Vintage Soft Gold Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A pretty soft gold colour vintage brocade cocktail dress. The dress has a scallop edge opening with button fastenings.
Vintage Soft Gold Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A pretty soft gold colour vintage brocade cocktail dress. The dress has a scallop edge opening with button fastenings.
Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress Versus Gianni Versace
By Versus Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress with Venetian mask and abstract graphic pattern.
1960s Vintage Metallic Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage metallic brocade cocktail dress with a front button detail.
Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress with beadwork KAY UNGER New with tag
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress with beadwork on the middle front.
Pale yellow and grey silk brocade cocktail dress with flower pattern Nina Ricci
By Nina Ricci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale yellow and grey silk brocade cocktail dress with flower pattern. Boned.
1960s Victor Costa Metallic Brocade Cocktail Dress
By Romantica by Victor Costa
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Glitzy and very pretty 1960s Romantica by Victor Costa cocktail dress. Made from a stunning mod, geometric brocade in silver, bronze and metallic white and peach.
A Vintage 1950s Metallic Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A gold , silver and pink metallic vintage cocktail dress with silver trim . The dress is gathered at the waist and has a central back zip. It has a three and a half inch hem
Ceil Chapman Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress, Circa 1950
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage silver and gold multi-colored metallic floral print cocktail dress by Ceil Chapman, from 1950. The cocktail dress has short sleeves, a scoop neckline, and a high fi...
CHRISTIAN DIOR neon FLORAL BROCADE Cocktail Dress 42
By Christian Dior
Located in Zürich, CH
Christian Dior floral borcade sheath dress in silver, indigo, pink, chartreuse, black, and red polyester (67%) and nylon (13%). With boat neck and cap sleeves. Closes with hook and i...
Gorgeous 1950s 50s Lipstick Red Demi Couture Silk Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning 1950s vintage lipstick red DEMI COUTURE silk brocade dress! Floral brocade throughout with a wonderful chiffon overlay skirt. Mostly hand sewn. Full metal zipper up the back...
1960s Vintage Black Satin Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress with Box Pleats
Located in Sparks, NV
Simple and chic 1960s vintage cocktail dress with short sleeves and box pleats. Partially lined with rear metal zip and hook closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust measures...
Vintage 1960's Black Brocade Cocktail Dress with Beaded Neckline Size 2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage design is composed of a black brocade and features a hand embellished neckline. There is a center back zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-...
Vintage Metallic Lurex Brocade Cocktail Dress Gold Silver Black 1970s Size 11
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
The design features a chic mandarin-style collar, sleeveless silhouette, and structured box pleats that create a flattering, sculpted shape. The richly textured metallic weave catche...
1960 Canary Yellow Silk Brocade Flower Appliqué Cocktail Dress & Opera Coat
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Canary yellow silk brocade cocktail dress and opera coat ensemble: Floral brocade dress features applied silk flowers at bodice and neckline.
Oscar de la Renta 1960s Red Metallic Brocade Bubble-Hem Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Oscar de la Renta red metallic brocade cocktail dress with bubble hem, c. 1966–1970.
1950s Jacques Heim Demi Couture Gold Brocade Dress
By Jaques Heim
Located in London, GB
This dazzling 1950s gold brocade cocktail dress is demi-couture from Parisian designer Jacques Heim and has both simplicity and glamour with some beautiful construction details.
$288Sale Price|42% Off
French Blue Brocade V Neck Slim Dress with Gathered Detail
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A perfect cocktail dress with a lovely shimmery elegance. The brocade design has a unique texture.
$288Sale Price|42% Off
Navy French Brocade Slim Dress with Collar and Draped back
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Navy lilac floral French brocade loose fitting slim dress with 3 /4 sleeves. The collar drapes uniquely to the back into elegant gathers. Comfortable and chic—easily transitions from...
Michael Kors Gold Brocade Dress
By Michael Kors
Located in Montgomery, TX
Michael Kors Dress With a luxe gold lame weave and a classic cut, Michael Kors's brocade dress is perfect for cocktail hour.
1960s Mam'selle Vintage Gold Beaded Brocade + Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress
By Mam'selle
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous vintage silk chiffon dress by Mam'selle with a beaded brocade bodice. Fully lined with rear metal zip and hook closure. Fits like a modern size XS-S. The bust measures 38", ...
