Christian Dior dress 'Showgirls' Summer 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - (Made in France) Long flounced blue silk muslin dress printed with a multicolored flower
Christian Dior dress 'Showgirls' Summer 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - (Made in France) Long flounced blue silk muslin dress printed with a multicolored flower
Vintage Christian Dior S/S 2003 Khaki Green Cargo Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Vintage Christian Dior Spring Summer 2003 by John Galliano khaki green cargo dress. Features two
$10,660
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Silk Strapless Harness Mini Dress, SS 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2003 ▪
$1,154
Size: Stretchy fits UK6-10
S/S 2003 Christian Dior John Galliano Khaki Green Batwing Parachute Mini Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Sublime, Spring / Summer 2003 Khaki Green batwing Dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 2003–04 Black Silk Chiffon Ruffled Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Galliano’s evocative “Hardcore Romance” collection for Christian Dior, Fall/Winter 2003–2004. This long
Christian Dior/John Galliano - Embroidered Cherry Blossom Dress F/W 2003 Sz 38FR
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
John Galliano for Christian Dior Embroidered Cherry Blossom Dress. This dress is formfitting with a
Vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior F/W 2003 Floral Slip Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this John Galliano for Christian Dior Fall Winter 2003 pink floral slip
$27,334
Size: FR36 - UK8 - US4
Christian Dior by John Galliano Black Evening Dress with Feathers, FW 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2003 ▪ Fabric
$11,207
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Christian Dior by John Galliano yellow graffiti-print silk dress, ss 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Rare Christian Dior yellow graffiti-printed silk evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2003 Sheer Lace Bondage Knit Black Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Naples, FL
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2003 Ruffled Belted Sheer Lace Bondage Open Knit Black Dress FR
$11,617
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Chiffon and Lurex Mini Dress, ss 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Christian Dior Runway Mini Dress ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Spring-Summer 2003
CHRISTIAN DIOR Galliano 2003 Vintage Bondage knit buckle ruffle dress FR38 M
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR Galliano 2003 Vintage Bondage black shredded knit buckle ruffle dress FR38 M
$5,476
Size: FR40 - IT44 - UK12 - US8
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2003 Black Bondage Lace Silk Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
John Galliano’s Christian Dior Spring Summer 2003 Collection Size FR40 - US8 - UK12 / Medium-Large
F/W 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Tie Accent Bodycon Stretch Skirt
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, dresses with the same gathering debuted on the season's runway and
Christian Dior John Galliano Silk Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2003 Sz 38FR
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Christian Dior John Galliano - Vintage Silk Chartreuse Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2003 Size 38FR
Christian Dior Spring 2003 Silk Lace-Up Metallic Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Diego, CA
Silk blend dress adorned with lace-up and metallic brocade details from the spring 2003 collection
Christian Dior Spring 2003 Runway Printed Logo Graffiti Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Diego, CA
Mini dress in silk adorned with a plunging necklace and all-over filth graffiti printed modeled by
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Slip Dress FW 2003
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior Fall Winter 2003 pink paisley slip dress. Features
Unavailable
Dior brown dress, circa 2003
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
train, giving the perfect example of a Dior evening dress. Constructed in brown silk taffeta and silk
2003 DIOR printed chiffon laced evening gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Newark, DE
Christian DIOR boutique, by John GALLIANO, circa 2003 A lovely printed silk chiffon, long
2003 DIOR Cannes film festival golden lamé evening sheath
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Newark, DE
Christian DIOR, ready to wear, by John GALLIANO, spring- summer 2003 This is the same golden
Dior dress 'Showgirls' 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - (Made in France) Long sand-color cotton dress, chest braided with silk threads. Size 36FR
Christian Dior By John Galliano Black Cotton Cargo Dress 2003
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
strapless cargo dress with corset bodice, zipper pockets, and snap side cargo pockets. Christian Dior
Dior Short Black Silk Dress with Ostrich Feathers, 2003
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - Short black silk dress with ostrich feathers. No size label, it fits a 36FR. Fall-Winter
Sold
