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1970s Frank Usher 70s Vintage Royal Blue Satin Strapless Gown and Shawl
1970s Frank Usher 70s Vintage Royal Blue Satin Strapless Gown and Shawl

1970s Frank Usher 70s Vintage Royal Blue Satin Strapless Gown and Shawl

By Frank Usher

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous vintage 1970s 70s FRANK USHER for NEIMAN MARCUS royal blue strapless satin evening dress and matching shawl! Features a fitted bodice, with attached side sash. Interior bone...

Category

1970s English Evening Gowns

Victor Costa 80s Bergdorf Goodman Vintage Hot Pink Chiffon Off - Shoulder Dress
Victor Costa 80s Bergdorf Goodman Vintage Hot Pink Chiffon Off - Shoulder Dress

Victor Costa 80s Bergdorf Goodman Vintage Hot Pink Chiffon Off - Shoulder Dress

By Victor Costa, Bergdorf Goodman

Located in San Diego, CA

Shocking pink color looks fantastic on any skin tone! Fully lined, with a boned bodice. In great condition. Made in USA. Approximately Size Small Measurements: (slight give) 30-32 in...

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1990s Silver Grey Mirrored Sequins Size 6 Strapless Silk Vintage Gown Dress
1990s Silver Grey Mirrored Sequins Size 6 Strapless Silk Vintage Gown Dress

1990s Silver Grey Mirrored Sequins Size 6 Strapless Silk Vintage Gown Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage 1990s silver gray silk mirrored sequin couture strapless evening dress / gown! Features a fitted boned bodice, with a hidden zipper up the back and hook-and-eye clo...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

Moschino Couture Runway Corset Tux Jumpsuit  Holiday Dressing!  NWT
Moschino Couture Runway Corset Tux Jumpsuit  Holiday Dressing!  NWT

Moschino Couture Runway Corset Tux Jumpsuit Holiday Dressing! NWT

By Moschino Couture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Ruched rich rose magenta silk bodice with fine black wool tux style trousers. Boned bodice with interior bra.

Category

2010s Evening Dresses

Vintage Victor Costa Black + Yellow Avant Garde 1980s Strapless Cotton Dress
Vintage Victor Costa Black + Yellow Avant Garde 1980s Strapless Cotton Dress

Vintage Victor Costa Black + Yellow Avant Garde 1980s Strapless Cotton Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic late 80s VICTOR COSTA black and yellow Avant Garde strapless cotton cocktail dress! Features a fitted boned bodice that is lined in canary yellow. Forgiving skirt features a lar...

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1990s Louis Feraud Cranberry Red Strapless Vintage 90s Silk + Wool Gown Dress
1990s Louis Feraud Cranberry Red Strapless Vintage 90s Silk + Wool Gown Dress

1990s Louis Feraud Cranberry Red Strapless Vintage 90s Silk + Wool Gown Dress

By Louis Feraud

Located in San Diego, CA

Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-eye closure. Interior boned bodice keeps everything in place. The perfect alternative to a black dress.

Category

1990s German Evening Gowns

Moschino Couture Strapless Rosette Dress
Moschino Couture Strapless Rosette Dress

Moschino Couture Strapless Rosette Dress

By Moschino Couture

Located in Milano, Lombardia

A 1991 Moschino Couture strapless dress crafted in vibrant red fabric, featuring a sculpted boned bodice and soft draping that enhances the silhouette.

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Rene Ruiz Couture Black and Nude Strapless Silk Net Overlay Bustier Corset Top
Rene Ruiz Couture Black and Nude Strapless Silk Net Overlay Bustier Corset Top

Rene Ruiz Couture Black and Nude Strapless Silk Net Overlay Bustier Corset Top

Located in San Diego, CA

Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-eye closure. Inner boned bodice helps keep everything in place. Super flattering, and can easily be dressed up or down.

