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1970's Bob Mackie Black Silk Gown w/Beaded Mouse Design
1970's Bob Mackie Black Silk Gown w/Beaded Mouse Design

1970's Bob Mackie Black Silk Gown w/Beaded Mouse Design

By Bob Mackie

Located in Studio City, CA

1970's amazing Bob Mackie black silk evening gown or cocktail dress with a beaded mouse at the front.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps
1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps

1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps

By Bob Mackie

Located in Gresham, OR

1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps: This jeweled tassel adorned plunging deep V neckline and low scooped back, make a daring evening gown in a va...

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

BOB MACKIE Royal Blue Gown with Beaded Applique Size 4 6
BOB MACKIE Royal Blue Gown with Beaded Applique Size 4 6

BOB MACKIE Royal Blue Gown with Beaded Applique Size 4 6

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This vintage Bob Mackie gown is composed of a royal blue fabric with beaded trim and applique.

Category

20th Century American Evening Gowns

BOB MACKIE Vintage Heavily Beaded Cowl Neck Open Back Evening Gown
BOB MACKIE Vintage Heavily Beaded Cowl Neck Open Back Evening Gown

BOB MACKIE Vintage Heavily Beaded Cowl Neck Open Back Evening Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Bob Mackie Vintage Jet black and anthracite grey beads Heavy beading and creative designs throughout Halter top with sheer cowl neck High front slit Low open back USA 6 NWT's, no fla...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie Black and Multi Floral Beaded Dress - 12 - 1980's
Bob Mackie Black and Multi Floral Beaded Dress - 12 - 1980's

Bob Mackie Black and Multi Floral Beaded Dress - 12 - 1980's

By Bob Mackie

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This vintage Bob Mackie piece is from the 1980's and is heavily beaded with a black background and multi-color flowers all throughout the dress.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980's Vintage Bob Mackie White Gown with White Beaded Bodice
1980's Vintage Bob Mackie White Gown with White Beaded Bodice

1980's Vintage Bob Mackie White Gown with White Beaded Bodice

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elevate your bridal style with our 1980's Bob Mackie White Gown. This off-shoulder gown features a stunning beaded bodice and a sweetheart cup, perfect for the vintage bride.

Category

1980s Wedding Dresses

Bob Mackie 2 pc. Beaded Black Strapless Velvet Gown, Grey Jacket
Bob Mackie 2 pc. Beaded Black Strapless Velvet Gown, Grey Jacket

Bob Mackie 2 pc. Beaded Black Strapless Velvet Gown, Grey Jacket

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a fantastic 2 piece dress and jacket ensemble from Bob Mackie. The dress is black velvet with a grey taffeta beaded empire waist bodice.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dress and Coat Ensem...

Bob Mackie Black and Gold Beaded Cocktail Dress with Structured Bust
Bob Mackie Black and Gold Beaded Cocktail Dress with Structured Bust

Bob Mackie Black and Gold Beaded Cocktail Dress with Structured Bust

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Bob Mackie cocktail dress is composed of a black silk with black & gold beading. Features a gorgeous darted bust line and mini length. There is a center back zipper closure. In...

Category

20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

BOB MACKIE Vintage 1980's Strapless Gown Chevron Print Beaded 4
BOB MACKIE Vintage 1980's Strapless Gown Chevron Print Beaded 4

BOB MACKIE Vintage 1980's Strapless Gown Chevron Print Beaded 4

By Bob Mackie

Located in Miami, FL

Guaranteed authentic BOB MACKIE gorgeous gown in cool blues, pink, purple. Same style worn by Linda Hamilton on the Red Carpet Strapless sweetheart neckline with an empire bodice ...

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses

Vintage BOB MACKIE Size 6 Cream Silver Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Dress
Vintage BOB MACKIE Size 6 Cream Silver Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Dress

Vintage BOB MACKIE Size 6 Cream Silver Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage BOB MACKIE dress comes in a cream & silver silk featuring a beaded design throughout, open back, fitted, hook & loop detail, and back zipper closure.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie Deco Style Black and Gold Long Beaded Gown, Circa 1980's
Bob Mackie Deco Style Black and Gold Long Beaded Gown, Circa 1980's

Bob Mackie Deco Style Black and Gold Long Beaded Gown, Circa 1980's

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is long black beaded gown by Bob Mackie, from the 1980's. The gown has spaghetti straps, slit in the front, zipper up the back, and an uneven hemline.

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

Vintage 1980's BOB MACKIE Size L Black Jersey Red Beaded Neck Dress
Vintage 1980's BOB MACKIE Size L Black Jersey Red Beaded Neck Dress

Vintage 1980's BOB MACKIE Size L Black Jersey Red Beaded Neck Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage 1980's BOB MACKIE dress comes in black jersey knit with a shift silhouette, red beaded stand up collar with V panel and layered sleeves with red cuffs.