Size: FR36 (US2-4) but fits a size M
Christian Dior By John Galliano Runway Ruffled Mini Dress, Spring-Summer 2003
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Geneva, CH
Modeled by Kristina Tsirekidze in the look 44 of the Spring-Summer 2003 Christian Dior runway show
Sold
Size: Recommended size UK 6
A/W 2003 Christian Dior John Galliano black Maxi long satin slip evening dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Autumn / Winter 2003 Christian Dior dress by John Galliano, this long satin slip dress with
Christian Dior by John Galliano c. 2003 Embellished Black Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Naples, FL
Christian Dior by John Galliano c. 2003 Embellished Black Dress FR 40 John Galliano for Christian
Sold
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Christian Dior by John Galliano silk evening dress and headscarf, ss 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior multicoloured silk chiffon evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Montage
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2003 Runway Plunged Neckline Open Back Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Naples, FL
Christian Dior by John Galliano S/S 2003 Runway Plunged Neckline Open Back Dress FR 40 Look 44
Christian Dior by John Galliano Montage Print Silk Jersey Dress, ss 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Christian Dior Dress ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Spring-Summer 2003 ▪
Sold
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US6/8
Christian Dior by John Galliano Crystal Pink Silk Jersey Mini Dress, FW 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This Christian Dior dress, crafted in bias-cut pink silk jersey, features a mini-length design with
Sold
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US8
Christian Dior by John Galliano Pink Silk Bias-Cut Draped Evening Dress, FW 2003
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This Christian Dior by John Galliano evening dress from the Fall-Winter 2003 collection is
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 2003 ethnic patchwork CD coin medallion dress FR38
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Hong Kong, NT
vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano 2003 ethnic patchwork CD coin medallion dress FR38 M Reference
Sold
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Floral Silk Chiffon Summer Dress, SS 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2003 ▪
Christian Dior by John Galliano "G.I. Jane" Military Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
House of Dior 2003 military style dress by John Galliano. Features a unique perspective of
Sold
Size: FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Christian Dior by John Galliano multicoloured silk jersey skirt and top, ss 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano multicoloured 'victim' print silk jersey skirt and top ensemble
S/S 2003 DIOR by John Galliano Low Cut High Slit Evening Gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Austin, TX
S/S 2003 DIOR by John Galliano Gown Black deep V and high slit Condition: Excellent Acetate
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fur Coat Runway F/W 2003 Rare Custom Commission
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Baar, CH
couture collector by Dior under John Galliano’s direction for the Fall-Winter 2003 season. This
F/W 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Rose Pink Silk Satin High Slit Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible light pink Christian Dior gown, designed by John Galliano. From the Fall
SS 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Graffiti Print FILTH print Slip Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring Summer 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano 'FILTH' Slip Dress. Crafted from a graffiti
Christian Dior John Galliano S/S 2003 Red Plunge Draped Pocket Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by John Galliano for the Christian Dior spring/summer 2003 collection. Oversized design
S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Silver Nude Silk Slip Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Sublime vintage slip dress from Christian Dior's Spring / Summer 2003 Collection designed by John
Y2K Christian Dior By John Galliano Ss/2003 'Rasta Mania' Strappy Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Iconic Spring / Summer 2003 CHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO 'Rasta Mania' spaghetti strap, cotton
Sold
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano black devoré velvet cocktail dress, fw 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Archival Christian Dior Cocktail Dress ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Fall-Winter 2003 ▪
Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Chiffon Flower Print Dress, ss 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Christian Dior by John Galliano Bias Cut Chiffon Flower Print Dress, Spring Summer 2003 Collection
Sold
Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Christian Dior by John Galliano pink bias cut silk evening dress, fw 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Charmeuse pure silk in cherry blossom
Sold
Size: Label Missing. Today's 2-4.
