Skip to main content

Vintage Backless Dress

Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress
Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

By Gucci

Located in London, GB

Tom Ford for Gucci black mini dress. Features asymmetric open back and side, thick one shoulder

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown

Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown

By Gianni Versace

Located in Naples, FL

GIANNI VERSACE F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown IT 42 Gianni Versace sleeveless maxi

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress
HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress

By Herve Léger

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Herve Leger 1990's Vintage Watermelon/Raspberry pink Pullover Bows Size small Excellent Condition

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Indulge in Timeless Elegance with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress
Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress

Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare 1970s custom dress by Reinhard Luthier—renowned for his role in French haute couture and

Category

1970s Evening Dresses

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown
JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

$2,500

Size: please refer to measurements

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

By Jenny Packham

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Jenny Packham '90s Vintage Jet black opaque Long sleeves Missing size and comp tag, but definitely

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Khaki color Unique backless design Lined in nude silk so some parts look

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket
Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

By MM6 Maison Margiela

Located in London, GB

. Mens Large, converted to a women's size 14. Styled with our 'Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Category

2010s French Coats and Outerwear

Maison Margiela  F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket
Maison Margiela  F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

By Maison Martin Margiela

Located in London, GB

. Mens Large, converted to a women's size 14. Styled with our 'Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Category

2010s French Jackets

Recent Sales

Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress
Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress

Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in New York, NY

Sweet and romantic ivory silk floral damask print dress with cap sleeves and backless. 1970s

Category

1970s French Sheath Dresses

Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress
Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress

Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Amazing Bill Blass backless black silk cocktail dress. Dress appears demure in the front but has

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes
70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes

70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes

By Estevez

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Jersey... Bodice Lined With Dress Fabric And The Skirt Is Lined With A Free Flowing Underskirt Of Such A

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress
Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress

Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress

Located in New York, NY

This unique antique dress has been rebuilt in the bodice to fit a more contemporary taste. The

Category

Early 20th Century American Vintage Bridal Gowns

A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress
A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress

A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty silk dress in a Celia Birtwell print for Top Shop , limited edition. The dress is in a

Category

2010s Unknown Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size L Alaïa fitted halter black dress

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size Small Alaïa fitted halter black

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Danes Vintage Green Super unique silhouette From every angle this dress is a work of art Pullover

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress
Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana black matte jersey backless dress featuring long sleeves, form

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Y Yigal by Yigal Azrouel Vintage Red Backless Pullover Stretchy Size 4 aka Large NWT's, one pinhole

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

By Pamela Dennis

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Pamela Dennis Evenings 2001 Vintage Jet black opaque Very stretchy and incredibly soft fabric Extra

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress
BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress

BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Bob Mackie Vintage This is so much more than a dress! It looks 500% better on a real body Black and

Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress
Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress

Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress

By Yohji Yamamoto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Yohji Yamamoto black below the knee dress featuring cap sleeves, a curved hem, a built in

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Naples, FL

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress IT 38 Look 2 from the Spring

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt
Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt

Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt

By Gucci

Located in London, GB

Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 1996 black dress, runway look 46. Comes with the iconic gold belt

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier nude and black stripe nylon long sleeve dress featuring a black band at

Category

1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows
HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows

By Herve Léger

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Herve Leger 1990's Vintage Jet black Pullover Bows Size small can fit up to a Medium Flawless

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded
PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded

PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded

By PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Pamela Dennis Couture 2000 Vintage Oscillates between warm and neutral tones Asymmetrical beaded

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical
YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical

YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Yigal Azrouel Vintage Late 90's to early 00's Jet black opaque Pullover Stretchy Adjustable halter

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set
YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

Sold

Size: please refer to measurements

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Yigal Azrouel Late 90's to early 00's Vintage 2 pieces skirt (side zip) and camisole (pullover) Jet

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown
Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown

Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent dark brown jersey gown with open back and halter style neckline with

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997
Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997

Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997

By Giorgio Armani

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Giorgio Armani gown featuring spaghetti straps

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress
Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress

Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress

By Lilly Pulitzer

Located in KENT, GB

Product Details: Lilly Pulitzer - Floaty Cap Sleeve - Deep Back V - Printed Maxi Dress Label: Lilly

