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Avant Garde Couture

ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE 'Avant Garde' Black Silk Wrap Made to Order
ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE 'Avant Garde' Black Silk Wrap Made to Order

ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE 'Avant Garde' Black Silk Wrap Made to Order

By Elizabeth Mason Couture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Elizabeth Mason Couture 'Avant Garde' wrap is composed of a black silk. This wrap can be made

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns

Paco Rabanne Vintage 90s Rare Floral Mini Skirt with Belt
Paco Rabanne Vintage 90s Rare Floral Mini Skirt with Belt

Paco Rabanne Vintage 90s Rare Floral Mini Skirt with Belt

$580Sale Price|30% Off

Size: FR40 EU38 USA12

Paco Rabanne Vintage 90s Rare Floral Mini Skirt with Belt

By Paco Rabanne

Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL

with his unconventional approach, blending avant-garde couture with industrial elements. Founded his

Category

1990s French Skirts

A Paco Rabanne Couture Set in Yellow knitwear and Papier Fou- Spring Summer 1991
A Paco Rabanne Couture Set in Yellow knitwear and Papier Fou- Spring Summer 1991

A Paco Rabanne Couture Set in Yellow knitwear and Papier Fou- Spring Summer 1991

By Paco Rabanne

Located in Toulon, FR

, whom Gabrielle Chanel called "the metallurgist of fashion", breaks with traditional couture. Avant

Category

1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

1990s Jean-Claude Jitrois Women's Leather Three-Piece Suit Ensemble
1990s Jean-Claude Jitrois Women's Leather Three-Piece Suit Ensemble

1990s Jean-Claude Jitrois Women's Leather Three-Piece Suit Ensemble

$888Sale Price|55% Off

Size: FR 38 but small (34-small 36)

1990s Jean-Claude Jitrois Women's Leather Three-Piece Suit Ensemble

By Jean-Claude Jitrois

Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL

a true collector’s treasure for connoisseurs of vintage couture and avant-garde sophistication

Category

1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress
Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress

Beautiful Vintage 1980s Isabelle Allard Black & Nude French Lace Pouf Dress

By Isabelle Allard

Located in San Diego, CA

Absolutely beautiful vintage Isabelle Allard COUTURE Avant Garde black and nude French Lace dress

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

New Versace Fall 2016 Runway Sequin Embellishment Cut-Out Tulle Accent Dress 40
New Versace Fall 2016 Runway Sequin Embellishment Cut-Out Tulle Accent Dress 40

New Versace Fall 2016 Runway Sequin Embellishment Cut-Out Tulle Accent Dress 40

By Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

reflection of avant-garde craftsmanship and experimental couture. Sexy Cut-Out with Nude Color Tulle Accent

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Recent Sales

Jean Desses Paris Couture Museum Worthy Flower Pedal Bolero c 1950
Jean Desses Paris Couture Museum Worthy Flower Pedal Bolero c 1950

Jean Desses Paris Couture Museum Worthy Flower Pedal Bolero c 1950

Located in University City, MO

Jean Desses' Couture museum worthy pastel flower pedal jacket c 1950 The avant-garde couture

Category

1950s French Bolero Jackets

1990s James Purcell Size 6 / 8 White Cotton Vintage 90s T-Shirt Dress
1990s James Purcell Size 6 / 8 White Cotton Vintage 90s T-Shirt Dress

1990s James Purcell Size 6 / 8 White Cotton Vintage 90s T-Shirt Dress

By James Purcell

Located in San Diego, CA

Avant Garde early 90s JAMES PURCELL Couture stark white cotton tee shirt dress ! Purcell left his

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Shocking The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli Book
Shocking The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli Book

Shocking The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli Book

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in University City, MO

numerous images of Schiaparelli's avant-garde couture designs The text chronicles her colorful life and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Fashion Books

First Edition Shocking Life of Elsa Schiaparelli Hard Cover Book c 1954
First Edition Shocking Life of Elsa Schiaparelli Hard Cover Book c 1954