Christian Dior By John Galliano Champagne Starlet Cocktail Dress With Knots 2003
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is thrilled to present a vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano champagne
2003 S/S Christian Dior blue floral gown by Galliano
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Austin, TX
2003 S/S Christian Dior by Galliano Gown Floral pattern, lacing at front and back. 100% silk
F/W 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Rhinestone Buckle Black Tank Skirt Set
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Christian Dior skirt set designed by John Galliano. From the Fall
Dior Spring 2003 RTW Silk Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Prague, CZ
100% silk dress with a flowing, heavy knitted quality, drapes beautifully and can be worn
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Beaded Pale Pink Silk Flapper Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
mini dress. This incredibly rare Christian Dior treasure from John Galliano's stunning 2003 spring
A/W 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Red Halter Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A/W 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano red mini halter dress. Ruched knotted design down the front
Dior Spring 2003 RTW Victim Print Silk Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Prague, CZ
As seen on Galliano’s Muse - Alek Wek in 2003 attending one of special Dior events. This fabulous
S/S 2003 Christian Dior John Galliano Plunging Black Cargo Buckles Maxi Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Please contact us for more images and/or
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall 2003 Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
VINTAGE GRACE NY This bold red dress from Christian Dior’s Fall 2003 runway, crafted by John
S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Floral Brocade Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in North Hollywood, CA
S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano silk midi dress. Olive 1930's style slip dress with gold
S/S 2003 Christian Dior Red Strapless Mini Dress by Galliano
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Christian Dior by Galliano strapless red dress with draped front paneling, ruched side and bottom
2003 Vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior "Victim" Dress set
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Montgomery, TX
2003 Vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior "Victim" Dress set The set includes dress and
S/S 2003 Christian by Dior John Galliano Runway Graffiti Plunging Buckles Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Runway Please contact for more information and
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Beaded Ivory Silk Flapper Mini Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano dress is in beautiful condition with no rips, holes or
Vintage F/W 2003 John Galliano for Christian Dior Patchwork Silk Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage F/W 2003 John Galliano for Christian Dior Patchwork Silk Gown FR Size 38 - US 6 Thigh
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Haute Couture Red Beaded Bias-Cut Gown
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Christian Dior haute couture red silk-chiffon beauty from John Galliano's iconic 2003
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Metallic Blue Silk Lace-Up Bias Cut Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Breathtaking Christian Dior metallic leaf-motif patterned lamé silk and chiffon bias-cut gown. Dior
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Ruby Red Silk Bias-Cut Ruffle Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
tailored clothes. This dress is everything you look for in Galliano era Dior. The fabrics used are glorious
Vintage 2003 Christian Dior by Galliano Haute Couture Beaded Lace Bias-Cut Gown
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
38 inches Total Length: 60 inches (not including train) This 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano
Sold
Size: tag removed- see measurements
S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano Sheer Black Silk Slip Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2003 Christian Dior by John Galliano- does not have its fabric/size tag but it came
Dior by John Galliano Spring 2003 RTW Jersey Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Prague, CZ
This beautiful key-hole dress is made out of stretchy jersey fabric and will fit the best sizes US
Christian Dior 2003 Chinese Origami Jacket and Skirt Ensemble Size 6
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in US
John Galliano designed Christian Dior jacket and skirt, from the 2003 runway collection, is
1950s Bes-Ben Ivory Feather & Pearl Medallion Cocktail Hat
By Bes-Ben
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous and rare 1950s Bes-Ben cream exotic feather and faux pearl medallion hat. Couture-style soft construction with organza lining. With their signature whimsical style, Bes-Be...
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...
$600Sale Price|25% Off
Size: S/M
Artisinal Made Blue Fringe Beaded Bralette With Leather Trim & Ribbon Tie Back
By Torso Creations
Located in Gresham, OR
Artisinal made blue Carnival glass beaded fringe bralette is hand made from vintage beaded knit bags from the 1920's . Each cup is trimmed in black kid leather and black studs . Bral...
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label S/S 1999 Tweed Wool Tailored Princess Coat Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label S/S 1999 Tweed Wool Tailored Princess Coat Jacket Circa: Spring / Summer 1999 Label(s): Vivienne Westwood Red Label Style: Tailored prince...
Sleek Braided Leather Alligator Head Choker Necklace
Located in University City, MO
Sleek braided leather alligator head choker necklace The unique choker necklace is designed with a pair of silver metal alligators heads adhered to a black leather braided cord. The ...