Category

1970s American Maxi Dress

FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress
FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress

FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress

By Fuzzi

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Fuzzi Vintage NWT’s, Pristine IT40 fits like a small can also fit a medium 49" length Perfect for

Category

Early 2000s Casual Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size L Alaïa fitted halter black dress

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

DAVID FIELDEN Vintage Gray Draped Evening Gown Backless Maxi Dress
DAVID FIELDEN Vintage Gray Draped Evening Gown Backless Maxi Dress

DAVID FIELDEN Vintage Gray Draped Evening Gown Backless Maxi Dress

By DAVID FIELDEN

Located in Leonardo, NJ

David Fielden Vintage Gray/Silver with super clear beaded halter neck Not silk, but looks like it

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Azzedine Alaïa F/W 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Midi Dress
Azzedine Alaïa F/W 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Midi Dress

Azzedine Alaïa F/W 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Midi Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaïa 2001 Vintage Halter Backless Black Midi Dress Size S Alaïa black midi dress

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

People Also Browsed

1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat
1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat

1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Chic 1980's unmarked Canadian brown mink reversible long coat. One side is brown leather patchwork pattern with a fur collar and cuffs. The textured pattern is created by piecing the...

Category

1980s Canadian 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

Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress
Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress

Celine Wrap Bodycon Dress

By Celine

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous red jersey dress from Celine. It has a wide V neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and a wrapped ruched bodice. The dress is semi fitted through to the hips then falls straight ...

Category

Early 2000s French Day Dresses

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

Sold|$995

Size: Best fits S, see measurements

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

By Louis Feraud

Located in San Francisco, CA

Louis Feraud 1970s haute couture light brown lace dress in a 1920s style drop waist silhouette. Amazing embroidered lace and hand finished seam allowances. Small buttons conceal a ba...

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress
Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress

Thierry Mugler Green Wrap Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...

Category

1990s French Day Dresses

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set

By John Galliano

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...

Category

1990s French Cardigans

John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress

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 ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat
Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat

Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat

$9,900Sale Price|34% Off

Size: Size not marked. Medium fit.

Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat

Located in Tustin, CA

Shown as the ultimate symbol of status and elegance, Russian Sable is considered to be the most coveted fur in the world. This Russian sable fur coat from Michael's Furs of Los Angel...

Category

Late 20th Century American Opera Coats

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

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006
Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006

Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black silk jersey dress by Alexander McQueen. It is fitted with a scoop neckline, one short sleeve and a circular nude mesh cut out at one side covered with rows of drapi...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train
1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train

1990s Michael Casey Silk Ombre Botanical-Patterned Strapless Gown W/ Train

By Michael Casey

Located in Gresham, OR

A lovely 1990s Michael Casey silk ombre botanical-patterned silk chiffon strapless gown with ruching and gathering at bodice. Asymmetrical delicate bronze toned bamboo leaf beaded g...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

Vivienne Westwood red wool and gold 'PAGAN KISS' beret, ss 1988
Vivienne Westwood red wool and gold 'PAGAN KISS' beret, ss 1988

Vivienne Westwood red wool and gold 'PAGAN KISS' beret, ss 1988

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

Rare Vivienne Westwood red wool beret with gold leaf 'PAGAN KISS' and signature Orb logo. Made for the 'Choice' tour with Sara Stockbridge in 1988. Pagan I, Spring-Summer 1988

Category

1980s British Berets

Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Black Gown Evening Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Black Gown Evening Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Black Gown Evening Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Naples, FL

Gianni Versace S/S 1995 Vintage Sheer Panels Silk Black Gown Evening Dress IT 38 Gianni Versace black silk evening dress featuring sheer crossover accents at bodice and concealed zi...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...

Category

20th Century Moroccan Pants

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress

By Alexander McQueen, Givenchy

Located in Thiensville, WI

GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...

Category

1990s French Informal Dresses

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

Vintage Backless Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary vintage backless dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Beige, Red and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for a vintage backless dress from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Azzedine Alaïa, Gianni Versace and Morphew 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 Vintage Backless Dress?

The price for a vintage backless dress starts at $206 and tops out at $8,500, and on average, selling for $1,800.

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.

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.