Category

2010s American Bustiers

Travilla Strapless Silk Strapless Gown 1970s
Travilla Strapless Silk Strapless Gown 1970s

Travilla Strapless Silk Strapless Gown 1970s

By Travilla

Located in Water Mill, NY

This dress is strapless with a boned bodice, piped waist and a full skirt all with rows and layers of pointed edge ruffles each individually finished- very work intensive.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

80s Kevan Hall Couture Black Sequin 1980s Off Shoulder Vintage Cocktail Dress
80s Kevan Hall Couture Black Sequin 1980s Off Shoulder Vintage Cocktail Dress

80s Kevan Hall Couture Black Sequin 1980s Off Shoulder Vintage Cocktail Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Features a nude chiffon underlay with a lace nad sequin bodice. Flowy silk chiffon skirt. Boned bodice. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Cocktail Dresses

Alex Perry Show Stopper "Veronica" Gown Swan tail Train Dress    Rare!
Alex Perry Show Stopper "Veronica" Gown Swan tail Train Dress    Rare!

Alex Perry Show Stopper "Veronica" Gown Swan tail Train Dress Rare!

By ALEX PERRY

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fully lined; back zipper closure. Boned bodice. A very beautifully made substantial gown.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Rare Roberto Cavalli Runway Grecian Serpent Silk Dress Gown
Rare Roberto Cavalli Runway Grecian Serpent Silk Dress Gown

Rare Roberto Cavalli Runway Grecian Serpent Silk Dress Gown

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bodysuit to secure garment in place. Boned bodice. Back zipper closure with keyhole back.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress
1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress

1980s Victor Costa for Bergdorf Goodman Hunter Green Black Strapless 80s Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in San Diego, CA

Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-eye closure. Inner boned bodice to keep everything in place. The perfect alternative to a little black dress.

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Black Vintage  Silk Sequined Strapless Cocktail Dress
1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Black Vintage  Silk Sequined Strapless Cocktail Dress

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Black Vintage Silk Sequined Strapless Cocktail Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout. Flattering ruched boned bodice offers plenty of stretch. Flirty skirt is perfect for dancing!

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Silk Mesh Strapless 1990s Strapless Gown Dress
Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Silk Mesh Strapless 1990s Strapless Gown Dress

Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Silk Mesh Strapless 1990s Strapless Gown Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

Black mesh overlay a black silk. Boned bodice keeps everything in place. Slightly longer at hem definitely compliments a nice pair of heels.

Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

Balestra Rome Couture Vintage 1960s Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress
Balestra Rome Couture Vintage 1960s Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress

Balestra Rome Couture Vintage 1960s Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress

By BALESTRA, Renato Balestra

Located in Sparks, NV

The inside of the dress is stitched by hand and features a boned bodice and structured waistband. A rare and gorgeous piece!

Category

1960s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Galliano for Dior S/S Teal Pleated Silk Jersey Dress, 2005
Galliano for Dior S/S Teal Pleated Silk Jersey Dress, 2005

Galliano for Dior S/S Teal Pleated Silk Jersey Dress, 2005

By Christian Dior

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Absolutely elegant. The boned bodice enhances the fit along with a full skirt.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Ombre Pleated Bodice Mesh Evening Gown Sz 0 2
1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Ombre Pleated Bodice Mesh Evening Gown Sz 0 2

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Ombre Pleated Bodice Mesh Evening Gown Sz 0 2

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

This striking 1980s vintage Vicky Tiel Couture for Neiman Marcus evening gown features a sculpted strapless boned bodice crafted from finely pleated chiffon in a dreamy ombré of aqua...

Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress
1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress

1990s Christian Lacroix Avant Garde Size 36 2 /4 Vintage Black 90s Skater Dress

By Christian Lacroix, Christian Lacroix Paris

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic early 90s CHRISTIAN LACROIX Avant Garde black rayon skater dress! Features a tailored boned bodice with curved edges at each armpit. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye ...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Amazing Vintage Jean Louis Couture Black and White Strapless Bow Gown
Amazing Vintage Jean Louis Couture Black and White Strapless Bow Gown

Amazing Vintage Jean Louis Couture Black and White Strapless Bow Gown

By Jean Louis

Located in San Diego, CA

Slit up the left leg reveals just the right amount of skin. Boned bodice keeps everything in place. Hidden metal zipper up the side with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

NWT Monique Lhuillier Runway Spring 2013 Size 4 Emerald Green Lace Gown Dress
NWT Monique Lhuillier Runway Spring 2013 Size 4 Emerald Green Lace Gown Dress

NWT Monique Lhuillier Runway Spring 2013 Size 4 Emerald Green Lace Gown Dress

By Monique Lhuillier, Monique Ihuillier

Located in San Diego, CA

Flattering ruched body with layers of tulle layered over lace. Inner boned bodice holds everything in place. Hidden zipper upper up the back with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

2010s Italian Evening Gowns

1990s Stephen Yearick Size 6 / 8 Silver Gunmetal Gray Beaded Silk Gown + Shawl
1990s Stephen Yearick Size 6 / 8 Silver Gunmetal Gray Beaded Silk Gown + Shawl

1990s Stephen Yearick Size 6 / 8 Silver Gunmetal Gray Beaded Silk Gown + Shawl

By Stephen Yearick

Located in San Diego, CA

Thousands of hand-sewn sequins and beads throughout. Boned bodice keeps everything in place. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

1880s Incredible Authentic Victorian Ivory Silk Lace Corset 1800s Couture Blouse
1880s Incredible Authentic Victorian Ivory Silk Lace Corset 1800s Couture Blouse

1880s Incredible Authentic Victorian Ivory Silk Lace Corset 1800s Couture Blouse

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible authentic Victorian Era (approximately 1880s) ivory silk lace corset bustier blouse! Features a fitted boned bodice with hook-and-eye closures up the front.

Category

1880s Blouses and Tops

Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress
Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress

Vintage CHANEL BOUTIQUE Velvet Halter Formal Dress

By Chanel Boutique

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

. - Draped sweetheart neckline. - Boned bodice. - Slit and ruched on one side accentuated with buttons. - Open back. - High low hem (front is shorter and back is longer). - Invisible...

Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses

Elisabetta Franchi Navy Blue Italian Strapless Bootcut Tailored Wool Jumpsuit
Elisabetta Franchi Navy Blue Italian Strapless Bootcut Tailored Wool Jumpsuit

Elisabetta Franchi Navy Blue Italian Strapless Bootcut Tailored Wool Jumpsuit

By Elisabetta Franchi

Located in San Diego, CA

Features a soft virgin wool and rayon blend that allows for just the right amount of stretch and comfort. Boned bodice keeps everything in place. Pant legs are slightly flared.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Jumpsuits

Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress
Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress

Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress

By Isabelle Allard

Located in San Diego, CA

Four black silk covered buttons at each sleeve cuff. Interior boned bodice. Looks great bare legged, or with stocking.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Richard Quinn Runway Duchess Satin & Silk Coat Dress Ensemble
Richard Quinn Runway Duchess Satin & Silk Coat Dress Ensemble

Richard Quinn Runway Duchess Satin & Silk Coat Dress Ensemble

By Richard Quinn, Alexander McQueen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dress is designed with a strapless boned bodice with mounted bow in center front.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dress and Coat Ensembles

Beautiful Vintage Richilene 1970s Black Silk Velvet + Nude Lace Chiffon Gown
Beautiful Vintage Richilene 1970s Black Silk Velvet + Nude Lace Chiffon Gown