Gucci New Silk Backless Dress SS 2013
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible black silk brocade dress with a blue, beige and gold petal pattern trim strategically and flatteringly placed along the sides and sleeves from Gucci. It is semi fitted...
Iconic Vivienne Westwood Couture Sculptural Jacket Gold Label
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
This stunning sculptural Vivienne Westwood Couture piece is a study in provocation, precision, and power, cut with the kind of audacity only Westwood could command. This beautiful ja...
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...
RARE Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 2003 Pink Embroidered Kimono Clutch Bag Purse
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
EXTREMELY RARE „KIMONO“ Bag by TOM FORD for GUCCI SS 2003 Very rare and exclusive GUCCI signature piece Collector's Item! Pink frayed, layered silk Black hand-embroidery Mat black t...
Roberto Cavalli Silk Halter-Neck Evening Dress With Train, S/S 2005/2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Wales, PA
Abundantia Curation newest addition: A breathtaking Roberto Cavalli evening gown from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, showcasing the designer’s mastery of romantic glamour and sen...
Gucci Silk Dress with Cut outs and Metal Collar
By Gucci
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk dress from Gucci. It is semi fitted with a black metal collar with a cut out below it and another cut out diagonally across the front waist covered in black me...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent FW 2002 Collection Black Taffeta Velvet Jacket 6
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Black Taffeta Silk Velvet Jacket F/W 2002 Runway Collection Fr. 38 - US 4/6 Black silk taffeta, ruched panels alternating with velvet bands, 17 centu...
$228Sale Price|20% Off
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Variation Vintage Fuchsia Tunic Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gorgeous unworn fuchsia tunic dress. Short sleeves. Large buttons. 2 front pockets. Unlined. Label reads Yves Saint Laurent Variation Made in France. Si...
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Bow Skirt Suit, Circa 1985
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld
Located in Geneva, CH
Iconic, timeless, chic and versatile ! Very few garment can provide these four qualities simultaneously. A Chanel skirt suit has definitely such power, especially when it is Haute Co...
1990'S Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Knit Bodycon Black Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Naples, FL
1990'S Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Knit Bodycon Black Dress XS Gucci semi-sheer lightweight stretch knit sleeveless dress featuring crossed accent at front and snap closures at bac...
Spectacular Thierry Mugler Black Fur Maxi Coat
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Thierry Mugler Couture black fur maxi coat from fall/winter 2000 collection. Design of this spectacular coat is inspired by Mugler’s iconic hairy looks from “Les Chimeres” FW 1997 a...
When Christian Dior launched his couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.
Dior was born in Granville, on the Normandy coast, in 1905. His prosperous haute bourgeois parents wanted him to become a diplomat despite his interest in art and architecture. However, they agreed to bankroll an art gallery, which Dior opened in 1928 in Paris with a friend.
This was the start of Dior’s rise in the city’s creative milieu, where he befriended Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. After seven years as an art dealer, Dior retrained as a fashion illustrator, eventually landing a job as a fashion designer for Robert Piguet, and in 1941, following a year of military service, he joined the house of Lucien Lelong. Just five years later, with the backing of industrialist Marcel Boussac, the ascendant Dior established his own fashion house, at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Just two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning, comme tout Paris, for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. They needed to dream anew.
And Dior delivered: He designed a collection for a bright, optimistic future. “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian!” exclaimed Carmel Snow, the prescient American editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, famously proclaiming, “Your dresses have such a new look.” The press ran with the description, christening Dior’s debut Spring/Summer haute couture collection the New Look. “God help those who bought before they saw Dior,” said Snow. “This changes everything.”
Dior’s collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in. His skirts could have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits could weigh up to 60 pounds. They were cut and shaped like architecture, on strong foundations that molded women and “freed them from nature,” Dior said. Rather than rationing, his ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred. The debut got a standing ovation.
In the subsequent decade, Paris ruled as the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and Christian Dior reigned as its king. With the luxuriously full skirts of his New Look, suits and his drop-dead gorgeous couture dresses and ball gowns worthy of any princess, Dior gave women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of war.
On 1stDibs, find an exquisite range of vintage Christian Dior clothing, jewelry, handbags and other items.
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.