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Column Evening Gowns

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F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Black Bustier Velvet Silk Column Sheer Gown Dress
F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Black Bustier Velvet Silk Column Sheer Gown Dress

F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Black Bustier Velvet Silk Column Sheer Gown Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1995 Gianni Versace Couture- was worn on the runway and in ads in green. This black color is rare! This is a fitted wiggle column dress with a plunging v front, padded ...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Gowns

NWT 2001 Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black Satin Plunging Column Gown Dress
NWT 2001 Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black Satin Plunging Column Gown Dress

NWT 2001 Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black Satin Plunging Column Gown Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: New with tags MATERIAL: Silk COUNTRY MADE: France SIZE: 38 MEASUREME...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses

F/W 2004 Gucci Tom Ford Black Plunging Back Halter Column Gown Dress
F/W 2004 Gucci Tom Ford Black Plunging Back Halter Column Gown Dress

F/W 2004 Gucci Tom Ford Black Plunging Back Halter Column Gown Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- light wear- no holes or stains. Main label is missing, all other tags attac...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

1968 Pierre Cardin Fuchsia-Pink Satin Mod Column Dress Gown
1968 Pierre Cardin Fuchsia-Pink Satin Mod Column Dress Gown

1968 Pierre Cardin Fuchsia-Pink Satin Mod Column Dress Gown

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Spectacular 1968 Pierre Cardin designer gown in the prettiest fuchsia-pink satin. In 1951 Cardin opened his own couture house and by 1957, he started a ready-to-wear line; a bold mov...

Category

1960s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress
F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress

F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 2002 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- flawless! FABRIC: Silk COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 40 MEASUREMENTS; provi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Informal Dresses

F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress
F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress

F/W 2002 Gucci Tom Ford Black Grecian Column Wrap Gown Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 2002 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- flawless! FABRIC: Silk COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 40 MEASUREMENTS; provi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Informal Dresses

Black Sculptural Column Dress
Black Sculptural Column Dress

Black Sculptural Column Dress

Located in Melbourne, Victoria

- Black Sculptural Column Dress - Shoulder straps with elasticated chest - Floor length

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Evening Dresses

Bob Mackie silk beaded column dress
Bob Mackie silk beaded column dress

Bob Mackie silk beaded column dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Bob Mackie silk beaded column dress Sz 8 Bust 35" Waist 27" Hips 37" Length 59 Sleeve 23"

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Red, Gold, Black Floral Column Dress
Red, Gold, Black Floral Column Dress

Red, Gold, Black Floral Column Dress

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Red, Gold, Black Floral Column Dress

Pictured above with belt, which is not included.

Perfect for the holidays!

Category

20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

1950s Aqua Iridescent Silk Column Gown with Hot Pink Orient Motif
1950s Aqua Iridescent Silk Column Gown with Hot Pink Orient Motif

1950s Aqua Iridescent Silk Column Gown with Hot Pink Orient Motif

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This vibrant, shimmering embroidered 1950s silk taffeta column dress features a Japanese inspired motif with a gathered empire waist. The front of the dress showcases a scalloped col...

Category

1950s Unknown Empire Waist Dresses

1960s Column Dress w/ Gold Studded Bodice
1960s Column Dress w/ Gold Studded Bodice

1960s Column Dress w/ Gold Studded Bodice

By Bergdorf Goodman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

1960s Column Dress w/ Gold Studded Bodice from BERGDORF GOODMAN

Category

1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns

NAEEM KHAN black & gold embellished column dress
NAEEM KHAN black & gold embellished column dress

NAEEM KHAN black & gold embellished column dress

By Naeem Khan

Located in Newport Beach, CA

NAEEM KHAN black & gold embellished column dress. Matte jersey fabrication with front slit construction. Zipper detail at sleeve cuffs

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns

VALENTINO Iconic red silk jersey draped column dress
VALENTINO Iconic red silk jersey draped column dress

VALENTINO Iconic red silk jersey draped column dress

By Valentino

Located in Newport Beach, CA

VALENTINO Iconic red silk column evening dress with tulip style hemline. Asymmetrical style, draped construction at the wearer's left chest. Simple, and elegant with shaped train a...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie 1980 Beaded Zig Zag Column Dress
Bob Mackie 1980 Beaded Zig Zag Column Dress

Bob Mackie 1980 Beaded Zig Zag Column Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Bob Mackie Spectacular 1980 Beaded Zig Zag Column Dress with High Slit on Side This is a really special Mackie, the photos don't capture the way the light hits the thousands of bead...