Beautiful Vintage Richilene 1970s Black Silk Velvet + Nude Lace Chiffon Gown

By Richilene NY, Richilene

Located in San Diego, CA

Couture quality was my first impression upon inspecting this beauty. Inner boned bodice keeps everything in place. Luxurious black silk velvet body with sheer black lace lined in nud...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Christian Lacroix Runway 2-in-1 Detachable Pouf Petal Dress Gown
Christian Lacroix Runway 2-in-1 Detachable Pouf Petal Dress Gown

Christian Lacroix Runway 2-in-1 Detachable Pouf Petal Dress Gown

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fashioned of black silk gazar and organza with boned bodice. Bodice fabric is a dotted swiss pattern and the skirt has a pattern of narrow lines in contrast.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

AJE 2019 Castellain mustard yellow leather puff sleeve tiered mini dress UK6 XS
AJE 2019 Castellain mustard yellow leather puff sleeve tiered mini dress UK6 XS

AJE 2019 Castellain mustard yellow leather puff sleeve tiered mini dress UK6 XS

Located in Hong Kong, NT

Elasticated ruffle off shoulder. Sweetheart boned bodice. Tiered skirt. Zip back closure. Made in: India CONDITION: Condition: Excellent, this item was pre-owned and is in excellent...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian 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

Rhinestones scattered throughout the lace. Boned bodice keeps everything in place. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI cream purple floral cotton tweed sheer hem dress IT42 M
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI cream purple floral cotton tweed sheer hem dress IT42 M

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI cream purple floral cotton tweed sheer hem dress IT42 M

By Giambattista Valli

Located in Hong Kong, NT

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI cream purple floral cotton tweed sheer hem dress IT42 M Reference: LACG/A00387 Brand: Giambattista Valli Designer: Giambattista Valli Material: Cotton, Blend Color...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Rare Jean Paul Gaultier 'Gibo' black high-neck, detailed with boning mini dress
Rare Jean Paul Gaultier 'Gibo' black high-neck, detailed with boning mini dress

Rare Jean Paul Gaultier 'Gibo' black high-neck, detailed with boning mini dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in New York, NY

This wonderful rare Iconic Jean Paul Gaultier 'Gibo' black mini dress is detailed with boning on the bodice, and has a high zippered neckline and boned bodice on both front and ba...

Category

1980s Italian Mini Dress

Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture Navy Blue Strapless Silk and Mesh Gown Evening Dress
Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture Navy Blue Strapless Silk and Mesh Gown Evening Dress

Vintage Vicky Tiel Couture Navy Blue Strapless Silk and Mesh Gown Evening Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

Navy mesh over navy blue silk. Boned bodice. Hidden zipper up the back. Impeccable construction, with heavy attention to detail.

Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier multi-pinstriped coat
Jean Paul Gaultier multi-pinstriped coat

Jean Paul Gaultier multi-pinstriped coat

$3,885

Size: 40/French, USA/10

Jean Paul Gaultier multi-pinstriped coat

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in New York, NY

Jean Paul Gaultier multi-pinstripe double-breasted coat has boned bodice on both front and back. The shoulders are padded.

Category

1980s Italian Coats and Outerwear

Fabrice Simon White Strapless Cocktail Dress, 1980s
Fabrice Simon White Strapless Cocktail Dress, 1980s

Fabrice Simon White Strapless Cocktail Dress, 1980s

By Fabrice

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Check out the red carpet of the 1980s and you will see so much of this man's handiwork. Boned bodice and sewn in petersham to help keep everything in place.

Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Documented Patrick Kelly Size 8 Black Grey Denim Vtg 80s Strapless Dress Bolero
Documented Patrick Kelly Size 8 Black Grey Denim Vtg 80s Strapless Dress Bolero

Documented Patrick Kelly Size 8 Black Grey Denim Vtg 80s Strapless Dress Bolero

By Patrick Kelly

Located in San Diego, CA

Documented rare and fabulous late 1980s Patrick Kelly black / gray denim strapless dress and matching cropped bolero jacket ! Dress features a boned bodice to hold everything in plac...

