Skip to main content

Chanel Tulle Dress

Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button Chanel
Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button Chanel

Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button Chanel

By Chanel

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Tulle and lurex tweed dress with jewellery button and zip on the side

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M
CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00521 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 09P 31 Rue Carbon Material: Cott...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 Yellow Tulle Evening Gown by Karl Lagerfield
Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 Yellow Tulle Evening Gown by Karl Lagerfield

Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 Yellow Tulle Evening Gown by Karl Lagerfield

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 Yellow Tulle Evening Gown by Karl Lagerfeld A rare and elegant example from Karl Lagerfeld's celebrated Spring/Summer 1992 collection for Chanel, this yell...

Category

1990s Ball Gowns

Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Embroidered Tulle Ensemble, FW 1996
Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Embroidered Tulle Ensemble, FW 1996

Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld Embroidered Tulle Ensemble, FW 1996

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Haute Couture evening ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld, comprising a black silk chiffon jumpsuit worn beneath a sleeveless embroidered tulle overdress. The jumpsuit is cut close to ...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Silk ivory cocktail dress with flower tulle brooch Attributed to Chanel (no tag)
Silk ivory cocktail dress with flower tulle brooch Attributed to Chanel (no tag)

Silk ivory cocktail dress with flower tulle brooch Attributed to Chanel (no tag)

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Silk ivory cocktail dress with flower tulle brooch. Silk satin edge, waist and bow. Buttons, buttonhole and snaps at the end of the shoulder straps on the back. NO BRAND TAG. SIZE XS

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Recent Sales

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld sequin bouclé and silk tulle evening dress, fw 1991
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld sequin bouclé and silk tulle evening dress, fw 1991

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld sequin bouclé and silk tulle evening dress, fw 1991

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in London, London

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld; Black and brown houndstooth sequin bouclé in the style of a classic Chanel jacket with two decorative silk ribbon bows, bead encrusted buttons, and zip fast...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel 02A Tulle Confetti Tweed Long Sleeve Off Shoulders Mini Wool Dress sz 38
Chanel 02A Tulle Confetti Tweed Long Sleeve Off Shoulders Mini Wool Dress sz 38

Chanel 02A Tulle Confetti Tweed Long Sleeve Off Shoulders Mini Wool Dress sz 38

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Lake Park, FL

This is a Chanel 02A 2002 tulle confetti tweed semi off shoulders long sleeve mini dress Wool blend fully lined Hidden back zipper A Line Fabric composition: 72% wool, a percen...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses

Chanel Satin & Tulle Evening Dress
Chanel Satin & Tulle Evening Dress

Chanel Satin & Tulle Evening Dress

By Chanel

Located in New Hope, PA

Strikingly modern, this lovely evening dress from Chanel is designed from wide bands of satin ribbon and tulle forming a cage over a black strapless underdress.

Category

Late 20th Century French Cage Skirts

90s CHANEL Light Green Tulle Spaghetti Strap Dress
90s CHANEL Light Green Tulle Spaghetti Strap Dress

90s CHANEL Light Green Tulle Spaghetti Strap Dress

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel Boutique

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

90s Chanel Light green yellow tulle spaghetti strap dress embellished with pastel Pailletes ( see runway image) perfect dress for Met Gala or wedding.

Category

1990s French Evening Gowns

CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW
CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW

CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

As featured in the CHANEL ad - exquisite textured tulle with subtle silver metallic.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses

CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW
CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW

CHANEL 2012 Runway dress RARE textured tulle puff sleeve 38 NEW

By Chanel

Located in New York, NY

As featured in the CHANEL ad - exquisite textured tulle with subtle silver metallic.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M
CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Hong Kong, NT

CHANEL 09P Runway Vintage black cream cotton puff tulle sleeve dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00521 Brand: Chanel Designer: Karl Lagerfeld Collection: 09P 31 Rue Carbon Material: Cott...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Chanel Haute Couture Lesage Beaded Sheer Tulle Strapless Evening Dress
Chanel Haute Couture Lesage Beaded Sheer Tulle Strapless Evening Dress

Chanel Haute Couture Lesage Beaded Sheer Tulle Strapless Evening Dress

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in New Hope, PA

This stunning evening dress from Chanel Couture has tens of thousands of tiny white caviar beads sewn onto a double layer of midnight blue cotton tulle.

Category

Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses

1987 Runway Chanel Black Sequin and Tulle Gown
1987 Runway Chanel Black Sequin and Tulle Gown

1987 Runway Chanel Black Sequin and Tulle Gown

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel Boutique

Located in Port Hope, ON

This is a very special full-length gown with a drop waist ending in a grosgrain trimmed inverted v. The sequin/boucle top and long sleeves also have a grosgrain trim which is rep...