First Edition Shocking Life of Elsa Schiaparelli Hard Cover Book c 1954

By Elsa Schiaparelli

Located in University City, MO

extraordinary cutting edge avant-garde couture fashion designs Chronicling the collaborations with her

Category

1950s American Clothes

Pierre Cardin Couture Avant Garde Train Gown
Pierre Cardin Couture Avant Garde Train Gown

Pierre Cardin Couture Avant Garde Train Gown

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pierre Cardin Couture black silk velvet long sleeve dress with avant garde attached ball gown train

Category

20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Moschino Couture Avant Garde Asymmetrical Shirt
Moschino Couture Avant Garde Asymmetrical Shirt

Moschino Couture Avant Garde Asymmetrical Shirt

By Moschino

Located in Brunswick West, Victoria

Ultra rare floral shirt by Moschino Couture. The label on this piece is "Repetita Juvant" - in the

Category

1990s Italian Shirts

S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Avant Garde Teatro Pop Art Dress
S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Avant Garde Teatro Pop Art Dress

S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Avant Garde Teatro Pop Art Dress

By Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni Versace

Located in Yukon, OK

attached inside and puffy crinoline pockets to help give the puffed avant garde look. This same dress was

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2002 Vivienne Westwood Couture OOAK Sheer Black Avant Garde Dress
S/S 2002 Vivienne Westwood Couture OOAK Sheer Black Avant Garde Dress

S/S 2002 Vivienne Westwood Couture OOAK Sheer Black Avant Garde Dress

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Yukon, OK

DESIGNER: S/S 2002 Vivienne Westwood- this is a one of a kind dress, custom made. Similar pieces shown on the runway and an almost identical one worn by Vivienne herself. Please let ...

Category

Early 2000s English Evening Dresses

1967 Donald Brooks Couture Documented Feather Avant-Garde Dress Gown
1967 Donald Brooks Couture Documented Feather Avant-Garde Dress Gown

1967 Donald Brooks Couture Documented Feather Avant-Garde Dress Gown

By Donald Brooks

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Exceptional & ultra-rare Donald Brooks feather gown famously featured in the 1967 fashion magazine McCall. Brooks was perhaps one of the most important designers of the mid-twentieth...

Category

1960s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

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PRADA Leather Hat Rare Cap Visor Equestrian Aviator
PRADA Leather Hat Rare Cap Visor Equestrian Aviator

PRADA Leather Hat Rare Cap Visor Equestrian Aviator

By Prada

Located in Berlin, BE

Symphony in Leather: The Rare Prada Masterpiece The rare Prada leather hat showcases the brand's unparalleled craftsmanship and avant-garde design ethos. Crafted from the finest, s...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Hats

GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers
GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers

GIANNI VERSACE black leather coat with ostrich feathers

By Gianni Versace

Located in Rubiera, RE

We are pleased to present an extraordinary lambskin coat from the Gianni Versace collections of the early 90s. A long coat that wraps like a large cloak in a swirl of black ostrich ...

Category

1990s Italian Coats and Outerwear

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Fitted Plunged Décolleté Mini Dress Size Small Alaïa mini bodycon dress with sweetheart neck and rib knit accent panels throughout. All Eyes on Alaï...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black silk jersey dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It is semi fitted with a bateau neckline and a gradated draped ruffle wider at the front shoulder then narrowing to the h...

Category

1990s French Maxi Dresses

ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2005 Gray Brown Mink Fur Removable Hood Belted Jacket Coat
ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2005 Gray Brown Mink Fur Removable Hood Belted Jacket Coat

ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2005 Gray Brown Mink Fur Removable Hood Belted Jacket Coat

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN F/W 2005 Gray Brown Mink Fur Removable Hood Belted Jacket Coat Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: F/W 2005 “The Man Who Knew Too Much” Designer:...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blazers

Thierry Mugler Phenomenal Rare 1985/86 Faux Fur Coat Jacket
Thierry Mugler Phenomenal Rare 1985/86 Faux Fur Coat Jacket

Thierry Mugler Phenomenal Rare 1985/86 Faux Fur Coat Jacket

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

Museum worthy piece of Fashion History Breathtaking extremely rare Thierry Mugler creation, 1985/86 Collection. Super soft faux fur crop coat in the most vibrant beautiful colour. ...

