Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Silk Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Silk slip dress Roberto Cavalli featuring a vibrant psychedelic swirl print in coral and white tones. Constructed from lightweight silk with bias-cut construction that creates fluid ...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Liz Taylor Print Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a draped backless Roberto Cavalli dress with the Elizabeth Taylor eye print.
Roberto Cavalli Silver & Blue Silk Halter Mermaid Dress SS 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Roberto Cavalli Spring 2001 silk halter mermaid dress. Crafted in fluid silk, this striking evening gown features a dramatic engineered fea...
ROBERTO CAVALLI S/s 2001 Blue Silk Elizabeth Taylor Eye Draped Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
Composition: 100% Silk Measurements All measurements taken laid flat - Bust: 18 " / 46.5 cm (drape neck allows room for another 1-2 inches / 2.54 - 5 cm) - Waist: 14.50" / 36.5 c...
Roberto Cavalli Long Silk Cheetah Dress Fall Winter 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in GOUVIEUX, FR
Roberto Cavalli Cheetah/Burn Print Spaghetti Silk Dress From the F/W2001 Collection as seen on Pamela Anderson .
2001 Vintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Acid Print Ruffled Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Roberto Cavalli 2001 Stretch Silk Dress – Iconic Archive Print A bold testament to early 2000s glamour, this rare Roberto Cavalli dress from the 2001 collection is a collector’s dre...
ROBERTO CAVALLI S/s 2001 Blue Silk Elizabeth Taylor Eye Draped Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This stunning silk dress from Roberto Cavalli spring summer 2001 is a vision of vibrant artistry.
ROBERTO CAVALLI 2001 Vintage Y2K Runway Silk Psychedelic Maxi Gown Long Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Runway style (I like mine better) SS01 100% silk Sheer Neon bright yellow and jet black Ultra low cowl neck to bellybutton Super high side slit Pullover Has t...
Roberto Cavalli black shredded silk strapless evening dress with train, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli evening dress ▪ Constructed from multiple strips of shredded silk applied onto mesh ▪ Built-in boned corset and bodysuit ▪ Super high leg slit at the center-front ...
Roberto Cavalli Distressed Pink Silk Mesh Evening Halter Neck Dress, ss 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Roberto Cavalli Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from pink silk chiffon ▪ Enveloped in a distressed black silk mesh overlay, featuring layered paneling and fra...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Evening Dress and Silk Shawl
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
Consisting of a floor-length synthetic blend slip dress and a slk printed shawl. Size Large Excellent vintage condition Chest : 38cm Hips : 48cm Length : 126cm
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Silk Slip Maxi Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Plunging Neckine Backless Silk Slip Maxi Evening Dress Gown
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Gold & Black Lace Evening Gown Dress S/S 2001 Size M
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Runway - Gold & Black Lace Evening Gown Dress Spring/Summer 2001 Size Medium
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Face Eye Print Bias Cut Silk Slip Evening Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Face Eye Print Bias Cut Silk Slip Evening Dress Size M
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Face Eye Print Bias Cut Silk Slip Evening Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Face Eye Print Bias Cut Silk Slip Evening Dress Size S
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Jacket w/ Gold-Tone Chain – Unworn Archive Piece
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Baar, CH
This rare, unworn Roberto Cavalli jacket from the Spring 2001 runway collection is a true archival treasure. Crafted from psychedelic turquoise and gold-glitter denim cupro, it feat...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2001 phoenix asymmetrical leather mini dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, IT
- Roberto Cavalli long sleeve mini dress - Sold by Gold Palms Vintage - Fall/Winter 2001 - Embroidered Phoenix motif with real feathers - Brown soft distressed leather - Asymmetrica...
Roberto Cavalli shredded silk corseted evening dress, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli multicoloured shredded silk and mesh evening dress with built-in corseted bodysuit.