Category

1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Escada Couture 1990s NWT Black Size 38 Vintage 90s Strapless Dress + Jacket Suit
Escada Couture 1990s NWT Black Size 38 Vintage 90s Strapless Dress + Jacket Suit

Escada Couture 1990s NWT Black Size 38 Vintage 90s Strapless Dress + Jacket Suit

By Escada, Escada Margaretha Ley

Located in San Diego, CA

Strapless dress features boned bodice to keep everything in place. Hidden zipper up the side with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

1990s German Dress and Coat Ensembles

New Pamella Roland Size 6 Gold Ombre Metallic One Shoulder Grecian Silk Dress
New Pamella Roland Size 6 Gold Ombre Metallic One Shoulder Grecian Silk Dress

New Pamella Roland Size 6 Gold Ombre Metallic One Shoulder Grecian Silk Dress

By Pamella Roland

Located in San Diego, CA

Perfect with sandals or wedges for a day event, and perfect with heels for evening. Boned bodice for extra support, lined in silk. Hidden zipper up the side, with hook-and-eye closure.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

Elaborately Beaded Strapless Black Cocktail Dress and Jacket  circa 1950
Elaborately Beaded Strapless Black Cocktail Dress and Jacket  circa 1950

Elaborately Beaded Strapless Black Cocktail Dress and Jacket circa 1950

Located in New Hope, PA

There are five rows of beads at the top of the dress, a center back zipper and a boned bodice. The matching jacket has a generous shawl collar, a single button closure and five rows...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Jersey + Lace + Sequins Sexy Asymmetrical Dress
Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Jersey + Lace + Sequins Sexy Asymmetrical Dress

Vicky Tiel Couture Vintage Black Jersey + Lace + Sequins Sexy Asymmetrical Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in San Diego, CA

Features soft black silk jersey that hugs the body fantastically! Boned bodice, with a black lace overlay and hand-sewn sequins.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown
Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown

Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown

By Valentino, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fashionably adorned with hand tie bows slightly asymmetric down front of bodice extending down skirt. Features interior boned bodice with net zipper closure.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Beautiful Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 8 Hunter Green Velvet Two Piece Gown
Beautiful Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 8 Hunter Green Velvet Two Piece Gown

Beautiful Vintage Oscar de la Renta Size 8 Hunter Green Velvet Two Piece Gown

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Diego, CA

The green was hard to photograph, but it is a beautiful true rich tone of hunter green. Features a boned bodice with a flattering sweetheart neckline.

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2008 Runway Dramatic Ballgown Dress
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2008 Runway Dramatic Ballgown Dress

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2008 Runway Dramatic Ballgown Dress

By Valentino, Roberto Cavalli

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Boasts a dramatic full skirt with strapless rolled boned bodice. Skirt adorned with a shower of black handsewn round sequins.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Gucci Vogue Cover Featured Origami Dress Gown with Horsebit Belt     New
Gucci Vogue Cover Featured Origami Dress Gown with Horsebit Belt     New

Gucci Vogue Cover Featured Origami Dress Gown with Horsebit Belt New

By Tom Ford, Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gown fashioned of silk taffeta with strapless boned bodice with strategically placed white black and yellow panels gathered in a origami folded technique.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent Sexy Two Piece Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Sexy Two Piece Black Velvet Cocktail Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Sexy Two Piece Black Velvet Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in New Hope, PA

Yves Saint Laurent designed this sexy two piece black velvet and black faille dress with a halter neckline and a boned bodice lined in black satin. The top has a left side zipper an...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

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Boned Bodice For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact vintage or contemporary boned bodice you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Many people prefer black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find gray, beige and more options on these pages. Making the right choice when shopping for a boned bodice may mean looking at versions that date from different eras — you can find early iterations from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Vicky Tiel, Christian Dior and Ceil Chapman are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Boned Bodice?

On average, a boned bodice on 1stDibs sells for $1,200, while they’re typically $61 on the low end and $45,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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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