Rare Class Roberto Cavalli SS 2003 Burnout Floral Open Back Maxi Dress Léopard
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in PARIS, FR
The body features an elegant black burnout floral mesh that sculpts the silhouette before flowing into layered chiffon ruffles finished with Cavalli's iconic leopard-print hem. The d...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Yellow Animal-Print Halterneck Open-Back Maxi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
From the S/S 2004 collection of Roberto Cavalli, this maxi dress is constructed in a chartreuse yellow ground fabric printed with an exuberant composition of leopard, zebra and ornam...
Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2013 Runway Leather Cutout Open Back Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2013 Runway Leather Cutout Open Back Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: Excellent
Roberto Cavalli Unworn c. 2012 Floral Embellished Plunging Open Back Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Unworn c. 2012 Floral Embellished Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Size IT 40 New with Tags
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2016 gold silver beaded open back black silk dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, IT
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2016 dress Black silk Gold and silver beaded leaves Zipper closure Adjustable open back Marked size 40 IT Measurements: bust 86 cm - 34 in waist 74 cm - 29 i...
Roberto Cavalli Unworn S/S 2005 Plunging Embellished Neckline Open Back Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Unworn S/S 2005 Plunging Embellished Neckline Open Back Dress Size IT 42 New with Tags
Roberto Cavalli c. 2007 Embellished Plunged Open Back White Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Embellished Cutout Plunged Décolleté Open Back White Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Condition: Some light discolorations present
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Black Tulle Fully Embellished Open Back Dress Gown L
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Black Fully Embellished Open Back Dress Gown Label size missing, approx size L (please check measurements).
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Runway Embellished Beaded Fringed Open Back Mini Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2006 Runway Embelished Beaded Fringed Flapper Open Back Mini Dress Condition: good vintage condition, size tag has been removed, some missing embellishments thro...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2006 Embellished Beaded Fringed Flapper Open Back Mini Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2006 Embelished Beaded Fringed Flapper Open Back Mini Dress Size IT 40
NWT $14860 Roberto Cavalli Gold Fully Beaded Open Back Dress Gown Italian 40
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Roberto Cavalli Gold Fully Beaded Open Back Dress Gown Italian size - 40 Hollywood Glamour.
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Sequin Embellished Open Back Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Sequin Embellished Open Back Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Look 8 from the Fall 2007 Collection
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2013 Leather Cutout Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2013 Plunging Leather Cutout Fringe Accents Open Back Lace Black Evening Dress Gown IT 44 As seen on Sharon Stone
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Gown Tiger & Leopard Gradient Open Back 2004-2005
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
A dramatic and highly wearable archive gown from Roberto Cavalli, dating to 2004–2005 and exemplifying the house’s mastery of animal print at its most sophisticated. The print itself...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2007 Runway Embellished Open Back Jersey Halter Gown 42 US 6
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
The intricate embellishment forms a spectacular necklace effect that cascades down the bodice, transforming the dress into wearable jewelry. The sleek column silhouette contrasts be...
Unavailable
Size: See Description
Roberto Cavalli Green Jersey Low V Neck Full Length Evening Dress W Open Back
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Portland, OR
This gorgeous green jersey Roberto Cavalli full length evening dress is deadstock with its original tags and holographic authenticity sticker attached. This lovely dress has an empir...
ROBERTO CAVALLI Green Cut Out Velvet MAXI WRAP DRESS w/ Open Back SIZE 40
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Rome, Rome
Brand: ROBERTO CAVALLI - Made in Italy Logos / Tags: 'Roberto Cavalli' tag, size tag (40), composition tag Condition (please read our condition chart below): B :GOOD CONDITION...
Roberto Cavalli Corset Plunged Décolleté Open Back Silver Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Corset Deep Plunged Décolleté Open Back Silver Evening Dress Gown Size S
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...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2009 Plunging Neckline Open Back Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli 2009 Sexy Plunging Neckline Open Back Evening Dress Gown Roberto Cavalli abstract print evening dress featuring gathering on the bodice, deep plunging neckline, cut...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Metallic Plunging Neckline Open Back Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Metallic Plunging Neckline Open Back Evening Dress Gown Size IT 44 Roberto Cavalli metallic evening dress featuring gathering on the bodice, pleats throug...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Metallic Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Sexy Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Gown IT 44 Look 43 from the Fall 2007 Collection.
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Metallic Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2007 Runway Sexy Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Gown IT 42 Look 43 from the Fall 2007 Collection.
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2013 Embellished Beaded Fringed Flapper Open Back Mini Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2013 Embelished Beaded Fringed Flapper Open Back Mini Dress Size: IT 44 Condition: good condition, some missing embellishments that are not noticeable when worn...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Runway Semi-Sheer Leather Accents Open Back Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Runway Leather Accented Plunging Neckline Open Back Dress Gown IT 40 Black Roberto Cavalli sleeveless maxi dress with leather floral pattern throughout, V-n...
