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Brocade Evening Dresses

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Roberto Cavalli FW 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Dress
Roberto Cavalli FW 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Dress

Roberto Cavalli FW 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2004 Runway Red Gold Brocade Print Bodycon Fringe Scarf Print Dress Size S Look 5 from the Fall 2004 Collection.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Malcolm Starr White Brocade Empire-Line Wedding Dress
1960s Malcolm Starr White Brocade Empire-Line Wedding Dress

1960s Malcolm Starr White Brocade Empire-Line Wedding Dress

By Malcolm Starr

Located in London, GB

Malcolm Starr made hugely popular evening and wedding dresses throughout the 1960s and 1970s and his collections retailed in the finest department stores throughout the USA.

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1960s American Wedding Dresses

1970s Pauline Trigère Gold Metallic Brocade Dress Jacket Set
1970s Pauline Trigère Gold Metallic Brocade Dress Jacket Set

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

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

A gold brocade dress in the style of Cristobal Balenciaga - United States C.1968
A gold brocade dress in the style of Cristobal Balenciaga - United States C.1968

A gold brocade dress in the style of Cristobal Balenciaga - United States C.1968

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1968-1970. United States In the style of Cristobal Balenciaga, an American peplum dress with a peacock tail train, american labelled By Peer, size 8 and dating from the 1960s. ...

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1960s American Evening Dresses

1960s Brocade Empire Gown
1960s Brocade Empire Gown

1960s Brocade Empire Gown

Located in Alford, MA

Brocade gown in a geometric silver and charcoal pattern featuring a wide, square neckline, empire waist, and long sleeves. The skirt is gathered under the waist seam and there are sl...

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1960s American Evening Gowns

Galanos for Amelia Grey 1960s Lurex Brocade Satin Dress
Galanos for Amelia Grey 1960s Lurex Brocade Satin Dress

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 ...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Jacques Cassia Couture Strapless Silver Brocade Party Dress - S, 1950s
Jacques Cassia Couture Strapless Silver Brocade Party Dress - S, 1950s

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 ...

Category

1950s Lebanese Cocktail Dresses

KATE SPADE metallic pink gold Rosebud brocade midi dress US4 M
KATE SPADE metallic pink gold Rosebud brocade midi dress US4 M

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...

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2010s Chinese Cocktail Dresses

Moroccan Purple Brocade Caftan Gown Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M
Moroccan Purple Brocade Caftan Gown Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M

Moroccan Purple Brocade Caftan Gown Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Moroccan vintage exotic metallic brocade caftan gown, circa 1970s. The luxurious kaftan is designed with brilliant gold metallic fabric. The front of the elegant maxi dress caftan go...

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1970s Moroccan Caftans

Turquoise Zigzag Raglan Sleeve Slim Dress in Woven French Brocade
Turquoise Zigzag Raglan Sleeve Slim Dress in Woven French Brocade

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...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress with beadwork  KAY UNGER New with tag
Sleeveless brocade cocktail dress with beadwork  KAY UNGER New with tag

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. Shell fabric composition: 86% polyester, 8% spandex, 6% metalic. Polyester lining. Extra beads provided. Zip clo...

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2010s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de la Renta 1960s Red Metallic Brocade Bubble-Hem Cocktail Dress
Oscar de la Renta 1960s Red Metallic Brocade Bubble-Hem Cocktail Dress

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. From ODLR’s early independent years following his departure from Elizabeth Arden in 1965, retaile...

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1960s Cocktail Dresses

Moroccan Kaftan Red and Gold Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress 1970s Vintage
Moroccan Kaftan Red and Gold Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress 1970s Vintage

Moroccan Kaftan Red and Gold Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress 1970s Vintage

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Metallic red and gold brocade maxi dress kaftan hand made by Moroccan artist using Chinese red silk damask. Transport yourself to an era of enchantment with this vintage Moroccan caf...

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20th Century Moroccan Caftans

1960's Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture black brocade dress and jacket
1960's Cristóbal Balenciaga haute couture black brocade dress and jacket

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...

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1960s Mam'selle Vintage Gold Beaded Brocade + Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress
1960s Mam'selle Vintage Gold Beaded Brocade + Silk Chiffon Cocktail Dress

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", ...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2007 "Sarabande" Floral Brocade Sleeveless Shift Dress
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2007 "Sarabande" Floral Brocade Sleeveless Shift Dress

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...

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress
1950s Demi Couture Taupe Brown Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Bombshell Wiggle Dress

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.

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Printed cocktail dress in silver and gold brocade Lanvin Circa 1960's
Printed cocktail dress in silver and gold brocade Lanvin Circa 1960's

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. Silk lining. SIZE 38/40 (Fr) M/L

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1960s Vintage Black Satin Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress with Box Pleats
1960s Vintage Black Satin Floral Brocade Cocktail Dress with Box Pleats

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...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Gold and black brocade bustier cocktail dress MIGNON Anne-Marie Gabalis NY
Gold and black brocade bustier cocktail dress MIGNON Anne-Marie Gabalis NY

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. Boned bustier. Polyester lining and tulle petticoat with ruffles. Zip and hook&eye in the middle ...