Ceil Chapman Burgundy Velvet Quilted Metallic Brocade Day Dress - XS 1960s
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Tucson, AZ
Painfully good, from its rich color to its quilted skirt to its crisp A-line silhouette. The alluring keyhole neckline can be worn closed during the day and open at night for two dif...
Printed cocktail dress in silver and gold brocade Lanvin Circa 1960's
By Lanvin Paris
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cocktail dress in silver and gold brocade with pearl button and lurex passementerie in the middle front.
Gold and black brocade bustier cocktail dress MIGNON Anne-Marie Gabalis NY
By Mignon
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold and black brocade bustier cocktail dress. Black satin bow in the middle front.
Alexander McQueen 2011 Brocade Dress in Magenta Pink, Black & Gold Floral Print
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alexander Mcqueen deep pink dress with a stunning gold and black Oriental inspired floral weave throughout, circa 2011. Fitted pencil style, sleeveless. Back zip and hook and eye wit...
1950s Hardy Amies Orange Paisley Brocade Dress
By Hardy Amies
Located in London, GB
This mid 1950s Hardy Amies demi-couture occasion dress is made from a sumptuous material in a deep orange paisley brocade with pink and golds accents. It has a sweetheart neckline, p...
1960's SAKS 5TH AVE Pink Floral Brocade Hand Beaded Cocktail Dress Sz 4
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage cocktail dress is composed of a pink floral brocade fabric embellished with sequins and beading.
Vintage 1960s Pink and Gold Brocade Dress
Located in London, GB
A chic cocktail dress from the 1960s. The dress is in a pink and gold fabric, and is fully lined with a central back zip. It has a round neck, and decorative buttons at the front. ...
JEAN PATOU c.1960's Yellow Diamond Brocade Halter Shift Cocktail Dress
By Jean Patou
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage Jean Patou late 1960's yellow and silver diamond brocade halter cocktail dress. Yellow and silver lurex diamond patterned brocade.
1960s Green Floral Metallic Brocade Dress
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cocktail attire is in excellent, barely worn condition.
1960s French Couture Floral Gold Brocade Dress Ensemble
Located in London, GB
This early 1960s two-piece French couture ensemble is composed of a strappy gold dress and a sleeveless top which sits over it. Tailored from glistening brocade; a soft blush pink fa...
Geoffrey Beene Colorful Brocade Dress C. 1960's
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in New York, NY
Geoffrey Beene, orange brocade,patterned dress with gold lame thread detail. Dress has a pointed collar, long full sleeves, ending in a tight buttoned cuff, slightly high waist with ...
$340Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Mod Brocade Dress, Don Sophisticates
By Don Sophisticates
Located in Alford, MA
Don Sophisticates shift-style dress in silver and peach geometric brocade featuring a front zipper with rhinestone-ball pull up to its mock turtleneck, short sleeves, and small patch...
1970s Pauline Trigère Gold Metallic Brocade Dress Jacket Set
By Pauline Trigère
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Pauline Trigere circa 1971 gold,orange and grey metallic sleeveless silk brocade dress with cropped jacket. Dress is fully lined. Size: Small / Size: 2/4
1950 Philip Hulitar Azure Silk Damask Halter Cocktail Dress & Jacket Ensemble
By Philip Hulitar
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful 1950s azure silk brocade halter cocktail sheath dress and jacket ensemble attributed to Philip Hulitar with no labels present.
Galanos for Amelia Grey 1960s Lurex Brocade Satin Dress
By Galanos
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a bright and colorful cocktail dress from Galanos for Amelia Grey. It is made of a a pink, blue, grey and brown swirl satin with a gold lurex floral print woven in. There is ...
Jacques Cassia Couture Strapless Silver Brocade Party Dress - S, 1950s
By Jacques Cassia
Located in Tucson, AZ
Though his work has only recently begun to be appreciated, Lebanese designer Jacques Cassia was a familiar face among the haute monde in the 1960s and 70s. His best-known work was a ...
$499Sale Price|22% Off
Turquoise Zigzag Raglan Sleeve Slim Dress in Woven French Brocade
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charmingly unique turquoise woven zigzag fabric bodice punctuated with bias cording at the waist and slim skirt. A beautiful French textile woven in multicolor silk in a very ligh...
