Skip to main content

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

$594Sale 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

$911Sale 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 Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, 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, Gianni Versace Couture

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

People Also Browsed

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

John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt

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...

Category

Early 2000s French Skirt Suits

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s
Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

Issac Mizrahi New Crochet Cardigan with Appliques and Bead Trim 1990s

By Isaac Mizrahi

Located in Water Mill, NY

A very pretty black crochet cardigan from Issac Mizrahi. It has long sleeves, applique matching crochet flowers around the neck, front, hem and on the sleeves. There are black glass ...

Category

1990s American Cardigans

Schiaparelli draped dress by Daniel Rosberry, Spring 2023
Schiaparelli draped dress by Daniel Rosberry, Spring 2023

Schiaparelli draped dress by Daniel Rosberry, Spring 2023

By Schiaparelli

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

SCHIAPARELLI - Spring/Summer 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Daniel Rosberry. Ivory draped sheath dress with bare shoulders and a halter neckline. The f...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy and highly collectible museum quality vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white plunging runway cut-out gown ! Features a soft crepe blend fabric that hugs the ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress
Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress

Spectacular Alexander McQueen Runway Gown Black Silk Lace Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Berlin, BE

As if conjured from midnight sea-spray, this Spring/Summer 2012 Alexander McQueen gown unfurls like a dark bloom caught in motion. The bodice - sculpted close to the torso -disappear...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Silk Charmeuse Ribbon Trim Cocktail Dress Circa 1990s
Chanel Silk Charmeuse Ribbon Trim Cocktail Dress Circa 1990s

Chanel Silk Charmeuse Ribbon Trim Cocktail Dress Circa 1990s

By Chanel

Located in University City, MO

Chanel Silk charmeuse ribbon trim cocktail dress c 1990s Size 34 The elegant Chanel black silk evening dress is designed with slit detail on both shoulders accented with black ribb...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress

By John Galliano, Christian Dior

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blouses

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

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 Gucci, Tom Ford for 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

Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002
Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002

Alexander McQueen New Khaki Pants with Hip Lacing S/S 2002

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

Fabulous khaki cotton pants from Alexander McQueen. They have full straight legs with curved panels over the back hips with a fan of laces meeting and buttoning on the front sides at...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Pants

Thierry Mugler Vintage Women's Red Asymmetric Jacket, 1990s, Excellent
Thierry Mugler Vintage Women's Red Asymmetric Jacket, 1990s, Excellent

Thierry Mugler Vintage Women's Red Asymmetric Jacket, 1990s, Excellent

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Capri, IT

Thierry Mugler Red Jacket silver tone zip and closure asymmetric style total lenght 74 cm shoulder to hem 37 cm

Category

1990s French Jackets

Hippy Style Gold Brocade Robe Coat with Embroidery and Pockets
Hippy Style Gold Brocade Robe Coat with Embroidery and Pockets

Hippy Style Gold Brocade Robe Coat with Embroidery and Pockets

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Unique hand made one- off a kind vintage colorful robe manteau. We offer more excluisive items, view our frontstore Embroidered with sequins and vintage Indian pieces gold brocade...

Category

20th Century Coats and Outerwear

UNWORN Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Lace Dress Special Edition Collection 38
UNWORN Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Lace Dress Special Edition Collection 38

UNWORN Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Lace Dress Special Edition Collection 38

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Switzerland, CH

Amazing Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Corset Dress. For a sensational silhouette Black stretch fabric, satin and lace details Straps are adjustable Hook-fastening details in front A ti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Avant Garde Couture", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.