bodice with a black French Lace a...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1980s Vintage Samir Black Beaded + Pearl + Rhinestone Sexy Ruched 80s Dress
1980s Vintage Samir Black Beaded + Pearl + Rhinestone Sexy Ruched 80s Dress

1980s Vintage Samir Black Beaded + Pearl + Rhinestone Sexy Ruched 80s Dress

By SAMIR

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy and super flattering SAMIR black ruched sleeveless cocktail dress! Features a peek-a-boo bust, encrusted with pearls, beads, seed beads and rhinestones. Flattering stretch jerse...

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Travilla Size 10 Black Matte Silk Jersey Rhinestone Vintage 80s Gown Dress
1980s Travilla Size 10 Black Matte Silk Jersey Rhinestone Vintage 80s Gown Dress

1980s Travilla Size 10 Black Matte Silk Jersey Rhinestone Vintage 80s Gown Dress

By Travilla

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and timeless WILLIAM TRAVILLA black matte silk jersey rhinestone encrusted long sleeve evening gown ! Features flattering ruching throughout the bodice. Interior shoulder p...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers
1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers

By Valentino Garavani, Valentino

Located in Gresham, OR

1980s Valentino Black Velvet & Ivory Satin Dress w Fab Rhinestone Feathers: A stunning tuxedo-inspired silk velvet and Duchess Satin Semi-Formal dress that is perfect for the holiday...

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1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Louis Féraud 1980s Black Velvet And Wool Cocktail Dress With Rhinestone Buttons
Louis Féraud 1980s Black Velvet And Wool Cocktail Dress With Rhinestone Buttons

Louis Féraud 1980s Black Velvet And Wool Cocktail Dress With Rhinestone Buttons

By Louis Feraud

Located in Munich, DE

This dress features a black velvet wrap effect blousy cut bodice with a plunging neckline and a woolen fitted pencil skirt draped with gathered velvet at the hip area. The dropped-sh...

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1980s German Cocktail Dresses

Zandra Rhodes Chiffon Dress Trimmed with Pearls and Rhinestones, 1980s
Zandra Rhodes Chiffon Dress Trimmed with Pearls and Rhinestones, 1980s

Zandra Rhodes Chiffon Dress Trimmed with Pearls and Rhinestones, 1980s

By Dame Zandra Rhodes

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Zandra Rhodes 80s Black Chiffon Dress with Pearls is a true collector's item. Crafted from lightweight, sheer chiffon, it features a silk screened squiggle print and is designed...

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20th Century Day Dresses

1980s Victoria Royal Rhinestone Dolman Evening Gown
1980s Victoria Royal Rhinestone Dolman Evening Gown

1980s Victoria Royal Rhinestone Dolman Evening Gown

By Victoria Royal

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Step back into the glamorous 1980s with this exquisite Victoria Royal Rhinestone Dolman Evening Gown, a stunning representation of the era's bold fashion.

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Late 20th Century Evening Dresses

Vintage Mike Benet Sz 0/2 1980s Black Strapless Rhinestone Strapless Bustle Gown
Vintage Mike Benet Sz 0/2 1980s Black Strapless Rhinestone Strapless Bustle Gown

Vintage Mike Benet Sz 0/2 1980s Black Strapless Rhinestone Strapless Bustle Gown

By MIKE BENET, Mike Benet Formals

Located in San Diego, CA

Fabulous vintage 80s MIKE BENET black taffeta strapless bustle gown! Features a ruched boned bodice with sparkly rhinestones at center. Bustle style pouf skirt leads to an elegant lo...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Recent Sales

Ted Lapidus Dress w/ Color Rhinestones - 1980's
Ted Lapidus Dress w/ Color Rhinestones - 1980's

Ted Lapidus Dress w/ Color Rhinestones - 1980's

By Ted Lapidus

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Presented here is a fabulous vintage dress from Ted Lapidus. The dress is from the early 1980's and in comprised of solid black throughout with vibrantly colored rhinestone and beade...

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1980s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

Victoria Royal 1980s Black Beads & Rhinestones Cocktail Dress Size 6.
Victoria Royal 1980s Black Beads & Rhinestones Cocktail Dress Size 6.