Category

Late 20th Century American Day Dresses

1990s Bob Mackie Ivory Beaded Couture Bridal Gown With Bunch of Grapes Design
1990s Bob Mackie Ivory Beaded Couture Bridal Gown With Bunch of Grapes Design

1990s Bob Mackie Ivory Beaded Couture Bridal Gown With Bunch of Grapes Design

By Bob Mackie

Located in London, GB

This sensational early 1990s ivory silk beaded couture bridal gown is by American designer Bill Mackie who was widely extolled for his on and off screen creations for famous divas su...

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1990s American Wedding Dresses

Bob Mackie Black Silk Trained Evening Gown Dress w/Open Back & Deco Beaded Trim
Bob Mackie Black Silk Trained Evening Gown Dress w/Open Back & Deco Beaded Trim

Bob Mackie Black Silk Trained Evening Gown Dress w/Open Back & Deco Beaded Trim

By Bob Mackie

Located in Studio City, CA

Bob Mackie black silk sleeveless evening gown with an open back, intricate bugle beading at front waist, bodice trim, back, neck, and small train at the back. The dress is in very go...

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie 1980s midnight blue beaded gown with peek-a-boo sheer neckline 10
Bob Mackie 1980s midnight blue beaded gown with peek-a-boo sheer neckline 10

Bob Mackie 1980s midnight blue beaded gown with peek-a-boo sheer neckline 10

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful glass beaded long sleeve gown adorned with varying shades of deep sapphire to blue silver over a sheer fitted black bodice, clinging hip, with an off-center slit at front. ...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Evening Gowns

Schiaparelli Inspired Beaded Zodiac by Bob Mackie
Schiaparelli Inspired Beaded Zodiac by Bob Mackie

Schiaparelli Inspired Beaded Zodiac by Bob Mackie

Located in New Hope, PA

A striking beaded design is the focal point of this rich black velvet jacket from Bob Mackie.

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Late 20th Century American Cropped Jackets

Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan Beaded Chiffon Gown
Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan Beaded Chiffon Gown

Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan Beaded Chiffon Gown

Located in New York, NY

Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan , also known as Bob and Ray were a design duo who worked a lot in Hollywood designing clothes and costumes for stars like, Judy Garland and Barbara Streisa...

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1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

BOB MACKIE Size 8 Black Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Blouse
BOB MACKIE Size 8 Black Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Blouse

BOB MACKIE Size 8 Black Silk Beaded Long Sleeve Blouse

Located in San Francisco, CA

BOB MACKIE blouse comes in a black silk featuring a beaded trim design, flap details, and a button up closure.

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21st Century and Contemporary Blouses

Bob Mackie Beaded Gown
Bob Mackie Beaded Gown

Bob Mackie Beaded Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in New York, NY

Bob Mackie Beaded Gown

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket
1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket

1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket

By Bob Mackie

Located in Gresham, OR

1990s Bob Mackie Beaded and Sequin Lattice Pattern Evening Cropped Bolero Jacket: Exquisitely hand embellished with myriad bugle beads, sequins and rhinestones in a trompe l'oeil tre...

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1990s American Jackets

Bob Mackie Beaded Dress with a Colorful Flamenco Ruffle
Bob Mackie Beaded Dress with a Colorful Flamenco Ruffle

Bob Mackie Beaded Dress with a Colorful Flamenco Ruffle

By Bob Mackie

Located in New Hope, PA

Most designers would be content with a flirty black sequin and bugle bead embellished dress. Bob Mackie adds a fabulous red and shocking pink triple ruffle to the hem and makes this ...

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Late 20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

Bob Mackie Beaded Off Shoulder Lace Evening Dress Size 6
Bob Mackie Beaded Off Shoulder Lace Evening Dress Size 6

Bob Mackie Beaded Off Shoulder Lace Evening Dress Size 6

By Bob Mackie

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A vintage Bob Mackie Boutique Evening Dress that has never been worn!

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1990s Chinese Evening Dresses

Bob Mackie fully Beaded Gown
Bob Mackie fully Beaded Gown

Bob Mackie fully Beaded Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in New York, NY

This absolutely stunning Bob Mackie evening gown is as elegant as they come. The silhouette has a classic 1930s vibe, with a glittering black skirt and a vest-like bodice encrusted i...

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

1980s Bob Mackie yellow beaded gown
1980s Bob Mackie yellow beaded gown

1980s Bob Mackie yellow beaded gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Gorgeous Bob Mackie gown Inpired by 1940s gown. Bust: 36" / Waist: 24" / Hip: 38" / Length: 56"

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie
Bob Mackie

Bob Mackie

Sold|$1,100

Bob Mackie

By Bob Mackie

Located in Austin, TX

Bob Mackie heavily beaded white gown. Condition: Very good, all beading intact.