Category

1980s French Coats and Outerwear

Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress

Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

Oscar de la Renta brown pencil dress with raw edged ruffle trim. Grosgrain trim circles the bodice. Boned at bodice for shape. Back zip and hook and eye. Seen in another color in L...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Casual Dresses

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress
Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Tom Ford for Gucci S/S 1999 Knit Bodycon Black Dress Size L Gucci knit bodycon midi dress with V-neck and tonal stitching throughout.

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress
1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

1970s Hiroko Salmon / Coral Color Blocked Slinky Vintage 70s Bias Maxi Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Slinky 1970s HIROKO salmon and coral color blocked jersey bias cut maxi dress! This beauty simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Slimming diagonal stripes on the front and...

Category

1970s American Maxi Dress

Marchesa Red Silk Strapless Gown - 10 - circa 90's
Marchesa Red Silk Strapless Gown - 10 - circa 90's

Marchesa Red Silk Strapless Gown - 10 - circa 90's

By Marchesa

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Marchesa Red Silk Gown, length 54", bust 38", waist 36".

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket

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...

Category

1990s Italian Blazers

New Rare Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 39
New Rare Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 39

New Rare Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 39

$1,160Sale Price|20% Off

Size: 39

New Rare Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 39

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Size 39 * Black Patent Piping * Leather Insole * Black & White Polka Dot Canvas * 4.5" Heel * 1" Front Platform * With B...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Gucci Silk Dress with Hardware and Cut outs
Gucci Silk Dress with Hardware and Cut outs

Gucci Silk Dress with Hardware and Cut outs

By Gucci, Frida Giannini

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous grey silk jersey dress from Gucci. It is fitted with long sleeves and cut outs at one shoulder and side waist plus a slit along the front of one leg of the straight skirt...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2002 Cutout Plunged Neckline Black Dress IT 40 Gucci sleeveless black knee-length dress featuring ruffled shoulders, cutouts at front and back and concealed zi...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Clutches

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Avant Garde Couture For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary piece of avant garde couture for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning black, beige, blue and more. Finding the perfect item from our selection of avant garde couture 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. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Nina Ricci, Paco Rabanne and Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace are consistently popular. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a Avant Garde Couture?

On average, a piece of avant garde couture on 1stDibs sells for $1,783, while they’re typically $132 on the low end and $24,800 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Finding the Right Clothing for You

Start building your collection of covetable and iconic vintage clothing today — no matter where you roam, there is a curated selection of designer dresses and gowns, sweaters, shirts, dazzling shoes and more on 1stDibs that will keep you covered in the hottest styles from head to toe.

From elegant museum-worthy vintage Chanel dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing for sale on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement. 

For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think John Galliano and Roberto Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. 

Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino, Ralph Lauren and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Balmain endure for haute couture advocates and beyond. 

And vintage is the name of the game on today’s red carpets, too. Celebrity stylists are turning to archival pieces created by the likes of Bob Mackie, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier as alternatives to new gowns plucked straight off the runway. Wearing such sought-after items gives celebrities instant allure and suggests a personal style that’s not only achingly glamorous but intellectually informed and influenced by a love of craftsmanship. 

Those seeking contemporary luxury looks and in-demand street-style fits can indulge in designs by Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Loro Piana, while pieces from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace endure as examples of fashion’s most covetable goods. 

The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing. Find vintage clothing and accessories for sale on 1stDibs, including designs by Balenciaga, Valentino, Celine, Loewe and more.

Questions About Avant Garde Couture
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024
    Avant-garde earrings are earrings that feature bold, experimental designs. Avant-garde jewelry design dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when artists and designers began rejecting traditional conventions and trying out new forms. Avant-garde jewelry may feature asymmetrical shapes, surprising geometric forms or unusual materials. On 1stDibs, find a selection of avant-garde jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Avant garde in fashion refers to forward-looking, innovative designs. Avant garde fashion pushes against mainstream trends and proposes unconventional ideas.

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