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Moroccan Kaftan 1970s Red and Gold Floral Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress
Vintage Moroccan Kaftan 1970s Red and Gold Floral Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress

Vintage Moroccan Kaftan 1970s Red and Gold Floral Brocade Caftan Maxi Dress

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Metallic red and gold brocade maxi dress kaftan hand made by Moroccan artist. Handmade vintage exotic 1970s gold and red metallic brocade ceremonial caftan gown from North Africa, M...

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20th Century Moroccan Caftans

PRADA 2015 Runway green orange raw edge brocade stitch patchwork dress IT40 S
PRADA 2015 Runway green orange raw edge brocade stitch patchwork dress IT40 S

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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Gold + Black Silk Brocade and Chiffon Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Demi Couture Gold + Black Silk Brocade and Chiffon Vintage 50s Dress

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...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1960s Joseph Magnin Gold + Chartreuse Green Silk Brocade 60s Vintage Shift Dress
1960s Joseph Magnin Gold + Chartreuse Green Silk Brocade 60s Vintage Shift Dress

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 ...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Late 60s Gold and Silver Lame Brocade Psychedelic Gown w Jeweled Empire Waist
Late 60s Gold and Silver Lame Brocade Psychedelic Gown w Jeweled Empire Waist

Late 60s Gold and Silver Lame Brocade Psychedelic Gown w Jeweled Empire Waist

Located in Gresham, OR

Late 60s Gold and Silver Lame Brocade Psychedelic Maxi Dress or Gown w Jeweled Empire Waist; A spectacular apricot, silver and gold metallic brocade in a "wave" design make this a re...

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1960s American Maxi Dress

Vintage 1960's Black Brocade Cocktail Dress with Beaded Neckline Size 2
Vintage 1960's Black Brocade Cocktail Dress with Beaded Neckline Size 2

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-...

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1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

1950s Sa'Bett of California Demi Couture Gold Silk Brocade Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Sa'Bett of California Demi Couture Gold Silk Brocade Vintage 50s 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...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Child's dress for a boy in taffeta and brocade silks - France Circa 1870
Child's dress for a boy in taffeta and brocade silks - France Circa 1870

Child's dress for a boy in taffeta and brocade silks - France Circa 1870

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1870 France A child's dress, for a boy (?) around 10 years old (?), reused from older silks dating from the 19th century. The base is a yellow-green edged taffeta with a small ...

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1870s French Babydoll Dresses

Nina Ricci Strapless Velvet, Organza, Brocade Column Gown
Nina Ricci Strapless Velvet, Organza, Brocade Column Gown

Nina Ricci Strapless Velvet, Organza, Brocade Column Gown

By Nina Ricci

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Nina Ricci Strapless Velvet Organza Brocade Column Gown from the 1980's. Velvet column with green brocade ruching trimmed in pleated organza. The faux pockets are trimmed wi...

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Moroccan Caftan in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size L to XL
Vintage Moroccan Caftan in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size L to XL

Vintage Moroccan Caftan in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size L to XL

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Moroccan vintage exotic metallic white gold brocade caftan gown, circa 1970s. The luxurious Moorish kaftan is designed with white and gold metallic brocade. The front of the elegant ...

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1970s Moroccan Caftans

1950s Green and Blue Butterfly Print Brocade  Coat
1950s Green and Blue Butterfly Print Brocade  Coat

1950s Green and Blue Butterfly Print Brocade Coat

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Late 50s Beautiful blue and green brocade swing coat with butterfly and flower pattern. Size X large Bust: 52 inches/ coat length : 43.5” Sleeve length 22 inches

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1950s American Evening Dresses

1960s Coral Silk Brocade Hand Beaded 1960s Mini Dress Royal Cathay Hong Kong
1960s Coral Silk Brocade Hand Beaded 1960s Mini Dress Royal Cathay Hong Kong

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...

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1960s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

1960's Blue, Gold and Green Brocade Gown
1960's Blue, Gold and Green Brocade Gown

1960's Blue, Gold and Green Brocade Gown

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Stunning 1960's periwinkle blue, gold and turquoise green brocade gown and matching waist tie. Sleeveless with an elegant high rolled collar. Matching tie has great turquoise fringe ...

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1960s American Evening Dresses

Little Black V Neck Dress in a Sparkly French Brocade and Puffy Sleeves
Little Black V Neck Dress in a Sparkly French Brocade and Puffy Sleeves

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...

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2010s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s UNGARO cobalt blue silk brocade mermaid gown
1980s UNGARO cobalt blue silk brocade mermaid gown

1980s UNGARO cobalt blue silk brocade mermaid gown

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful Ungaro mermaid gown in black and cobalt silk lamé. Inspired by the finest 1950's French tradition, it has a fully boned corset and layers of bias cut ruffles to the floor....

