1960's Black Silk Chiffon Tiered Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Attributed to Dior. Stunning 1960's black silk chiffon multi-tiered gown.
1960's Black Silk Chiffon Tiered Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Attributed to Dior. Stunning 1960's black silk chiffon multi-tiered gown.
1960's Christian Dior London Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The perfect LBD from 1960's Christian Dior London complete with hand stamped style number and label. Interior is corseted for perfect fit. The deep V back is ever so slightly draped ...
1960s Christian Dior Monochromed Sequin Maxi Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This elegant Christian Dior evening dress was retailed in their London branch during the late 1960s and may have been a special order from Paris.
Christian Dior Haute Couture Early 1960's Black Wool Two-Piece Dress
By Christian Dior, Marc Bohan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic and timeless early 1960's Marc Bohan era Christian Dior Haute Couture afternoon dress. Composed of a lightweight black pebble wool. Sweet bow detail at the waist. Elegant and...
Christian Dior set 'Tribute to the 1960s' by John Galliano Winter 2008
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - 2008 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear 'tribute to the 1960s' Collection under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Cashmere and mink fur set composed of a long-sleeved dress and...
1960s Christian Dior Lingerie Black Boudoir Night Gown dress coat UK 12 14
By Christian Dior
Located in Maghera, GB
Exceptional vintage Christian Dior Lingerie boudoir gown, made in France expressly for the prestigious White House of New Bond Street, London. Cut in a dramatic floor-length silhoue...
1960's Christian Dior Couture Beaded Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Museum-quality Christian Dior beaded gown from the 1960's. Features pink and white beads of different textures and tie collar.
1960's Christian Dior Black Gown with Zigzag Detail
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage gown from Christian Dior dates to the 1960's and is made of black textured fabric.
1960s Miss Dior Silk Jersey Evening Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A stunning 1960s Miss Dior silk jersey dress with tapered sleeves and a nipped in waist. The dress has gentle pleats on the knee length skirt and a button down closure on the front o...
Christian Dior London velvet and taffeta mini evening dress. C.1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
The French fashion house which dates back to the 1940s, has been providing customers all over the world with some of the most beautiful garments, whether it's a ready-to-wear dress f...
An Incredible 1960s Vintage Christian Dior Couture Silk Dress w. Beading
By Christian Dior
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An absolutely incredible 1960s Christian Dior haute couture ankle-length silk gown with intricate beading across the bust.
Christian Dior 1960s Black Tulle Soutache Cocktail Dress with Shawl
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Christian Dior black cocktail dress with matching shawl. Black tulle soutache floral textured design over black silk tulle with nude lining. Fitted bodice with sweetheart neckline. A...
1960's Christian Dior for Saks Fifth Avenue Floral Printed Gown
Located in Oradell, NJ
This is an elegant yet fanciful 1960's Christian Dior for Saks Fifth Avenue, floral printed sleeveless gown with ruffled collar and a sash which has been tied in a bow.
Vintage 1962 Christian Dior Gown Vintage 1960s Christian Dior Silk Dress UK 10
By Christian Dior
Located in Nashville, TN
Made in the most exquisite ivory silk, decorated with silver glass claw set rhinestones, glow mesh rhinestone strands, faceted iridescent glass beads, and frosted white glass beads, ...
1960's Christian Dior Floral Print Silk Shantung Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Studio City, CA
1960's Christian Dior navy blue silk shantung v-neck sleeveless dress in vibrant orange and green floral pattern. The dress features a tubular front panel, cropped back panel overlay...
1960's Christian Dior London Brown Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The most beautiful LBD (little brown dress) from 1960's Christian Dior London, complete with hand stamped style number and label. Interior is corseted for perfect fit. Neck and back ...
1960s Christian Dior Rose Pink Devoree and Silk Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
A stunning gown by Dior from the 1960s. In a wonderful rose pink colour the gown has a central devoree panel on the front and back .
Christian Dior 1960s asymmetric silk evening a-line dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior 1960s asymmetric silk evening a-line dress - vibrant psychedelic printed on raw silk - large bow hangs on shoulders - internal corset with boning - matching shoes des...
1960s Christian Dior Black Ostrich Feather Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning 60’s black velvet dress by Christian Dior, London. Perfect for a winter party, this knee length dress has full-length sleeves which feature black ostrich feat...
1960s Christian Dior Demi Couture Ivory Organza Dress & Jacket
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Sensational ivory silk organza dress and sleeveless jacket set with sculptural 3D organza roses around the hems. This vintage 1960s piece by Christian Dior is couture made and would ...