Victoria Royal 1980s Black Beads & Rhinestones Cocktail Dress Size 6.

By Victoria Royal

Located in Atlanta, GA

Victoria Royal 1980s black beads & rhinestone bodice with netting collar & sleeves is a size 6.

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1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

1980s Lillie Rubin Dress and Bolero Ensemble with Rhinestone Trim
1980s Lillie Rubin Dress and Bolero Ensemble with Rhinestone Trim

1980s Lillie Rubin Dress and Bolero Ensemble with Rhinestone Trim

By Lillie Rubin

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Lillie Rubin, the label well-known for its array of opulent, special occasion pieces, designed this body hugging knit ensemble with versatility and a "wow factor" that works either a...

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1980s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Bob Mackie Black Strapless Fringe Dress with Rhinestones - M - 1980's
Bob Mackie Black Strapless Fringe Dress with Rhinestones - M - 1980's

Bob Mackie Black Strapless Fringe Dress with Rhinestones - M - 1980's

By Bob Mackie

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Bob Mackie vintage dress has a sweet heart neckline and is short with fringes and black rhinestones all over. The dress zips in the back and has boning all along the inside. It ...

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Rhinestone Chevron Rhinestone Cocktail Dress
1980s Rhinestone Chevron Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

1980s Rhinestone Chevron Rhinestone Cocktail Dress

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Fun disco 1980's skater style cocktail dress made of black stretch fabric- Lycra.

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1980s American Evening Dresses

Carolyne Roehm Vintage Black Gown with Rhinestone & Beading - 8 - 1980's
Carolyne Roehm Vintage Black Gown with Rhinestone & Beading - 8 - 1980's

Carolyne Roehm Vintage Black Gown with Rhinestone & Beading - 8 - 1980's

By Carolyne Roehm

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Carolyne Roehm Vintage Black Gown with Rhinestone & Beading - 8 - 1980's. This show-stopping gown is in excellent vintage condition with very light wear. It features light shoulder p...

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Late 1980s Galanos Heather Grey Rhinestone Accent Slip Demi-Couture Gown

Late 1980s Galanos Heather Grey Rhinestone Accent Slip Demi-Couture Gown

By James Galanos, Galanos

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a chic heather grey James Galanos gown. From the late 1980s, this classicly sexy knit dress features a v-neckline, fold over detail at the bust, and a low exposed back. Th...

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1990s European Formal Gowns

Bob Mackie Black Strapless Gown with Rhinestone Trim - S - 1980's
Bob Mackie Black Strapless Gown with Rhinestone Trim - S - 1980's

Bob Mackie Black Strapless Gown with Rhinestone Trim - S - 1980's

By Bob Mackie

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Bob Mackie black gown is strapless with a sweet heart neckline. It has a keyhole near the bust and a trim in clear, pink, and blue rhinestones. The inside also has boning along ...

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Chanel Size 4 Black Silk Crepe Dress 1980s Rhinestone Pearl Buttons 80s
Vintage Chanel Size 4 Black Silk Crepe Dress 1980s Rhinestone Pearl Buttons 80s

Vintage Chanel Size 4 Black Silk Crepe Dress 1980s Rhinestone Pearl Buttons 80s

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in San Diego, CA

. ⸻ Chanel dress, Fall Winter 1988 Chanel, 1980s Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld era, black silk crepe dress, pearl button dress, rhinestone button dress, tiered skirt dress, vintage Chan...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Saks Fifth Avenue Vintage 1980s 80s Metallic Rhinestone "Feather" Dress
Saks Fifth Avenue Vintage 1980s 80s Metallic Rhinestone "Feather" Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue Vintage 1980s 80s Metallic Rhinestone "Feather" Dress

By Saks Fifth Avenue

Located in Sparks, NV

Metallic Flapper-inspired evening dress with rhinestone trim and a peacock feather design. Tiered skirt and sheer sleeves. Details: Fully Lined Shoulder Pads Can Be Removed If...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s 80s Red + Black Avant Garde ' She - Devil ' Vintage Bow Rhinestone Dress
1980s 80s Red + Black Avant Garde ' She - Devil ' Vintage Bow Rhinestone Dress

1980s 80s Red + Black Avant Garde ' She - Devil ' Vintage Bow Rhinestone Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage 80s red and black Avant Garde dress! Features convertible straps, that can easily be tucked in for a strapless look. Attached bow at waist, encrusted with rhinestones. L...