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses

NWT 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Column Plunging Black Silk Gown Dress
NWT 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Column Plunging Black Silk Gown Dress

NWT 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Column Plunging Black Silk Gown Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Unworn with tags FABRIC: 100% jersey silk- like liquid on your body! COUNTRY MADE: ...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

Halston Deep Purple Velvet Strapless Tie Front Bias Cut Column Dress Gown
Halston Deep Purple Velvet Strapless Tie Front Bias Cut Column Dress Gown

Halston Deep Purple Velvet Strapless Tie Front Bias Cut Column Dress Gown

By Halston

Located in US

Dress features a tie front closure and is fully lined. Bias cut and in excellent condition! Measurements: Bust: 30'' Waist: 32'' Hips: 40'' Length: 60''

Category

1970s Maxi Dress

1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Slinky Backless Long Column Gown Dress 42
1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Slinky Backless Long Column Gown Dress 42

1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Slinky Backless Long Column Gown Dress 42

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Excellent FABRIC: 100% silk COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 42 MEASUREMENTS; provid...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

Vintage Oscar de la Renta Brown Velvet Ruched Draped Back Column Gown Dress
Vintage Oscar de la Renta Brown Velvet Ruched Draped Back Column Gown Dress

Vintage Oscar de la Renta Brown Velvet Ruched Draped Back Column Gown Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in US

Vintage Oscar de la Renta dress is featured in a brown-colored velvet fabric with zippers at the cuffs. Back of the dress is uniquely ruched with a zipper closure. Dress is fully lin...

Category

Late 20th Century American Maxi Dress

Ruth Roaman Lime Column Dress w Silver Beading and Sequins
Ruth Roaman Lime Column Dress w Silver Beading and Sequins

Ruth Roaman Lime Column Dress w Silver Beading and Sequins

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Please contact dealer prior to purchase for White Glove shipping options. Ruth Roaman Lime Column Dress w Silver Beading and Sequins

Category

1960s American Evening Gowns

Bob Mackie Black and White Beaded Maxi Column Dress, 1980s
Bob Mackie Black and White Beaded Maxi Column Dress, 1980s

Bob Mackie Black and White Beaded Maxi Column Dress, 1980s

By Bob Mackie

Located in Palm Beach, FL

American designer Bob Mackie is an acclaimed designer noted for his glamorous aesthetics and show stopping works. Having designed for legends such as Bette Midler, Cher, and Joan Riv...

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses

TOM FORD SMOKEY GREY LACE BROKEN MIRROR EMBROIDERY COLUMN DRESS New with tags
TOM FORD SMOKEY GREY LACE BROKEN MIRROR EMBROIDERY COLUMN DRESS New with tags

TOM FORD SMOKEY GREY LACE BROKEN MIRROR EMBROIDERY COLUMN DRESS New with tags

By Tom Ford

Located in Montgomery, TX

TOM FORD SMOKEY GREY LACE BROKEN MIRROR EMBROIDERY COLUMN DRESS IT Size 42 Worn ones, great condition Retail price is $19,300.00

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Gowns

Marni Lilac Silk Geometric Print Long Sleeve Column Dress - Size US 10
Marni Lilac Silk Geometric Print Long Sleeve Column Dress - Size US 10

Marni Lilac Silk Geometric Print Long Sleeve Column Dress - Size US 10

By Marni

Located in London, GB

Marni Lilac Silk Geometric Print Long Sleeve Dress -Luxurious lightweight silk fabric -Gorgeous geometric print -Contrasting red trims to the seams -Classic elegant cut -Round ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Couture Crepe Column Dress with Embellished Collar circa late 1990s/2000s
Chanel Couture Crepe Column Dress with Embellished Collar circa late 1990s/2000s

Chanel Couture Crepe Column Dress with Embellished Collar circa late 1990s/2000s

By Chanel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a long dress by Chanel. It features an embellished collar consisting of tiny leaf shaped sequins. There are silk covered buttons down the back and a slit in front that also...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses

1970s Bill Tice Metallic Jersey Column Dress
1970s Bill Tice Metallic Jersey Column Dress

1970s Bill Tice Metallic Jersey Column Dress

By Bill Tice

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1970's dress * gold poly jersey * gold lame tie bust * grecian style column dress * by Bill Tice condition | excellent fits like small length 51" bust 34" ...

Category

1970s Cocktail Dresses

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 42
F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 42

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 42

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- no flaws FABRIC: Rayon & Spandex COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 42 MEASUREME...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 40
F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 40

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 40

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good FABRIC: Rayon & Spandex COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 40 MEASUREMENTS; provi...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 38
F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 38

F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Black Strapless Column Gown Dress w Logo Side Belt 38

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- no flaws FABRIC: Rayon & Spandex COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: 38 MEASUREME...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

Hanae Mori Silk Chiffon Butterfly Print Column Dress
Hanae Mori Silk Chiffon Butterfly Print Column Dress

Hanae Mori Silk Chiffon Butterfly Print Column Dress

By Hanae Mori

Located in US

Hanae Morie Boutique vintage 1980's silk chiffon butterfly print caftan, column dress. Labeled a US size 16. Measurements: Bust-40", Waist/hips-38", Length-55", Sleeve from center ba...