Vintage Black & Multicolor Christian Dior 1960s Patterned Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Vintage black and multicolor ribbon patterned sleeveless drop waist gown by Christian Dior. Circa 1960s. Square neckline.
1960's Christian Dior Brown Haute Couture Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This exquisite vintage dress was crafted in France from green silk, the beautiful structure features a round neck, an invisible back zip fastening, a sleeveless design, a slim fit, a...
1960s Christian Dior Beaded Silk Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This gown is a truly fabulous example of 1960’s Dior demi couture eveningwear, designed by Marc Bohan and made in France.
Iconic 1960s Christian Dior Mod Cutout Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk dress in a rich chocolate brown from Christian Dior. It has a dramatic sweetheart shaped yoke attached to dress with 5 gorgeous green and brown rhinestone buttons whi...
1960s Christian Dior Demi Couture Ivory Organza Dress & Jacket
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Sensational ivory silk organza dress and sleeveless jacket set with sculptural 3D organza roses around the hems. This vintage 1960s piece by Christian Dior is couture made and would...
Pristine Christian Dior 1960s Silk Chiffon Dress with Back Train
By Christian Dior
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage Christian Dior silk dress in a colorful kaleidoscope print in pristine condition. Silk chiffon overlay and back train. Details: Fully Lined Back Button and Ho...
1960s Christian Dior New York Demi Couture Blue Stained Glass Silk Evening Coat
By Christian Dior
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Christian Dior designed clothes fit for royalty, as he famously believed “every woman is a princess.” When he passed away in 1958, his successors followed suit, making luxury a signa...
1960s Christian Dior Vintage Silk + Mink Fur Dress Ensemble (Top/ Skirt/ Jacket)
By Christian Dior
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning 1960s Christian Dior three-piece ensemble done in a gold silk brocade with brown mink fur trim. Wear together or separately! Fits like a modern size medium. The jacket is fu...
Christian Dior Patron Original Demi Couture 1960s Blue Heavy Linen Mod Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
This stylish 1960s Demi Couture Patron Original labelled and numbered dress by Christian Dior is a magnificent piece of tailoring and is in impeccable condition. The high quality hea...
1960S CHRISTIAN DIOR Style Baby Pink Silk Blend Radzimir Crystal Encrusted Mod
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic and expensive sparkle to the prong set cut crystals in both pink and clear, with bugle beads emulating broken glass. 1960S CHRISTIAN DIOR Style Baby Pink Silk Blend Radzim...
1960's Christian Dior Coral Beaded Shift
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant 1960's sleeveless coral cocktail shift dress from Christian Dior is fully beaded with silver glass bugle beads and iridescent faceted coral pink sequins. Embroidery is sewn w...
1960's Christian Dior Champange-Gold Linen Hourglass Wiggle Suit
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. When the talented Marc Bohan took over as head designer in 1960, he continued the Dior tradition...
Late 1950s/Early 1960's Christian Dior Moiré Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous circa 1950's moiré silk bengaline cocktail dress from Christian Dior features a sculptural neckline with a velvet peekaboo panel. 3/4 sleeves are cut in a raglan style. Skir...
1960's Christian Dior Metallic-Gold Brocade Sleeveless Dress & Jacket Ensemble
By Christian Dior, Marc Bohan
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of Haute-Couture. When the talented Marc Bohan took over as head designer in 1960, he continued the Dior tradition of elegant design. This...
1960s Sequin Dior Mini Dress or Tunic
By Christian Dior
Located in Rockwood, ON
Am amazing and chic 1960s dress that perfectly captures the mood of the times. At first glance you think that the dress is only embroidered but that stunning patter is actually creat...
1960s Christian Dior Black Velvet Balloon Sleeve Evening Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire
An incredible vintage long evening dress from the late 1960s by Christian Dior (under Marc Bohan), for their 'Diorling' line, which was aimed at their younger, more fashionable clien...
Christian Dior Paris numbered couture black silk evening gown. C. 1960s
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in London, GB
He made the label's designs more aligned with Christian Dior's classic vision. He took Christian Dior's concept and brought it into the 1960s by streamlining it slightly, which gave ...
Vintage 1963 CHRISTIAN DIOR EMERALD SILK GOWN size S
By Christian Dior
Located in Montgomery, TX
CHRISTIAN DIOR Rare vintage Christian Dior haute couture gown of 1960s in textured emerald coloured silk on a delicate silk lining.