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

William Travilla 1980s Navy Cut Out and Rhinestone Detail Pencil Cocktail Dress
William Travilla 1980s Navy Cut Out and Rhinestone Detail Pencil Cocktail Dress

William Travilla 1980s Navy Cut Out and Rhinestone Detail Pencil Cocktail Dress

By Travilla

Located in San Francisco, CA

Travilla 1980s deep navy pencil dress with diamond shaped cutout detailing at chest. Round rhinestone covered silver buttons accent the corners. Back zip and hook and eye. Content...

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1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

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

Galanos Avant Garde 1980s Rhinestone Button Dress

By James Galanos, Galanos

Located in Yucca Valley, CA

Beautiful vintage 1980s avant garde LBD by James Galanos. Batwing top with super draped neckline with single button closure at back. Split skirt. Massive rhinestone buttons down slee...

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1980s Day Dresses

1980's Rhinestone Studded Crochet Black Lurex Gown
1980's Rhinestone Studded Crochet Black Lurex Gown

1980's Rhinestone Studded Crochet Black Lurex Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dramatic and sexy circa 1980's gown is made from silky crochet shot with iridescent black lurex. Figure-hugging gown has low scoop neck, with sculpted shoulders (built up by a fine l...

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1980s Evening Gowns

1980s Givenchy Black Ruched Cocktail Dress with Rhinestone Buttons
1980s Givenchy Black Ruched Cocktail Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

1980s Givenchy Black Ruched Cocktail Dress with Rhinestone Buttons

By Givenchy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A black jersey party minidress from Givenchy, featuring a taffeta halter top, and rhinestone enamel buttons down the front. -Fully lined -Zips in back Measurements-- Bust: 3...

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Late 20th Century Cocktail Dresses

1980s black chiffon gown with Rhinestones
1980s black chiffon gown with Rhinestones

1980s black chiffon gown with Rhinestones

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fabulous custom made gown is done on gorgeous sheer black silk chiffon with hand applied rhinestone beads done in concentric circles. Completely sheer and body hugging.

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Late 20th Century Unknown Evening Gowns

Rare 1980s Valentino Rhinestone Detailed "Cupid" Silk Gown
Rare 1980s Valentino Rhinestone Detailed "Cupid" Silk Gown

Rare 1980s Valentino Rhinestone Detailed "Cupid" Silk Gown

By Valentino

Located in Rockwood, ON

This bold gown by Valentino is a testament to his innovative use of fabrics and attention to detail. The top is done in a classic classic Valentino red silk crepe that has a waff...

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1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie Sleeveless Bead and Rhinestone Evening Gown circa 1980s
Bob Mackie Sleeveless Bead and Rhinestone Evening Gown circa 1980s

Bob Mackie Sleeveless Bead and Rhinestone Evening Gown circa 1980s

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a black silk sleeveless evening gown by Bob Mackie c. 1980s. It is completely embellished with beads and rhinestones, including the spaghetti straps. It features a low neck...

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1980s Evening Gowns

1980s Albert Nipon Black Satin Dress w/ Rhinestone Buttons
1980s Albert Nipon Black Satin Dress w/ Rhinestone Buttons

1980s Albert Nipon Black Satin Dress w/ Rhinestone Buttons

By Albert Nipon

Located in Portland, OR

This is a fun 1980s Albert Nipon black dress with a 1940s flair.

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1980s Asian Evening Dresses

Bob Mackie Vintage Dress Rhinestone Heart Buttons 1980s 6/8
Bob Mackie Vintage Dress Rhinestone Heart Buttons 1980s 6/8

Bob Mackie Vintage Dress Rhinestone Heart Buttons 1980s 6/8

By Bob Mackie

Located in Portland, OR

This vintage dress was designed by Bob Mackie and has fabulous rhinestone heart buttons. The dress is in excellent condition, fully lined and the fabric has a quilted diamond pattern...