Category

1980s French Ball Gowns

Chanel Evening Dress Haute Couture with Satin Bows Topped, circa 2000
Chanel Evening Dress Haute Couture with Satin Bows Topped, circa 2000

Chanel Evening Dress Haute Couture with Satin Bows Topped, circa 2000

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Chanel - Black tulle evening dress ornamented with satin bows topped with openwork silvery metal buttons and rhinestones.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

CHANEL black tulle Embellished Ruffle Cocktail Dress 36 XS
CHANEL black tulle Embellished Ruffle Cocktail Dress 36 XS

CHANEL black tulle Embellished Ruffle Cocktail Dress 36 XS

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

Chanel Trumpet dress in black tulle with ruffled panel and embellished flower applications on the front, and keyhole back.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld brown and black tweed and tulle sequin dress, fw 1991
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld brown and black tweed and tulle sequin dress, fw 1991

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld brown and black tweed and tulle sequin dress, fw 1991

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in London, GB

▪ Chanel brown and black houndstooth maxi dress ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Sequin houndstooth pattern ▪ Two silk bows ▪ Maxi skirt made up of four layers of silk tulle with ribb...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Silk Leather Trim Tulle Dress 38
Chanel Silk Leather Trim Tulle Dress 38

Chanel Silk Leather Trim Tulle Dress 38

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Silk Dress - Leather trim around neckline, arms, waist and hemline - Three button fastening on the back - Ruched detail across bust - A-line skirt Please note, these items a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Day Dresses

Chanel Black Rib Knit & Tulle Inset Detailed Dress L
Chanel Black Rib Knit & Tulle Inset Detailed Dress L

Chanel Black Rib Knit & Tulle Inset Detailed Dress L

By Chanel

Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2

Beautified with contrasting pleat inserts and tulle, this authentic Chanel dress offers a flattering fit and look.

Category

2010s French Casual Dresses

F/W 2005 Chanel Black & Silver Knit Gown w Train & Tulle Layers
F/W 2005 Chanel Black & Silver Knit Gown w Train & Tulle Layers

F/W 2005 Chanel Black & Silver Knit Gown w Train & Tulle Layers

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 2005 Chanel Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- no flaws Fabric: Rayon & Polyester COUNTRY MADE: France SIZE: 38 MEASUREMENTS; pr...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

Chanel Two-Tone Tulle Embellished Mini Dress - Size M
Chanel Two-Tone Tulle Embellished Mini Dress - Size M

Chanel Two-Tone Tulle Embellished Mini Dress - Size M

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

Chanel Two-Tone Tulle Embellished Mini Dress - High Round Neckline - Straight Hemline - A-Line Dress - Tulle embellished body - Silk Lining - Sheer Top - Back Invisible Zip and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses

Chanel Navy Dress with Tulle Ruffles
Chanel Navy Dress with Tulle Ruffles

Chanel Navy Dress with Tulle Ruffles

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

This piece is equal parts classic Chanel and fun, fabulous party dress. A bodice made from classic tweed in a very dark shade of navy alludes to the jackets that Chanel is so famous ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Day Dresses

C. 1995 Chanel Ballerina Sheer Black Mesh Bustier Dress w/ Tulle & Bows
C. 1995 Chanel Ballerina Sheer Black Mesh Bustier Dress w/ Tulle & Bows

C. 1995 Chanel Ballerina Sheer Black Mesh Bustier Dress w/ Tulle & Bows

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: Circa 1995 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld- has a boutique label but it is a couture handmade piece as you can see from the photo of the inner bodice. The center of the bustier al...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

People Also Browsed

Chanel Vintage S/S 1988 White Black Lace Camellia Bow Dress Gown
Chanel Vintage S/S 1988 White Black Lace Camellia Bow Dress Gown

Chanel Vintage S/S 1988 White Black Lace Camellia Bow Dress Gown

By Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

This stunning vintage Chanel gown from the Spring/Summer 1988 collection is a timeless masterpiece that exudes elegance and sophistication. The dress features a striking contrast be...

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

F/W 1998 Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Runway Black Lace Blue Stretch Gown FR40
F/W 1998 Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Runway Black Lace Blue Stretch Gown FR40

F/W 1998 Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Runway Black Lace Blue Stretch Gown FR40

By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen

Located in West Hollywood, CA

From Alexander McQueen's Fall/Winter 1998 "Blade Runner" collection for Givenchy, this sheer black lace gown features striking a blue underlay. Inspired by the retro-futuristic costu...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat
1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat

1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Winter warm 1970's tan sheepskin shearling fur coat by San Francisco manufacturer Furs by Max. Beautiful embroidery throughout the front and seams of coat. Coat hits right below the ...