KATE SPADE metallic pink gold Rosebud brocade midi dress US4 M
Located in Hong Kong, NT
KATE SPADE metallic pink gold Rosebud brocade midi dress US4 M Reference: LACG/A00513 Brand: Kate Spade Material: Polyester, Blend Color: Pink, Gold Pattern: Floral Closure: Zip Lini...
JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Silk Floral Brocade Little Black Slip Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Leonardo, NJ
John Galliano Vintage AW99 Jet black floral textured brocade pattern 100% silk Pullover Cute signature buttons in the front There is room to let the straps out an inch Size F40 fits...
1960's Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture black brocade dress and jacket
By Balenciaga
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare jet black floral brocade dress and matching jacket from Cristobal Balenciaga dating to the early 1960's. Ensemble best fits a small US size 2. Narrow shoulders 13-14". Fit...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2007 "Sarabande" Floral Brocade Sleeveless Shift Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen S/S 2007 "Sarabande" sleeveless shift dress. Lavender floral on silver brocade. Sleeveless. V-neckline. Gathered criss-cross detail at bust. Center back invisible z...
Vintage 1960s Magenta Satin Brocade Gown with Spaghetti Straps and Bow
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Late 1960s and early 1970s Magenta pink satin brocade gown . Bright pink textured and quilted satin fabric. Slim fitted style with spaghetti straps, and a long straight ski...
1950s Demi Couture Gold + Black Silk Brocade and Chiffon Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1950s demi couture gold and black silk brocade and chiffon cocktail dress! Features a tailored gold and black silk flower brocade bodice, with a forgiving black silk chiffo...
1950s Demi Couture Avocado Green Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Cap Sleeve Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1950s demi couture avocado green silk brocade cap sleeve dress! Features a floral silk brocade pattern. Lots of attention to detail, with hand-sewn finishings. Full me...
$636Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1950s taupe / light brown silk brocade sleeveless wiggle dress ! The perfect color for anytime of year for ay day or evening event. Flattering tailored ruched bodice with f...
PRADA 2015 Runway green orange raw edge brocade stitch patchwork dress IT40 S
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PRADA 2015 Runway green orange raw edge brocade white stitch patchwork midi dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/F01108 Brand: Prada Designer: Miuccia Prada Collection: Spring/Summer 2015 Ru...
Lillie Rubin 1960s Silk Brocade Pink Gold Silver Rhinestone Belted Vintage Dress
By Lillie Rubin
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 60s LILLIE RUBIN silk brocade belted shirt dress! Features a stunning pink, gold and silver silk metallic brocade. Rhinestone buttons up the bodice. Detachable matc...
1950s Black and Red Silk Brocade Flower Print Off Shoulder Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage late 50s demi couture silk brocade black and red off-the-shoulder cocktail dress !
1950s Sa'Bett of California Demi Couture Gold Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1950 SA'BETT of CALIFORNIA demi couture gold silk brocade belted sleeveless sheath dress ! Features a luxurious silk brocade fabric that offers just the right amount of glim...
1960s Joseph Magnin Gold + Chartreuse Green Silk Brocade 60s Vintage Shift Dress
By Joseph Magnin Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous 1960s JOSEPH MAGNIN gold and chartreuse green metallic silk shift dress! Features a striking print, with an incredible fit! Fitted bodice, with a straight skirt. Full metal ...
$656Sale Price|25% Off
1960s Large Plus Size Gold Silver Silk Brocade Vintage 60s Belted Shirt Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s larger size gold and silver silk brocade belted shirt dress ! Features 5 fabric covered buttons up the front. Detachable matching tie sash belt. Flattering 3/4 sleeves. Pe...
$450Sale Price|25% Off
Little Black V Neck Dress in a Sparkly French Brocade and Puffy Sleeves
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
For a dazzling look with a wink and a nod to Elizabeth Taylor, this figure-enhancing dress fits snugly in all the right places with a self-belt that defines the waist. Perfect for co...
$600Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Coral Silk Brocade Hand Beaded 1960s Mini Dress Royal Cathay Hong Kong
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1960s coral silk brocade, hand beaded 1960s mini dress by Royal Cathay, Hong Kong. Scoop neck, short sleeve princess seam dress with a jewel neckline and sleeve cuffs with pearls and...