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960's SAKS 5TH AVE Pink Floral Brocade Hand Beaded Cocktail Dress Sz 4
1960's SAKS 5TH AVE Pink Floral Brocade Hand Beaded Cocktail Dress Sz 4

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. There is a center back zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. ...

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1960s American Cocktail Dresses

Moroccan Moorish Caftan Gown in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M to L
Moroccan Moorish Caftan Gown in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M to L

Moroccan Moorish Caftan Gown in Gold Brocade Maxi Dress Kaftan Size M to L

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Moroccan vintage exotic metallic brocade caftan gown, circa 1970s. The luxurious Moorish kaftan is designed with brilliant gold and green metallic brocade and green embroidered. The ...

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1970s Moroccan Caftans

A 1960s Nan Duskin Couture Metallic Brocade Empire Waist Dress
A 1960s Nan Duskin Couture Metallic Brocade Empire Waist Dress

A 1960s Nan Duskin Couture Metallic Brocade Empire Waist Dress

By Nan Duskin

Located in Boca Raton, FL

A show stopping dress from Nan Duskin. Fashioned from a metallic accented brocade in hues of magenta, blush, tangerine and champagne. Bullion trim surrounds the front and back ...

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1960s Empire Waist Dresses

1960's Ceil Chapman Peach and Metallic Brocade Gown
1960's Ceil Chapman Peach and Metallic Brocade Gown

1960's Ceil Chapman Peach and Metallic Brocade Gown

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Ceil Chapman gown dating from the late 1960s. Beautiful muted peach and metallic brocade featuring peacock feathers all over. Scoop neck, empire waist and full skirt. Optional matchi...

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1960s American Evening Gowns

NINA RICCI Black Lace and Brocade Gown Size 0
NINA RICCI Black Lace and Brocade Gown Size 0

NINA RICCI Black Lace and Brocade Gown Size 0

By Nina Ricci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Nina Ricci design is composed of a black brocade with lace. Features an interior crinoline skirt and lace halter backing. In excellent vintage condition. Due to the petite natur...

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20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Pauline Trigere Long Puff Sleeve Brocade Floral Print Metallic Gown
Pauline Trigere Long Puff Sleeve Brocade Floral Print Metallic Gown

Pauline Trigere Long Puff Sleeve Brocade Floral Print Metallic Gown

By Pauline Trigère

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Indulge in luxury with the Pauline Trigere Long Sleeve Brocade Floral Print Metallic Gown. Made with intricate brocade fabric and a shimmering metallic finish, this holiday gown will...

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1980s Evening Gowns

Pauline Trigere Brocade strapless Gold/Black Gown With Shawl Included
Pauline Trigere Brocade strapless Gold/Black Gown With Shawl Included

Pauline Trigere Brocade strapless Gold/Black Gown With Shawl Included

By Pauline Trigère

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Pauline Trigere Brocade gown is the epitome of royalty and elegance. Made with intricate metallic brocade fabric, it is a show stopping piece perfect for formal black tie events...

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1990s Evening Gowns

Ruby, Gold, and Pink French Brocade with Black Silk Velvet Insets
Ruby, Gold, and Pink French Brocade with Black Silk Velvet Insets

Ruby, Gold, and Pink French Brocade with Black Silk Velvet Insets

By Barbara Tfank

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vibrant Pink, Ruby, and Metallic Gold on black French Floral Brocade scoop neck dress with black velvet insets and 3/4 sleeve. A unique floral design truly makes this dress a magical...

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2010s American Evening Dresses

1980's LEONARD of Paris metallic silver gold brocade strapless gown
1980's LEONARD of Paris metallic silver gold brocade strapless gown

1980's LEONARD of Paris metallic silver gold brocade strapless gown

By Leonard, Leonard Fashion

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Leonard of Paris strapless evening gown in metallic gold and silver woven fabric with pink, lilac, and peach accents throughout. The bodice has a silver-toned textured finish with a ...

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Japanese Ceremonial Brocade Kimono with Floral Embroidery and Phoenix
Vintage Japanese Ceremonial Brocade Kimono with Floral Embroidery and Phoenix

Vintage Japanese Ceremonial Brocade Kimono with Floral Embroidery and Phoenix

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Beautiful vintage Japanese ceremonial brocade kimono embroidered with red and gold floral and Phoenix embroidery. Kimono comes with red rope belt. Kimono length: 74” length Note abou...

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20th Century Unknown Evening Gowns

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Brocade Evening Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of brocade evening dresses. For brocade evening dresses, brown is a pretty popular color, but we also have black, gray, beige and more in stock now. Finding the perfect accessories for you may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions of these were made as early as the 18th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Brocade evening dresses such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Oscar De La Renta, Christian Dior and Barbara Tfank are consistently popular. Finding accessories for sale for women should be easy, but there are 37 pieces available to browse for men as well as unisex, too.

How Much are Brocade Evening Dresses?

The prices for brocade evening dresses start at $125 and top out at $36,122 with these items, on average, selling for $895.

Finding the Right Evening Dresses And Gowns for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

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