Roberto Cavalli Leopard & Blue Acid Print Halter Dress 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 2001 collection. Roberto Cavalli Size: M 100% Silk 2001 Collection Very Good Vintage Condition Authenticity Guaranteed
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Elizabeth Taylor Eye Print Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in PARIS, FR
This iconic Cavalli dress showcases the vivid Elizabeth Taylor eye print, framed by turquoise roses, pearls, and golden baroque detailing. The draped bust flows into a fitted sil...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Elizabeth Taylor eye silk mini dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Elizabeth Taylor eye silk mini dress This iconic Roberto Cavalli mini dress from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection is crafted from luxurious silk with a flu...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Runway Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in GOUVIEUX, FR
Sheer psychedelic green silk high slit. Seen on the Spring / Summer 2001 runway. · Comes with a beige silk deep V neckline under dress · Invisible Buttons on the side · Mermaid Cut...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Elizabeth Taylor Eye Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Wembley, GB
Interdite Vintage presents a Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Elizabeth Taylor Eye Silk Dress • Roberto Cavalli • From the Spring / Summer 2001 collection • As seen on Britney Spears, Hal...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Elizabeth Taylor Eye Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Wembley, GB
Interdite Vintage presents a Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Elizabeth Taylor Eye Silk Dress • Roberto Cavalli • Very rare collectors item • From the Spring / Summer 2001 collection • As...
ROBERTO CAVALLI 2001 Vintage Silk Beaded Runway Style Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Roberto Cavalli SS01 Vintage 100% silk psychedelic print Similar to Runway Can also be worn off the shoulder Can also be worn snapped up for shorter sleeves Size Small Excellent cond...
Roberto Cavalli bias cut silk open-back evening dress, ss 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli silk evening dress ▪ Psychedelic print in vibrant blue, pink and chartreuse ▪ Bias cut ▪ Cowl neck ▪ Open low back ▪ Asymmetric hemline ▪ Size Extra Small ▪ Spr...
Sexy Roberto Cavalli Pink Halter Dress With Rhinestone Belly Chain 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a vintage Roberto Cavalli pink printed evening gown featuring a halter neck and tie-back bodice, attached clear rhinestone with a gold-tone...
Roberto Cavalli gold baroque and leopard print silk evening dress, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli gold printed silk evening dress ▪ Baroque-style print ▪ Leopard-print silk chiffon trim ▪ Cowl neck ▪ Shoulder strap ties ▪ Floor-length skirt with train and leg-...
Roberto Cavalli Floral Silk Dress with Built-In Bleached Denim Corset, FW 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
This rare Roberto Cavalli dress from the Fall-Winter 2001 collection features a bias-cut silk gown with a metallic brown and cream floral print, complemented by an integrated blue bl...
Roberto Cavalli black and lime shredded silk halter neck evening dress, ss 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli deconstructed evening dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Constructed from shredded black silk net with lime underlay ▪ Multiple bias-cut panels ▪ Open low back ▪ Floor...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Gold & Black Lace Evening Gown Dress S/S 2001 Size M
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Runway - Gold & Black Lace Evening Gown Dress Spring/Summer 2001 Size Medium
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Asymmetric Silk Bias Cut Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible silk leopard print Roberto Cavalli bias cut gown. This fabulous full-length dress from the Spring/Summer 2001 collection features spaghetti straps, an asymme...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Denim & Silk Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2001 Size 40IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Runway - Denim and Silk Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2001 Size 40IT
Vintage S/S 2001 Abstract Green Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Spring Summer 2001 silk dress. Features abstract green and white leaf print, delicate cowl neckline, flared silhouette with slight train behind.
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2001 ‘Liz Taylor Eye Print’ Top & Silk Ski
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Channel the glamour of Old Hollywood with this striking two-piece set from Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection. The cotton top features the iconic “Liz Taylor Eye Print,...
Roberto Cavalli printed silk corseted trained evening dress, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli printed silk evening dress ▪ 100% Silk ▪ Corseted bodice with external boning ▪ Raw edges ▪ Built-in bodysuit ▪ Size Extra Small ▪ Fall-Winter 2001
Roberto Cavalli multicoloured sunset bias cut silk evening dress, ss 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli bias cut evening dress ▪ Multicoloured sunset silk with printed graphic overlay ▪ Asymmetric cowl neck ▪ Spaghetti straps ▪ Floor-length skirt ▪ Size Small ▪ Sp...
Roberto Cavalli brown and pink montage print silk corset dress, fw 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli silk evening dress ▪ Brown and pink montage print ▪ Corseted bodice with exposed boning tape and nylon mesh overlay ▪ Built-in bodysuit ▪ Spaghetti straps ▪ Asym...
Roberto Cavalli Ivory Stretch Jersey Deep-V Asymmetric Dress — Circa 2001–2003
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
A beautifully sleek archive piece from Roberto Cavalli’s most celebrated era, this ivory stretch jersey dress distils the house’s signature sensuality into a deceptively minimal form...