1960s Adele Simspon Brown Rose Gold Copper Silk Brocade Vintage 60s A Line Dress
By Adele Simpson
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s ADELE SIMPSON brown and rose gold / copper metallic silk brocade A-Line dress! Features a smart tailored short sleeve bodice.
1960s Gold + Taupe + Brown Silk Brocade Regal Vintage 60s Mod Shift A Line Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s gold, brown metallic and taupe silk brocade demi couture shift dress! Features a fitted bodice, with a slight A-Line skirt. Ten fabric covered mock buttons up the bod...
$499Sale Price|23% Off
French Multi Floral Rose Gold Brocade with Black Satin Inset and 3/4 Sleeves
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fitted slim Rose Gold Brocade Dress with Black Taroni Satin Yoke and 3/4 Sleeves. This dress fits like a glove and goes from day into evening. A chic modern look in extraordinary fa...
1960s Oscar de La Renta Gold & Black Brocade Cocktail Suit w/ Sequin Bodice
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Gresham, OR
A wonderful 1960s Oscar de La Renta gold and black chevron patterned brocade cocktail suit with zippered front jacket and sequin-bodice mini dress.
Christian Dior by John Galliano Gold Brocade Cocktail Dress From Fall 2009
By John Galliano
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Christian Dior by John Galliano Gold Brocade Cocktail Dress From Fall 2009 RTW collection titled "Persian Miniatures" Size 36 Bust 34" Waist 26" Hips 34" Length 38" Excellent cond...
Unavailable
1960's Luxurious silk brocade cocktail dress
Located in Newport Beach, CA
1960's Metallic brocade cocktail dress. This luxurious cocktail dress is made of a gorgeous, woven silk brocade with a chartreuse satin ground, and metallic platinum tapestry artw...
DOLCE & GABBANA Brocade Cocktail Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Berlin, Berlin
From the spring/summer season 2008. Brocade dress with gold thread and green velvet in a baroque inspired style covered with black tulle. Collectors piece.
1966 Yves Saint Laurent Beaded Metallic Pink Gold Silk Brocade Cocktail Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptionally chic metallic silk-brocade cocktail dress is from the infamous Rive Gauche collection during Fall-Winter 1966.
Unavailable
Size: 2-4 See measurements
1960s Hong Kong Gold Cherry Blossom Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress and Coat
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful gold and cream cocktail ensemble consisting of a dress and matching swing coat. The dress is knee length, with short sleeves, a bateau boat neckline, and a fitted sheath si...
1950s Vintage Black and Powder Pink Brocade Cocktail New Look Circle Dress
Located in Milan, Italy
This lovely 1950s dress is in a powder pink with black velvet brocade floral print fabric. It has 3/4 sleeve, full circle skirt and side zip closure. Good vintage condition Label...
1960s Golden Lurex Brocade Mod Suit Cocktail Dress
Located in Milan, Italy
This charming early 1960s cocktail suit dress is in a golden lurex brocade fabric.
The Very Best 50s Ceil Chapman Coral Lame Brocade Bombshell Cocktail Dress
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully draped and shirred wiggle dress by the 1950s Queen of glamour - Ceil Chapman. Body hugging silk lame brocade with stylized leaf pattern. Fully lined with boned bodice and...
Unavailable
Size: 4 See Measurements
1960s Oscar de la Renta Blue Metallic Floral Brocade Evening Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Houston, TX
Regal and ornate peacock colored metallic maxi dress from Oscar de la Renta. Floor length and long sleeved evening dress features a beautiful diamond print with metallic gold detail...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Brocade Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A gorgeous 1980s floral Yves Saint Laurent cocktail dress with a voluminous blouse and long tapered sleeves, with a zipper detail at the cuff. At the back the dress has a four button...
Roberto Cavalli burgandy brocade dress, FW 2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli burgundy slip dress with a decorative floral flocking print featuring thin straps, a slip dress style bodice, and a flared hem. Material: Silk and satin Size: Smal...
Arnold Scaasi Black Jacquard & Gold Brocade Dress
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
* It has a slim front profile with a tucks in the back that creates a pleated look.