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1980s American Day Dresses

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Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994

Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994

By Gianni Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail including Medusa head pulls on t...

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1990s Italian Skirt Suits

Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s
Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s

Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s

By Renato Balestra

Located in Water Mill, NY

A great black silk damask dress from Renato Balestra with a subtle pattern of tiny dots throughout. It has a square cut plunging neckline and a black band with a center front bow un...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl
Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS Couture navy blue silk satin strapless mermaid gown and matching shawl. Strapless bodice features a super soft silk velvet in navy. Interior support holds ...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with buckle THIERRY MUGLER
Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with buckle THIERRY MUGLER

Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with buckle THIERRY MUGLER

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Brown double-breasted wool bouclette jacket with silver metal buckle. on the left side. Main fabric composition: 90% wool, 10% nylon. Acetate lining. Shoulder pad. Cut-work. SIZE 40...

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1990s French Double-Breasted Jackets

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...

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Early 2000s Italian Blouses

1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown
1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown

1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown

By Richard Tyler Couture, Richard Tyler

Located in San Diego, CA

Phenomenal 90s RICHARD TYLER COUTURE cranberry red / burgundy / maroon fully sequined and beaded silk chiffon evening dress! Features thousands of vibrant hand-sewn sequins and beads...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

Christian Dior by John Galliano green tweed 3-piece suit, fw 1998
Christian Dior by John Galliano green tweed 3-piece suit, fw 1998

Christian Dior by John Galliano green tweed 3-piece suit, fw 1998

By John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

Christian Dior by John Galliano green tweed 3-piece suit comprising: single breasted blazer jacket with shawl lapel, straight leg pants and knee length pencil skirt. Fall-Winter 1998

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1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Vintage 1930's Silk Chiffon Floral Fringed Scarf 1930s Cerulean Blue Scarf
Vintage 1930's Silk Chiffon Floral Fringed Scarf 1930s Cerulean Blue Scarf

Vintage 1930's Silk Chiffon Floral Fringed Scarf 1930s Cerulean Blue Scarf

Located in Nashville, TN

A marvel to behold. This original 1930's cerulean blue silk chiffon shawl, with a pattern of blooming florals in shades of, tan, brown, green and dark green, is a rare piece to behol...

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1930s Scarves

Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown
Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown

Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational vintage late 90s BILL BLASS couture nude silk chiffon paisley print full length evening dress with dramatic train! This is an original sample, and is incredibly well made...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy

Located in Thiensville, WI

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...

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1990s French Informal Dresses

Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress
Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress

Gianni Versace Lace up Halter Dress

By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous bodycon dress in black silk eyelet by Gianni Versace Couture. It has a plunging neckline with lacing and straps crossing at the upper back. The dress has flattering seam...

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1990s Italian Day 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. Dress is lined in silk but sleeve in unlined. Size: best fit size 0/2 or 4 Bu...

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1960s Hong Kong Mini Dress

Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim lace up bra top and shorts, ss 1991
Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim lace up bra top and shorts, ss 1991

Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim lace up bra top and shorts, ss 1991

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in London, GB

Azzedine Alaia Indigo cotton denim bra top and mini shorts with cream lace fastenings. Spring-Summer 1991

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1990s Italian Twin Sets

Issey Miyake black nylon oversized parachute coat, fw 1987
Issey Miyake black nylon oversized parachute coat, fw 1987

Issey Miyake black nylon oversized parachute coat, fw 1987

By Issey Miyake

Located in London, GB

Issey Miyake; Black nylon oversized parachute coat with batwing sleeves and two front pockets Fall-Winter 1987

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1990s Japanese Jackets

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Black Rhinestone Dress 1980s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of black rhinestone dress 1980s for sale on 1stDibs. Our collection of black rhinestone dress 1980s includes a variety of colors, spanning black and more. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Black rhinestone dress 1980s designed by Adolfo, Alfred Bosand and Bill Blass — each of whom created beautiful versions of these treasured items — are worth considering.

How Much are Black Rhinestone Dress 1980s?

The prices for black rhinestone dress 1980s start at $295 and top out at $7,580 with these items, on average, selling for $948.

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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