Roberto Cavalli multicoloured face print silk bias cut dress and shawl, ss 2001
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Roberto Cavalli multicoloured face print silk bias cut spaghetti strap evening dress with matching shawl.
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Pink Leopard Nylon Halter Mini Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Runway Please contact us for more images and/or information. CONDITION: Good- no flaws FABRIC: Tag is faded- feels like a nylon & spandex blend ...
C. 2001 Roberto Cavalli Class Sheer Pirate Tattoo Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: Circa 2001 Roberto Cavalli Class Please contact us for more images or information CONDITION: Good- no flaws FABRIC: Cotton & Spandex COUNTRY: Italy SIZE: 40 MEASUREM...
Roberto Cavalli 2001 mini dress with a wrap set
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Miami, FL
Roberto Cavalli 2001 animal print silk and lace mini dress with a matching wrap robe Both robe and slip are size 42 The slip can be worn as a mini dress, will probably need a nude...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Neon Pink Yellow Blue Silk Long Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- flawless! MATERIAL: 100% silk COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: S MEASUREMENTS; p...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 coral open-back graphic silk dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, IT
- Spring-summer 2001 collection - Sold by Gold Palms Vintage - Vibrant coral “Aphrodite” print with red, pink and white hues - Cowl neck - Bias cut - Cross straps - Asymmetric ruffl...
FW 2001 Roberto Cavalli Trompe L'oleil Printed Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Prague, CZ
A stunning midi-length crinkled silk dress printed to imitate ti-dye denim and leopard. Size XS. Measurements (flat on one side): - Armpit to armpit - 42 cm (16,5 in) - Waist - ...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Runway MET Plunging Sheer Black Lace Ruffle Maxi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Runway- part of the MET museum permanent collection Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- no flaws- no lining MAT...
Roberto Cavalli Fall 2001 Runway Distressed Silk Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare gown from the fall 2001 runway collection adorned with distressed strips of silk on tulle fabric modeled by Alek Wek in look sixty-nine. Bust: 34-36" Waist: 25-28" Hip: 34-42" ...
Vintage S/S 2001 Y2K Roberto Cavalli Elizabeth Taylor Eye Silk Midi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Denver, CO
S/S 2000 Roberto Cavalli Dress Darts at bust Off shoulder or on Draped neckline Fitted bias cut Slight hi low hem Midi length Slips on overhead Unlined Marked L, Measurements - Bust...
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli Psychedelic Silk Slip Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Hollywood, CA
S/S 2001 Roberto Cavalli psychedelic silk slip gown.
Roberto Cavalli Fall 2001 Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Prague, CZ
100% silk with golden bits. Size S. Measurements (flat lay on one side): Across the chest - 44 cm (17 in) Waist - 36 cm (14 in) Hips - up to 47 cm (18,5 in) Length - 140 cm (55 in...
Roberto Cavalli 2001 Runway gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Miami, FL
Roberto Cavalli 2001 runway maxi dress Integrated corset with a zipper in the back Look 8 Size S Small hook in the back giving you an option to wear with or without the train Good...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2001 Diamond print Silk Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, IT
Roberto Cavalli off-white boat neck maxi dress. Bias cut, low back.
Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible, sexy, and timeless vintage 1980s Giorgio di Sant Angelo white beaded dress! Encrusted with thousands of seed beads, rhinestones, etc...The detail on this sexy little numb...
$1,127
Size: Recommended Size; UK 6-8
Spring 2002 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Black lace up bustier - Corset
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Spring / Summer 2002 Dolce & Gabbana lace up bustier in Black. Featuring fully adjustable laces, concealed zip up side closure and boned, structured inner bodice. MADE IN...
Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress Gown
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alexander McQueen entrance maker gold metallic gown. Fashioned of a neutral shimmering gold metallic animal print showered with sparkling crystal embellishments. Mock neck and conc...
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
$222
Size: Recommend UK 8-10 / Medium
2000's Boho Vintage silk off the shoulder exotic print Tunic - Mini Dress
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Vintage 2000's Boho off the shoulder Tunic - Mini Dress crafted in an exotic patterned pure silk, featuring a draw tie 'ruched' detail at the bust, breezy long sleeves with wide cu...
$21,600
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US6
John Galliano black twill evening dress with floral feather appliqués, fw 2005
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano archival evening dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2005 ▪ Constructed from black acetate-viscose twill ▪ Silk flower stem shaped inserts ▪ Organza and tulle floral appliqués ▪ De...
Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
This black dress from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring-Summer 1992 collection is constructed from fine-gauge viscose knit. The bodice features a semi-sheer ribbed knit with an integrated body...
JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress
By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Located in New York, NY
JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress Bust: 46" Waist: 42" Hip: 38" Length: 37.5" Fabric: 100% Linen FINAL SALE
Iconic Vintage Alaia Neutral Tone Lace Bodycon Knit Dress 1990's
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Azzedine Alaia beige fitted dress with knit lace bodice. Features square neckline, bow at front and zipper at back. The dress fits a today's size 4. Please contact us for mea...
PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE 1998 Vintage Silk Gold Evening Gown Maxi Dress w. Train
By PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Pamela Dennis Couture 1998 Vintage As seen in American Vogue Yellow Gold tapestry print 100% thick silk Removable long oversized dramatic train Back zip Size USA 6 Excellent Conditio...
$4,900
Size: XS / Small
RANDOLPH DUKE 2005 Vintage Silver Floral Beaded Evening Gown w. Train Maxi Dress
By Randolph Duke
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Randolph Duke Vintage c.2005 aso Minnie Driver Silver, grey, and blue beaded Plunge neckline The train has invisible weights on each corner to keep it in place Hand finished inside,...
Roberto Cavalli Multi-Print Form-Fitting Silk Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in New York, NY
Roberto Cavalli Wonderful whimsical multi-print form-fitting pullover top is made of silk blended with Lycra for a better fit where needed. The front length measures 15 1/2",...
Vintage Roberto Cavalli S/S 2006 Silk Wrap Top Blouse Italian 46
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
An exceptional archival Roberto Cavalli silk wrap top from the celebrated 2006 collection, embodying the designer’s unmistakable bohemian glamour and sensual Italian craftsmanship. C...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alternating lines of lace and sheer. ...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Corset Bustier Silk Lace Up Top
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Wembley, GB
For a cheaper price please message me. Interdite Vintage presents a Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Corset Bustier Silk Lace Up Top This classic corset top features a structured silhouett...
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...
Whether they’re adorned with understated floral patterns or colorful prints that draw on the wonders of the animal kingdom, vintage Roberto Cavalli dresses and evening gowns, shirts and skirts are unapologetically exuberant. All of the seductive garments crafted at the luxury fashion house have long been associated with extravagance and red-carpet sophistication, and their stories begin in Central Italy.
Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence, Tuscany, in 1940 into an already artistically rich family — his mother was a tailor, and his grandfather, Giuseppe Rossi, was a member of an Italian art movement called Macchiaioli that shared common ground with Impressionist painters. Cavalli was creative at the onset and focused on textiles at the Florence Academy of Art. He garnered some high-profile attention with bold prints on knitwear.
After he patented an experimental and revolutionary process that saw him printing on lightweight leather, Cavalli secured commissions from major fashion houses such as Hermès and Pierre Cardin. He explored integrating handmade ornamentation in his designs and found limitless inspiration in the majestic creatures of the jungle.
In the early 1970s Cavalli unveiled his first namesake collection in Paris and the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in Florence. He then opened his inaugural boutique in France’s Saint-Tropez in 1972. While the designer’s printed denim offerings were deemed unsophisticated by the day’s couturiers — they looked down upon the material — Cavalli’s form-fitting, sensual cuts, innovative patchwork and obvious dedication to impeccable craftsmanship found admirers in the likes of Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot.
In 1980 Cavalli married former beauty pageant contestant Eva Düringer, who became his trusted business partner. Now a signature of the label, the pair introduced their first sand-blasted jeans in 1994 and later opened boutiques in Venice and elsewhere.
Cavalli’s designs sold all over the world, and the brand’s success helped pave the way for the introduction of a line called Just Cavalli that targeted younger consumers and RC Menswear to complement the array of day dresses, shoes, lingerie and coats and outerwear that were offered in his popular boutiques.
In 2005 Cavalli was asked to help reinvigorate Playboy’s iconic bunny costumes and, in 2006, model Kate Moss starred in his spring/summer ad campaign. A year later, Cavalli created an exclusive collection for H&M and designed costuming for Jennifer Lopez concerts as well as the Spice Girls.
Sicilian designer Fausto Puglisi was appointed creative consultant in 2020 at the Roberto Cavalli brand, which is now owned by Vision Investments.
Find vintage Roberto Cavalli clothing, accessories, handbags and purses and more on 1stDibs.
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.