* It has two bows on the drop waist in the back.
* It closes with a hidden zipper in...
Mainbocher 1960s Silver Lamé Brocade Dress with Jacket
By Mainbocher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 1960s ensemble from American couturier, Mainbocher, includes a sleek dress and jacket done in the most beautiful silver lamé brocade. Brocade is woven into patterns of organ...
50s Don Loper Brown Floral Brocade Afternoon Dress
By Don Loper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
50s bombshell in the afternoon. Brown iridescent brocade afternoon to cocktail look with strappy, belted sheath and matching cropped jacket and belt. A low key kind of sexy. Black s...
Vintage GEOFFREY BEENE 1960's Metallic brocade paisley dress
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Gorgeous vintage GEOFFREY BEENE 1960's Metallic brocade paisley dress. Beautiful scooped neckline with cross front, layered inset at neckline. Self fabric waist tie sash. ...
Larry Aldrich Hot Pink and Gold Tree Motif Brocade Dress
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous dress, attributed to Larry Aldrich, is done in beautiful hot pink brocade with a gold and blue tree motif. The waist features a precious bow, and full, flared skirt. ...
Scaasi 1980s Gold Floral Brocade Off the Shoulder Wrap Dress Size 14
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Scaasi 1980s Gold Floral Brocade Off the Shoulder Wrap Dress. This is a true wrap dress with multiple snaps to close. Size 14 vintage is 10 today Bust 38" Waist 29" Hips 44" Length ...
Ceil Chapman Burgundy Silk Brocade Cocktail Evening Dress, 1960s
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Ceil Chapman for Isaacson's (Atlanta luxury department store) 1960s burgundy silk brocade with silver metallic thread cocktail evening dress with pockets & belt is labeled a size 12 ...
1960s Oscar de la Renta Rainbow Brocade Wave Cocktail Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Houston, TX
Simply stunning multicolor party dress by Oscar! This gloriously 60s piece features a knee - length hem, A - line silhouette, long sleeves, and mandarin collar. The dress is composed...
1980s Guys Laroche Floral Brocade Bolero w Brown Velvet Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
1980s Guy Laroche Floral Brocade Bolero with Brown Velvet Cocktail Dress, A rather simple design the textiles of this garment really make it a gem, The cocktail dress alongside th...
1960s Iridescent Blue and Brown Floral Brocade Mod Dress
By Union Label
Located in Houston, TX
Incredible 1960s mod dress! This dress is knee length, with long sleeves, a notched faux - mandarin collar, and a fit - and - flare silhouette with bell - like skirt. Gold braided ci...
1950s Gold Brocade Cocktail Dress
Located in Alford, MA
Gold brocade cocktail dress features a flattering off-the-shoulder neckline and cap sleeves.
Black brocade cocktail dress Balenciaga Paris by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Balenciaga
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black brocade cocktail dress with buttons in the front.
Nina Ricci velvet and silk brocade cocktail dress
By Nina Ricci
Located in New York, NY
Nina Ricci velvet and floral brocade cocktail dress. Bodice of dress is fitted, dropped waist, long sleeved with square cut open neckline.
GiGi Young Champagne Brocade Cocktail Dress, C.1960
By GiGi Young
Located in Atlanta, GA
GiGi Young (Suzy Perette's trendier line) creates a brocade cocktail dress with a form fitting silhouette and eye catching graphics.
Scassi Copper Brocade Cocktail Dress
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in New York, NY
Arnold Scaasi, copper lurex and black, matelasse , cocktail dress, with a scallop pattern. Funnel neckline, long sleeves, fitted bodice with small satin buttons going down the center...
GALANOS ABSTRACT BROCADE COCKTAIL DRESS
By Galanos, James Galanos
Located in Alford, MA
The interest is in the fabric in this Galanos dress, an abstract brocade in wide to narrow bands shading from pink to gold, blue and bronze. The cut, a single panel of fabric from ne...
50s Traina-Norell Silk and Brocade Cocktail Dress in Cappuccino
By Traina-Norell
Located in Gresham, OR
A sweet 50s Traina-Norell cocktail dress in cappuccino silk with gold Sari-inspired brocade panels, "cummerbund" bodice and keyhole-tie neckline.
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.
Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.
The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.
Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.
This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.