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

1970s Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Evening Gown
1970s Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Evening Gown

1970s Bob Mackie Silk Beaded Evening Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous oyster color silk beaded evening gown from Bob Mackie at the height of his 70s genius!

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

1980s Beaded Bob Mackie One Shoulder Evening Gown
1980s Beaded Bob Mackie One Shoulder Evening Gown

1980s Beaded Bob Mackie One Shoulder Evening Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Austin, TX

1980s Beaded Bob Mackie One Shoulder Evening Gown. Black, silver and pink sequins and beads.

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1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980's Bob Mackie Black Beaded Strap Gown
1980's Bob Mackie Black Beaded Strap Gown

1980's Bob Mackie Black Beaded Strap Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Sexy Bob Mackie 1980's gown with beaded straps. The low v neckline accentuates a woman's curves, a staple of Mackie gowns, and the beaded straps add elegance making this gown perfect...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Dress
Bob Mackie 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Dress

Bob Mackie 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Bob Mackie Fully Beaded Mini Dress Designer Size 6 Measurements: Length - 34 inches + fringe, Bust - 32/34, Waist - 28/29, Hips - 34/36.

Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

Bob Mackie Cream Sequin Beaded Gown with Slit
Bob Mackie Cream Sequin Beaded Gown with Slit

Bob Mackie Cream Sequin Beaded Gown with Slit

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bob Mackie gown Nude silk beaded and sequined Front slit Back zipper and zippers at the sleeve Gown marked size 12, however it frits more like an 8-10 Fully lined Lining has som...

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1980s Evening Gowns

BOB MACKIE Black Sheer Beaded Gown Size 14
BOB MACKIE Black Sheer Beaded Gown Size 14

BOB MACKIE Black Sheer Beaded Gown Size 14

By Bob Mackie

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Bob Mackie gown of a black crepe fabric with a beaded sheer mesh bodice.

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20th Century American Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie Extraordinary 1990s Art Deco Beaded Gown
Bob Mackie Extraordinary 1990s Art Deco Beaded Gown

Bob Mackie Extraordinary 1990s Art Deco Beaded Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Bob Mackie is commonly regarded as one of the world’s most prolific costume designers with his designs gracing stages and screens all over the globe.

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie Black Gown W/Beaded Illusion Bodice
Bob Mackie Black Gown W/Beaded Illusion Bodice

Bob Mackie Black Gown W/Beaded Illusion Bodice

By Bob Mackie

Located in Alford, MA

The glamour and allure we expect of Bob Mackie's creations are inherent in this long black gown.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

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 fabulous Bob Mackie dress was designed by the heralded designer and costumier.

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses

Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress
Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress

Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning cobalt blue glass beaded cocktail dress by Bob Mackie. This heavily beaded and sequin embellished formal features silver Art Deco inspired keyhole collar and arm cuffs, a pl...

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress
Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress

Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded + Sequin Fringe Silk Flapper Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning cobalt blue glass beaded cocktail dress by Bob Mackie. This heavily beaded and sequin embellished formal features silver Art Deco inspired keyhole collar and arm cuffs, a pl...

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Bob Mackie 1993 Inaugural Ball Grape-Beaded Red Gown
Bob Mackie 1993 Inaugural Ball Grape-Beaded Red Gown

Bob Mackie 1993 Inaugural Ball Grape-Beaded Red Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Sharon Stone wore a grape-beaded gown from Bob Mackie in the film Casino. (You can find in our store the same gown in white version.)

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1990s American Ball Gowns

Bob Mackie Incredible Rare Vintage Strapless Beaded Heart Dress
Bob Mackie Incredible Rare Vintage Strapless Beaded Heart Dress

Bob Mackie Incredible Rare Vintage Strapless Beaded Heart Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Drop dead gorgeous vintage Bob Mackie silk beaded dress! Features all-over sequins and beads, with sequin hearts throughout the front and back.

Category

1980s Evening Dresses

Bob Mackie Art Deco Gold Black Beaded Jacket, 1980s
Bob Mackie Art Deco Gold Black Beaded Jacket, 1980s

Bob Mackie Art Deco Gold Black Beaded Jacket, 1980s

By Bob Mackie

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Presumably from the 1980s, this silk Bob Mackie jacket is ornately beaded in an Art Deco style.

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1980s Unknown Jackets

1990s Bob Mackie Black and Green Striped Beaded Strapless Gown
1990s Bob Mackie Black and Green Striped Beaded Strapless Gown

1990s Bob Mackie Black and Green Striped Beaded Strapless Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in London, GB

This fabulous 1990s Bob Mackie dress was designed by the heralded designer and costumer.