1960's Christian Dior Rhinestone Illusion Silk-Satin Mod Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Christian Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. When the talented Marc Bohan took over as head designer in 1960, he continued the Dior tradition...
Christian Dior Paris Sleeveless vivid pink evening coat. Early 1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior said “The evening is a time when you escape the realities of everyday life”. This idea is definitely embodied within this exquisite evening coat from the renowned Fre...
1960s Christian Dior New York Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Chicago, IL
Simply stunning dior new york cocktail dress This has a true wrap top and a front zip that connects to the black slip interior and runs all the way up.The wrap top fastens with a se...
1960s Christian Dior NY Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Marc Bohan, Christian Dior
Located in Chicago, IL
Lovely Christian Dior New York black silk cocktail dress Matching caplet with silk rose Zips up the back
Rare Christian Dior crushed metallic shift evening dress. circa 1960s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior’s revolutionary collections of the postwar were inspired by the grandness and ostentatious displays of the 19th-century. Yet the designer’s interpretation of that era ...
Dior for El Jay 1960s Black Velvet Evening Dress with Bow & Belt Size 6.
By Christian Dior for El-Jay, Christian Dior
Located in Atlanta, GA
Christian Dior Prêt-a-Porter made exclusively for New Zealand El-Jay black evening velvet dress with bow at collar & velvet belt is a size 6. Ladies please grab your most truste...
$1,895
Size: Small - Small Medium
Malcolm Starr 1960s Black Silk Chiffon Grecian One Shoulder Vintage 60s Gown
By Malcolm Starr
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size Small Measurements: 32 inch bust 28 inch waist 38 inch hips 60 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem A striking vintage 1960s Malcolm Starr black silk chiff...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Full Skirt Size 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Whiting and Davis design is composed of a gold mesh. This item can be fashioned as a draped halter dress or skirt. Features a zipper closure with drawstring tassel detail. In ex...
1960's Sarmi Black Chiffon Demi Couture Cocktail Dress
By Ferdinando Sarmi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1960's Sarmi black chiffon demi couture cocktail dress with off white satin sash. Deep V neckline with slightly elevated waistline and full layered chiffon swing skirt over a narrow ...
Norman Norell Couture Black Tailored Skirt Suit / Sleeveless Top, 1960s
By Norman Norell
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Norman Norrell is one of the most notable American designers throughout history. Indiana born, Norrell was a keen womenswear designer working primarily in gowns but also in clean, ta...
Christian Dior Low Back Silk Dress
By Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous off white silk dress from Christian Dior 2012 collection. It has a full skirt, waistband and 2 straps crossing the back attaching to the dress with hidden buttons. The dr...
$1,675
Size: Extra Small
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s demi couture black silk chiffon sequin evening gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout the sleeves and skirt. Thin spaghetti strap underlay wit...
$3,250
Size: French 40/42
Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre S/S 1994 vintage black silk evening dress
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre spring summer 1994 runway black silk evening dress. A white version was presented on th...
$9,280
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Christian Dior by John Galliano black silk bias cut evening dress, ss 2005
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior black silk evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Cowl neckline with long ties to the shoulder ▪ Spaghetti straps ▪ Bias-cut ▪ White trim ▪ Asymmetric hemline w...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
Lillie Rubin Vintage Black Tiered Silk Chiffon Strapless Evening Gown
By Lillie Rubin
Located in Sparks, NV
This strapless tiered silk gown by Lillie Rubin comes with a matching wrap. Ruched structured bodice. Rear zip closure. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 4...
1940s Vintage Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Collar + 3/4 Cropped Sleeves
Located in Sparks, NV
Flattering vintage 1940s cocktail dress in black velvet with a draped collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Unlined with side metal zip closure. Fits like a modern size small. The bust meas...
Black jersey evening dress with wide sleeve CHRISTIAN DIOR
By Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jersey evening dress with wide sleeve and draped on the waist . Zip closure on the right side. Raw edge cut. SIZE 38 (Fr) M SAMPLE
SHIRLEY PARKER LONDON c.1980s Black Silk Evening Gown with Sculptural Sleeves
Located in Richardson, TX
An exquisite example of circa 1980s vintage British eveningwear, this marvelously fluid, floor-length evening gown by Shirley Parker London has a compelling allure reminiscent of Old...