Category

1980s Japanese Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1968 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Graphic Sequin Bell Sleeve Column Dress
1968 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Graphic Sequin Bell Sleeve Column Dress

1968 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Graphic Sequin Bell Sleeve Column Dress

By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, Pierre Balmain

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Breathtaking Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture documented ombre graphic sequin dress dating back to his opulent 1968 collection. This iconic designer created a very sculptural quality whi...

Category

1960s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

RALPH LAUREN Collection Black Column Maxi Dress.
RALPH LAUREN Collection Black Column Maxi Dress.

RALPH LAUREN Collection Black Column Maxi Dress.

By Ralph Lauren

Located in By Appointment Only, GB

RALPH LAUREN Collection Black Column Maxi Dress. Combines a sleek silhouette with an effortless front draped skirt panel on hip- line. The midweight silk-blend fabric hugs the body...

Category

2010s American Maxi Dress

1960s Metallic Floral Column Dress. Terra Cotta & Dusk Blue
1960s Metallic Floral Column Dress. Terra Cotta & Dusk Blue

1960s Metallic Floral Column Dress. Terra Cotta & Dusk Blue

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Beautiful 1960s Metallic Floral Column Dress. Terra Cotta & Dusk Blue. Gold Lining of the Neck, Chest, and Waist. Stunning!

Category

1960s Maxi Dress

F/W 1997 Gucci Tom Ford Runway Black Leather Choker Column Maxi Dress
F/W 1997 Gucci Tom Ford Runway Black Leather Choker Column Maxi Dress

F/W 1997 Gucci Tom Ford Runway Black Leather Choker Column Maxi Dress

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: F/W 1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Please contact us for more images and/or information. CONDITION: Good- light wear- no holes or stains- main label missing FABRIC: Rayon-Wool-S...

Category

1990s Italian Maxi Dress

50S ESTEVEZ COLUMN GOWN
50S ESTEVEZ COLUMN GOWN

50S ESTEVEZ COLUMN GOWN

By Estevez

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Luis Estevez was born in Havana, Cuba, to a family of sugar growers. Estevez attended prep school in the United States, returning to Havana to study architecture. A summer job at Lor...

Category

1960s American Evening Gowns

Christian Lacroix Cobweb Lace Column Gown
Christian Lacroix Cobweb Lace Column Gown

Christian Lacroix Cobweb Lace Column Gown

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Amazingly seductive cobweb lace column gown from Christian Lacroix. Lined with a gold sheath underneath, but not the arms. No size tag, apxx size 38-40 Bust 40" Waist 30" Hi...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Kaufmanfranco Blood Red Strapless Cape Flair Column gown
Kaufmanfranco Blood Red Strapless Cape Flair Column gown

Kaufmanfranco Blood Red Strapless Cape Flair Column gown

By KaufmanFranco

Located in London, GB

Kaufmanfranco Blood Red Strapless Cape Flair Column - Strapless gown which features cape detail - Internal corset - Tailoring along front of dress - Two pockets - Zip closure on d...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

Galanos 1970s Bold Graphic Print Long Sleeve Silk Column Gown
Galanos 1970s Bold Graphic Print Long Sleeve Silk Column Gown

Galanos 1970s Bold Graphic Print Long Sleeve Silk Column Gown

By James Galanos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sienna brown column gown in silk. Striking graphic print in cream and black. Fully lined. Rounded boatneck collar. Back zipper closure and zipper closure at cuffs. Darted in the back...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Emilio Pucci Crepe Sequin Pleated Hem Column Gown - Us size 8
Emilio Pucci Crepe Sequin Pleated Hem Column Gown - Us size 8

Emilio Pucci Crepe Sequin Pleated Hem Column Gown - Us size 8

By Emilio Pucci

Located in London, GB

Emilio Pucci Crepe Sequin Pleated Hem Column Gown - Gown Length - Pink Crepe Bust Panel - Two Colourblock Sequin Panels - Pleated printed Hem Panel - Light pink lining - Sleeveless ...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses

John Galliano Vintage Hot Pink Ruffled Silk Chiffon Evening Column Dress
John Galliano Vintage Hot Pink Ruffled Silk Chiffon Evening Column Dress

John Galliano Vintage Hot Pink Ruffled Silk Chiffon Evening Column Dress

By John Galliano

Located in Cloverdale, CA

John Galliano Amazing Hot Pink Ruffled Silk Chiffon Evening Column Dress . This is exquisite, I have never seen this dress before, and I love it. Size 38 Bust 36" Waist 28" Hips 3...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

1977 Galanos Couture Ruby-Red Silk Scalloped Sleeveless Plunge Column Wrap Gown
1977 Galanos Couture Ruby-Red Silk Scalloped Sleeveless Plunge Column Wrap Gown

1977 Galanos Couture Ruby-Red Silk Scalloped Sleeveless Plunge Column Wrap Gown

By James Galanos

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Dedication to excellence in craftsmanship and design was the foundation of James Galanos' career. The quality of workmanship found in his clothing is unsurpassed in America today. It...