Category

1990s Chinese Evening Dresses

Extraordinary Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded Silk Gown with Detatchable Strap
Extraordinary Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded Silk Gown with Detatchable Strap

Extraordinary Bob Mackie Vintage Beaded Silk Gown with Detatchable Strap

By Bob Mackie

Located in Sparks, NV

Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 8 Estimated Size: XS-S Color: Iridescent Turquoise/ Sea Blue/ Green Turquoise/ White/ Purple Fabric: 100% Silk La...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie Black Chiffon & Beaded Black Lace Evening Gown 10
Bob Mackie Black Chiffon & Beaded Black Lace Evening Gown 10

Bob Mackie Black Chiffon & Beaded Black Lace Evening Gown 10

By Bob Mackie

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bob Mackie black chiffon & black beaded lace evening gown marked size 10.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Evening Dresses

1980s Bob Mackie nude and silver beaded and pearl Gown / Dress
1980s Bob Mackie nude and silver beaded and pearl Gown / Dress

1980s Bob Mackie nude and silver beaded and pearl Gown / Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Capri, IT

1980s Bob Mackie nude and silver beaded and pearl Gown / Dress Unique Bob Mackie Gown totally made of nude and silver beaded.

Category

1980s Chinese Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie 20's Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Open Back Dress
Bob Mackie 20's Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Open Back Dress

Bob Mackie 20's Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Open Back Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Bob Mackie 20s Inspired Beaded Gatsby Flapper Dress Fully Beaded Mini Dress Fully Lined, Open Back.

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Late 20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress
Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Dress From the second picture - Models wear the fashions of designer Bob Mackie at his Fall 1991 show in New York, April 11, 1991.

Category

1990s American Mini Dress

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress
Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Fringe Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Montgomery, TX

Bob Mackie F/W 1991 Nude Mini Fully Beaded Dress From the second picture - Models wear the fashions of designer Bob Mackie at his Fall 1991 show in New York, April 11, 1991.

Category

1990s American Mini Dress

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Bob Mackie Beaded For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary bob mackie beaded you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Beige, Blue and more. You’re likely to find the perfect bob mackie beaded among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Bob Mackie Beaded?

On average, a bob mackie beaded on 1stDibs sells for $1,897, while they’re typically $295 on the low end and $9,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Bob Mackie for sale on 1stDibs

Vintage Bob Mackie dresses are a fashion favorite, and with good reason. The legendary Monterey, California–born fashion designer has accrued an enviable list of awards that speak to his unparalleled influence on costumes for screen and theatrical performances: Mackie has nine Emmy awards to his name, a Tony award, a CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, three Academy Award nominations and more.

As a child, Bob Mackie was enamored of Portuguese-born Brazilian dancer and actress Carmen Miranda. The love of film shared by his sister and mother proved contagious for Mackie, and he marveled at the richness and beauty he found in ballet. He wasn’t interested in fashion so much as he was in entertainment and went on to, fortunately, find work in television during the 1960s, specifically in programming that seemed to encompass all of what he’d grown to love about the arts.

As a fashion sketch artist, Mackie collaborated with Hollywood’s greatest costume designers, working with the legendary Edith Head at Paramount Studios as soon as he’d finished school. From there, he secured work with French-born, Hollywood costume designer Jean Louis, sketching the iconic Louis dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy in 1962.

Mackie would spend most of his career as a costume designer, creating iconic pieces like the Gone With the Wind parody costume (currently in the Smithsonian) for The Carol Burnett Show — where he worked for more than a decade — and campy, opulent dresses for The Cher Show on Broadway, for which he won the Tony award (he also designed bedazzled stage costumes for Sonny and Cher's 1976–77 run at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe). But he had a considerable influence on mainstream fashion as well.

The figure-hugging, feathered and fringed gowns and cocktail dresses Mackie created were worn by stars like Cher and Diana Ross on the red carpet and concert tours. Similar designs of his — dazzling evening dresses of black or vibrant red silk, some beaded with rhinestones or embellished with ostrich feathers or navy blue sequins — made their way into his mainstream fashion collection. His ready-to-wear line debuted in 1982.

Bob Mackie has always said that his clothing was “for the woman who is not afraid to be noticed,” and any woman in one of his signature dresses would definitely turn heads. There is sparkle and an element of grandeur in his garments, whether they were crafted for singer Elton John, a universally renowned fashion icon in his own right, or the woman next door, donning one of Mackie’s spectacular creations and feeling like a movie star herself.

Shop vintage Bob Mackie day dresses, suits and more on 1stDibs.

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.