Category

1970s American Coats and Outerwear

ALBERTA FERRETTI 2011 Vintage Silk Peach Ruffle Slip Gown Maxi Dress
ALBERTA FERRETTI 2011 Vintage Silk Peach Ruffle Slip Gown Maxi Dress

ALBERTA FERRETTI 2011 Vintage Silk Peach Ruffle Slip Gown Maxi Dress

By Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Vintage Runway FW11 100% silk outer Peach color The dress is really one peachy color, but because of the sheerness and then thicker silk, it appears to...

Category

2010s Evening Gowns

Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt
Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt

Alberta Ferretti Intricately Seamed Sexy High Waisted Purple Silk Skirt

By Alberta Ferretti

Located in New Hope, PA

Lustrous royal purple silk is used for this high waisted skirt. It is seamed for the most figure flattering fit and the seams have a hand stitched detail for an extra touch of elegan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pencil Skirts

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown
Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in San Diego, CA

WOW! This vintage Mr. Blackwell Custom dress is OUT OF THIS WORLD! This is quite possible the best Mr. Blackwell piece I have ever seen! Dating from the late 1950s/ early 1960s, this...

Category

1950s American Evening Gowns

Rare 1960s Norman Norell Navy Blue + Ivory Vintage 60s Belted Smoking Jacket
Rare 1960s Norman Norell Navy Blue + Ivory Vintage 60s Belted Smoking Jacket

Rare 1960s Norman Norell Navy Blue + Ivory Vintage 60s Belted Smoking Jacket

By Norman Norell

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare historical piece of fashion from the brilliant NORMAN NORELL! Navy blue wool body, with any ivory satin shawl collar, sleeve cuffs, buttons, pockets and sash belt. Buttons are n...

Category

1960s French Smoking Jackets

New Versace Fur Mink Leopard Print Coat It. 38
New Versace Fur Mink Leopard Print Coat It. 38

New Versace Fur Mink Leopard Print Coat It. 38

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

New Versace Real Mink Leopard Print Coat Designer size - 38 ( pls. check measurements) 100% Real Mink, Oversize Raccoon Fur Collar, 100% Silk Lining, Two Side Pockets, One Inner Pock...

Category

2010s Italian Coats

Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set
Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set

Lillie Rubin New 1950s Silk Damask Dress and Mink Collar Coat Set

By Lillie Rubin

Located in Water Mill, NY

A rare, new 1950s dress and coat set from Lillie Rubin in a black silk damask flower pattern. The dress is semi fitted with a matching belt, a bateau neckline, and a straight skirt. ...

Category

1950s American Dress and Coat Ensembles

Prada Red Patent Leather Rubber Sole Pointed Toe Ballet Flat – 39, 21st C
Prada Red Patent Leather Rubber Sole Pointed Toe Ballet Flat – 39, 21st C

Prada Red Patent Leather Rubber Sole Pointed Toe Ballet Flat – 39, 21st C

By Prada

Located in Tucson, AZ

Beautiful AND practical, these comfortable ballet flats can walk 10,000 steps with no break-in. Perfectly flat with a shock absorbing rubber sole, they are dress shoes you can run in...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Studded Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 7
New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Studded Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 7

New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Studded Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 7

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Tom Ford Heels Brand New Rare Ad/Runway Heels Tom Ford for Gucci Fall 2003 Own a Piece of Fashion History U.S. Size: 7 Brown Leather Pumps Gold Studded Hardware 4.5" Heel &...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Sensational 1950s Demi Couture Crimson Red Crushed Velvet Vintage Mermaid Gown
Sensational 1950s Demi Couture Crimson Red Crushed Velvet Vintage Mermaid Gown

Sensational 1950s Demi Couture Crimson Red Crushed Velvet Vintage Mermaid Gown

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational 50s demi couture crimson red crushed velvet full length mermaid evening dress! Features luxurious crushed silk velvet, with a form fitting bodice and skirt. Dramatic flar...

Category

1950s Evening Gowns

Roberto Cavalli Prefall 2013 Black fringed lambskin and llama jacket
Roberto Cavalli Prefall 2013 Black fringed lambskin and llama jacket

Roberto Cavalli Prefall 2013 Black fringed lambskin and llama jacket

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in CANNES, FR

Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2013 Collection Black lambskin and llama jacket with fringe. Italian size 40.