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

Alice Edwards Vintage Turquoise & Gold Brocade Evening Party Column Dress 1960s
Alice Edwards Vintage Turquoise & Gold Brocade Evening Party Column Dress 1960s

Alice Edwards Vintage Turquoise & Gold Brocade Evening Party Column Dress 1960s

Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

A glamorous vintage maxi sleeveless evening / party dress from the 60s by quality British fashion designer, Alice Edwards. In a turquoise and gold brocade fabric with a white feather...

Category

1960s Cocktail Dresses

Naeem Khan Vintage Lavishly Embellished Column Dress
Naeem Khan Vintage Lavishly Embellished Column Dress

Naeem Khan Vintage Lavishly Embellished Column Dress

By Riazee, Naeem Khan

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Naeem Khan Vintage Lavishly Embellished Column Dress for Riazee. From the 1980's, very early Naeem Khan. Please see the details of the embellishments, they are astonishing. Bust 3...

Category

1980s Indian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino "Kimono 1997" Japanese Inspired Floral Column Dress, 2016
Valentino "Kimono 1997" Japanese Inspired Floral Column Dress, 2016

Valentino "Kimono 1997" Japanese Inspired Floral Column Dress, 2016

By Valentino

Located in Portland, OR

This Valentino floral jacquard dress is from the 2016 'Kimono 1997' collection. A Kimono created by Valentino Garavani in 1997 from the house archives was re-interpreted by Maria Gr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

60s Poppy Printed Silk Column Dress w/ Satin Back Bow
60s Poppy Printed Silk Column Dress w/ Satin Back Bow

60s Poppy Printed Silk Column Dress w/ Satin Back Bow

Located in San Francisco, CA

60s Poppy Printed Silk Column Dress w/ Satin Back Bow. Large satin bow hooks on back straps of dress. Fully lined. Zips up back.

Category

1960s Evening Dresses

60s Painterly Pastel Column Dress
60s Painterly Pastel Column Dress

60s Painterly Pastel Column Dress

Located in San Francisco, CA

60s painterly pastel column dress. Small metal weights front point of cowl neck and back sides of top portion of dress to keep the drape in place. Metal zipper.

Category

1960s Cocktail Dresses

Medieval Printed Cream Silk Column Dress, 1970s
Medieval Printed Cream Silk Column Dress, 1970s

Medieval Printed Cream Silk Column Dress, 1970s

Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

An ethereal vintage evening dress from the 1970s in a cream silk printed with a medieval tapestry style print. Estimated Size: UK 12/ US 8/ EU 40 Bust - 36” / 91cm Empire Wai...

Category

1970s Informal Dresses

Travona Vintage 1970s Psychedelic Maxi Dress Pink & Green Column Dress
Travona Vintage 1970s Psychedelic Maxi Dress Pink & Green Column Dress

Travona Vintage 1970s Psychedelic Maxi Dress Pink & Green Column Dress

Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Size: Unlabelled; measures roughly like a modern womens UK 14/ US 10. Please check the measurements. Bust - 38” / 96cm Waist - 32” / 81cm Hips - 40” / 101cm Length (Shoulder to Hem) ...

Category

1970s Italian Maxi Dress

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Column Evening Gowns For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of column evening gowns. Many people prefer Black column evening gowns, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Red, Gray and more options on these pages. 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 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 21st Century, can also be found on the site. Column evening gowns designed by Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci and Bill Blass — each of whom created beautiful versions of these treasured items — are worth considering. 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 are Column Evening Gowns?

Prices for column evening gowns can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $202 and can go as high as $42,000, while these items, on average, fetch $1,100.

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.

Questions About Column Evening Gowns
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between an evening dress and an evening gown is length. An evening gown is generally a full-length garment that falls between the ankles and the floor. An evening dress is a semi-formal or formal dress designed to be worn at night or on special occasions. Evening gowns are one type of evening dress, and you can also find examples with mini, knee-length and midi-length hemlines. Shop a wide range of evening gowns and other evening dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    There really isn't a difference between a cocktail gown and an evening gown. Both terms describe a full-length formal dress designed for evenings and special occasions. On the other hand, a cocktail dress or evening dress is a less formal garment that usually falls between just above and just below the knees and is suitable for evening wear. Explore a wide variety of cocktail dresses and evening gowns on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    The best color for an evening gown is a matter of preference. Evening gowns are popular in a variety of colors, including black, red, purple, green, blue, pink and more. 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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