$6,005Sale Price|20% Off
Dior Sequin Embellished Silk Gown
By Christian Dior
Located in London, England
Dior Sequin Embellished Silk Low back Gown - Luxurious silk bodied and lined gown - Dark silver, translucent and champagne gold sequins - Dark grey stitching - Nude silk thin strap...
1940's IRENE LENTZ black dress with blouson silk chiffon overlay
By Irene Lentz
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A stunning and hard-to-find piece from the late 1940's created by Irene Lentz. This black gown really channels classic 'film noir' Hollywood glamour from this era. The dress has a...
Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2018 Women's Beaded Tulle Gown Size FR40/UK12
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Absolute fairytale Dior beaded tulle gown from the Pre-Fall 2018 collection. Bought for £6000 and worn once. Made from gorgeous black tulle with stunning blue and black glass beaded ...
Avant Garde Brutalist Mixed Metal Artisan Handbag ca 1970s
Located in University City, MO
Avant garde brutalist mixed metal artisan handbag ca 1970s The unique handmade shoulder bag is adorned with sinuous three dimensional mixed metal work designs on the black leather f...
$8,800
Size: fits Small to Medium
LES HABITUDES / Eavis & Brown 90's silk beaded couture bridal wedding gown dress
By Eavis & Brown
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created in an England atelier entirely by hand Vintage 1990's Grey, blue, green, ivory, a hint of beige, the color is probably best described as...
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Deep Cleavage Laceup Silk Dress 4
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Switzerland, CH
This dress is a variation of Goldie Hawn's Golden Globe Dress created exclusively by John Galliano An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for y...
Rare Thierry Mugler Corset Dress SS 1995
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
The Thierry Mugler corset dress is a sculptural masterpiece. The dress fuses Mugler’s razor-sharp tailoring with sensual allure. The bodice: crafted as a structured white corset cinc...
JOHN GALLIANO 2009 Vintage Royal Blue Gown Maxi Dress w. Attached Sash
By John Galliano
Located in Leonardo, NJ
John Galliano Vintage 2009 Royal Blue Attached sash can also be tied but I just let it hang Extra long length Invisible side zip Size IT44 NWT's, 2 small dots that you can only see u...
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ 2018 Silk Soft Pink/Peach Gown Maxi Dress
By Narciso Rodriguez
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Narciso Rodriguez 2018 Original Price $2,995 Special Capsule Collection for Barneys NY The most adorable softest baby pink color bordering on peach Pullover Lined 100% silk IT40 fits...
White cotton piqué wedding dress with lace edge and boléro Circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton piqué wedding dress with lace ( Hand-made Irish crochet) edge and boléro.Zip in the middle back. SIZE M
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Peplum Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Black Faille Moire Peplum Jacket from the 1990's. Gaultier's Haute Couture training is evident in this fitted "Bar" style peplum jacket with pointed ...
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...
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress, ss 1997
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano black acetate evening slip dress with spaghetti straps and scoop neckline. Spring-Summer 1997
$1,678
Size: EU 41-43 / UK 6, 7 & 8.
2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano White Fur Ski Snow Boots EU 41-43
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Fabulous Vintage 2000's Christian Dior by John Galliano, White Fur trimmed Ski Snow Boots. Extremely Iconic Aprés Ski wear. Total height; 15" Size Stated on the Shoes ; EU 41 - 43 ...
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 ...
FABULOUS Thierry Mugler Couture SS 2001 Les Solaris Blouse Top Sheer Net Leather
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Thierry Mugler Couture creation, SS2001 Les Solarisées Collection. Extremely rare and fabulous vintage Couture piece, documented seen on the Runway. Dripping in celestial se...
Christian Dior John Galliano Silk Chiffon BiasCut Layered Ballerina Gown FW 2005
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Chicago, IL
John Galliano, while Christian Dior Artistic Director for French haute-couture and ready-to-wear, designed for his Fall/Winter 2005 collection this bias-cut, layered, silvery semi-tr...
White cotton guipure and lace wedding dress Circa 1960's
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White cotton guipure and lace wedding dress. Zip closure on the middle back. Rayon or acetate lining ( not inside the sleeve) Front lenght = 136cm Back lenght = 146cm SIZE 36 /S
MA Aqua Blue & Pink Silk Crochet Floral Embroidered Fringe Ombre
Located in New York, NY
MORPHEW ATELIER Aqua Blue & Pink Silk Crochet Floral Embroidered Fringe Ombre Piano Shawl Dress with Victorian Clasp Decade: Material: Silk Vintage condition: Measurements O...
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.