Category

2010s Cropped Jackets

Yves Saint Laurent Size 12 / 14 Vintage Sexy Hot Pink + Black One Piece Swimsuit
Yves Saint Laurent Size 12 / 14 Vintage Sexy Hot Pink + Black One Piece Swimsuit

Yves Saint Laurent Size 12 / 14 Vintage Sexy Hot Pink + Black One Piece Swimsuit

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT hot pink and black plunging halter one piece swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a flattering ruched bodice with a plunging neckline. Plastic clasp at top ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Swimwear

Christian Dior top 'Hardcore romance' by John Galiano Winter 2003
Christian Dior top 'Hardcore romance' by John Galiano Winter 2003

Christian Dior top 'Hardcore romance' by John Galiano Winter 2003

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

DIOR - 2003 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear "Hardcore Romance" Collection under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Wrap-over silk muslin top with flounces representing flowers in bl...

Category

Early 2000s French Blouses and Tops

White cotton sleeveless dress Christian Dior
White cotton sleeveless dress Christian Dior

White cotton sleeveless dress Christian Dior

By Christian Dior

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

White cotton sleeveless dress. Fabric composition: 94% cotton, 6% elasthane. Silk lining. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. SIZE 36 (Fr) 4 (US) S

Category

Early 2000s French Day Dresses

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Chanel Tulle Dress", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Chanel Tulle Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary chanel tulle dress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Many people prefer black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find beige, gray and more options on these pages. Finding the perfect chanel tulle dress may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Christian Dior are often thought to be among the most stylish. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much is a Chanel Tulle Dress?

Prices for a chanel tulle dress can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,050 and can go as high as $12,500, while, on average they fetch $4,871.

Chanel for sale on 1stDibs

In the years following the opening of her modest millinery shop, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel became a pivotal designer of both fashionable casual wear and Paris haute couture as well as an icon and arbiter of 20th-century style with her bob haircut and pearls. Today vintage Chanel handbags, jackets and evening dresses are among the most sought-after clothing and accessories for fashion lovers all over the world.

The first Chanel shop was established in 1910 in Paris on rue Cambon by the young milliner Gabrielle Chanel (1883–1971), who had picked up the nickname “Coco” while working as a club singer. The boutique drew the attention of the Parisian fashion elite who popularized her wide-brimmed Chanel Modes hats. Soon she added a sportswear store in the Normandy resort town of Deauville, where Coco set the tone for her defining sense of style — traditionally masculine garments reimagined for feminine shapes, made from simple jersey fabric.

Effortless and elegant, Chanel's designs promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by complicated layers of fabric and cumbersome corsets. She followed this success with a couture house, opened in 1915 in Biarritz.

But Chanel was not born into a life of glamour. Following the death of her mother, her father left her in an orphanage where she lived until the age of 18. It was there that she learned to sew as well as appreciate the classic pairing of black and white as worn by the nuns.

In 1926, Chanel introduced her first little black dress, reclaiming a color that had once been reserved for mourning and working-class women. That same decade, she debuted her perfume, Chanel No. 5, as well as the Chanel suit with a fitted skirt, inspired by the boxy lines of men’s clothing and employing a sporty tweed. 

Chanel closed her fashion operations during World War II, then returned to the industry in 1954 to design for the functional needs of modern women.

Structure and wearability endured in all of Chanel’s clothing and accessories, like the quilted leather 2.55 handbag — a 1955 update of a 1920s-era design — with its gold-chain shoulder strap that freed up a woman’s hands. The 1957 two-tone slingback pumps had a practical heel height while offering a bold statement in the black tip of the shoes. Her collarless jacket reacted against the constricting styles of Christian Dior's New Look, replacing them with a design that was timeless, an instant classic. 

After Coco Chanel died in 1971, the brand underwent several changes in leadership, including fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who took over as artistic director in 1983. His collections for Chanel displayed his knack for synthesizing old and new, high and low. Lagerfeld revived Chanel ballet flats and thoroughly embraced the classic logo's interlocking CCs, which took the form of a clasp featured on so many of the rare Chanel bags that are much sought after today.

Vintage Karl Lagerfeld designs for Chanel dresses, coats and other clothing of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s riffed on its iconography, accenting a lexicon of Chanel-isms with tastes of the moment. And as the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, vintage Chanel bags of the 1990s are among the most prized of the brand’s offerings.

Over the years, the company has continued to innovate, such as expanding into ready-to-wear fashion in 1978 and, in 2002, establishing a subsidiary company — Paraffection — dedicated to preserving the heritage skills of fashion artisan workshops. The House of Chanel still operates its flagship on rue Cambon in Paris, where it all began.

Browse vintage Chanel bags, evening dresses, shoes, jewelry and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

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

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

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

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

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

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