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2008 Plunging Neckline Open Back Animal Print Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2008 Plunging Neckline Open Back Animal Print Dress Size 42
ROBERTO CAVALLI 2004 Vintage Evening Gown Maxi Dress Halter Open Back
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Roberto Cavalli Vintage FW04 Medium, fits TTS Black & Gold Semi Sheer Velvet Burnout Excellent Condition* *Small imperfection at end of zipper. Does NOT affect look nor wear. Small ...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Black Tulle Fully Embellished Open Back Dress Gown XS
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Roberto Cavalli Black Fully Embellished Open Back Dress Gown Designer size - XS Black evening open back tulle drees gown.
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2007 Runway Embellished Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Details • Embellished dress by Roberto Cavalli. • Halter Neckline • Open back • Made in Italy.
NWT Roberto Cavalli Feather Beads Embellished Silk-Chiffon Open Back Gown 40
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exquisitely embellished, beautifully crafted and guaranteed to turn heads, Roberto Cavalli's sequin, bead and feather-bedecked silk-chiffon gown is a spotlight-worthy style. Italian ...
ROBERTO CAVALLI S/S 2005 Black Jersey Knit Open Back Draped Evening Gown NWT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Thiensville, WI
Roberto Cavalli Spring / Summer 2005 black jersey knit open back draped evening gown; New with tags. Runway look #59. Right embellished shoulder strap with brown satin stitch embroid...
New Roberto Cavalli Red Silk Plisse Marilyn Monroe Style Open Back Cut Out Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Roberto Cavalli Red Silk Beaded Long Dress Gown Designer size 40 Unforgettable Marilyn Monroe Style. 100% Plisse-Silk, Double Layered, Fully Lined, Wide Build in Belt with Crysta...
Just Cavalli Black & Gold Printed Silk Glittered Open Back Maxi Dress M
By Just Cavalli
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The eternal quest for a chic, sophisticated and stylish dress ends with this lovely maxi number from Just Cavalli. The sleeveless dress is made of silk and features a black & gold pr...
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...
Vintage Y2K Roberto Cavalli Peacock Feather Halter Maxi Dress Gown Open Back
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Denver, CO
Stunning Roberto Cavalli Dress Incredible + bold oversized peacock feather print Green + purple colors meld together for an ombre effect Halter neckline with gold accent snake brooch...
Roberto Cavalli Open Back Embellished Silk Georgette Gown Xsmall
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
This gown by Roberto Cavalli is beautifully decorated with light-catching crystals, sequins and beads arranged in a crocodile skin design, created just for us, it has a silk-georgett...
Roberto Cavalli Navy Blue Silk Sequin Embellished Open Back Evening Gown M
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
When it comes to wearing a creation by Roberto Cavalli, you are sure to make an impression! This gorgeous blue gown has won our heart and will yours too, for the embellished waistban...
Roberto Cavalli Sexy Plunging Open Back Silk Party Dress, 2000s
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire
The silhouette is so flattering with a draped, soft pleated bust with a plunging neckline, contrasting with the nipped waist and flared skirt for an hourglass shape. The sexy open ba...
Roberto Cavalli Navy Blue Silk Sequin Embellished Open Back Evening Gown M
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
When it comes to wearing a creation by Roberto Cavalli, you are sure to make an impression! This gorgeous blue gown has won our heart and will yours too, for the embellished waistban...
Roberto Cavalli Silk Halter-Neck Evening Dress Gown With Train, S/S 2005/2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Wales, PA
Abundantia Curation newest addition: A breathtaking Roberto Cavalli evening gown from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, showcasing the designer’s mastery of romantic glamour and sen...
Roberto Cavalli Floral Print Halter Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in GOUVIEUX, FR
Roberto Cavalli floral print dress. Circa 2000s . Cut out each sides . Halter top with deep V neckline . Backless . Maxi dress . Flower jewelry Size fits XS / S Flat measurements ...
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Silk Slip Dress, Spring/Summer 2002
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
An iconic archival piece from Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2002, this stunning silk slip dress embodies the sensual glamour that defined Cavalli’s early 2000s collections. Cut ...
S/S 2005 Roberto Cavalli Silk Seashell Print Cream Satin Chiffon Maxi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning seashell print silk Roberto Cavalli slip dress. From the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this beautiful dress features the sea print featured in the season's run...
Roberto Cavalli Animalier Print Dress with Front Zipper
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Roberto Cavalli Animalier Print Dress features a swirl animalier print with a striking black ombre upper, and a gold-toned adjustable front zipper for a versatile look. The long...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Floral Abstract Print Asymmetric Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Floral Abstract Print Asymmetric Dress Size XS
CLASS by ROBERTO CAVALLI Vintage 2000s Leopard & Floral Halter Mermaid Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
A dramatic piece from Class Roberto Cavalli, this early 2000s mermaid gown captures the spirit of the era in a kaleidoscope of florals, paisley, and leopard print. Cut from lightweig...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Runway Corset Plunging Neckline Evening Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2004 Runway Corset Plunging Neckline Evening Dress Size Small Look 23 from the Spring 2004 Collection. Condition: small snag by the zipper, not noticable when...
Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail Archival Cavalli Gown (The corset shown on some images is not included ) Thie beautiful Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 gown is an exquisite statement in feminine all...
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2002 Black Paisley-Print Bias-Cut Slip Maxi Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 2002 collection of Roberto Cavalli, this bias-cut slip dress is constructed in a fluid, lightweight fabric printed with an expansive paisley motif in tones of coral, ros...
Roberto Cavalli Resort 2009 Silk Floral Dress – Made in Italy
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in CACHAN, FR
An elegant and highly collectible Roberto Cavalli Resort 2009 silk dress, featured in the official Resort 2009 lookbook and embodying the house’s unmistakable blend of sensual tailor...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 1999 Runway Sheer Mesh Zebra Print Slip Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 1999 Runway Sheer Mesh Zebra Print Slip Evening Dress Gown Size M FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @OPULENTADDICT
Roberto Cavalli 2000s Yellow Psychedelic Zebra dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Roma, IT
Meraviglioso abito longuette Roberto Cavalli anni 2000 Realizzato in tulle stretch stampato in questa fantasia psichedelica, iconica del brand negli anni 2000 Grande scollatura sulla...
2006 Roberto Cavalli Floral Slip Dress with Cobra Motif
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
Made in Italy, this flamboyant Roberto Cavalli dress dates back to the noughties. It was worn by Victoria Beckham in 2006. Many signatures of Y2K fashion and of this collectable bran...
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Jungle Printed Silk Chiffon Halter Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Concord, NC
Striking vintage Roberto Cavalli Class gown featuring an intricate jungle print filled with exotic birds, big cats, tropical flora, and scenic motifs in rich earthy tones. Crafted in...
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Bustier Corset Chinoiserie Print Evening Dress Gown
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Bustier Corset Lace Up Chinoiserie Print Evening Dress Gown Size: S Condition: Very good vintage condition
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Austin, TX
S/S 1999 Roberto Cavalli Sheer Zebra Slip Dress Chest: 32-36", Waist: 30-36, Hips: 40-49", Length: 54.5" Condition: Excellent Size S ( fits S - M )
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible 2 piece silk skirt and top set in a pink and yellow flower print from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The top has adjustable functional pink lacing at the center fron...
Crochet & Leather Gloves
Located in New Hope, PA
Never worn, these size 8 gloves are in mint condition. The front of the glove is a beige cotton crochet. The back of the glove is made from butter soft leather with beige topstitchin...
$1,895
Size: IT 38, may run small
Alexander McQueen 2008 Unworn Silk Blue Paisley Strapless Dress Floaty Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Amazing Alexander McQueen floaty silk strapless dress in a blue and white paisley with a few soft pinkish-red accents throughout, circa 2008. Soft pleats at bust, skirt hangs in sepa...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Silk Cord Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage black passementerie cord belt featuring a gold and silver toned heart with crystal embellishement. One size fits all. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Mad...
CHANEL Rare Vintage Runway S/S 1994 Black & White Vinyl PVC Raffia Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
A high-impact piece from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 1994 collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This striking black-and-white mini dress is crafted from glossy raffia-style vinyl, featu...
Manolo Blahnik tan embroidery leather pump - 37.5
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Manolo Blahnik tan embroidery leather pump - 37.5. These adorable Manolo Blahnik pumps are in good condition. They show use with small smudges, shown in picture. The bottom of the sh...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Cream Cotton Brocade Detail Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen S/S 2005 cream cotton brocade detail skirt. From Alexander McQueen's "It's Only a Game" collection. Botanical filigree metallic brocade trim in shades of beige, cre...
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top st...
S/S 1992 Dolce & Gabbana White Silk Flowy Layered Long Sleeve Blouse 42IT
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this fabulous Dolce & Gabbana blouse is constructed using an abundance of white silk. This long-sleeve top features a wrap closure and str...
$1,895
Size: FR36 - IT40 - UK8
Jean Paul Gaultier black pleated skirt with tan leather waistband, ss 2000
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Presenting a stunning Jean Paul Gaultier skirt from the Spring-Summer 2000 collection, a true representation of the designer's bold and innovative style. This skirt exudes elegance a...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
Valentino Rare Runway Jeweled Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress Gown Hard to find
By Chanel, Valentino Garavani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 20th - 21st century the exquisite fashion of Valentino Garavani was embraced by society and fashionistas over the world. When he retired in 2008 his brand of elegance, exqu...
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2005 Ballet Pink Bias-Cut Evening Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A beautifully romantic Galliano piece, this gown revisits one of the designer’s most enduring signatures: the bias cut. Galliano created his first statement bias-cut evening gown in ...
Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top
By Alexander McQueen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top would be an exciting addition to any wardrobe, especially for someone who enjoys pieces that combine boldness, sophistication, and art...
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.