$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 40 IT
F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Print Halter Neck Scarf Tie Backless Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a formfitting beige light brown Dolce and Gabbana halter neck dress with a leopard print
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 40 IT
F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Print Halter Neck Scarf Tie Backless Dress Y2K
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a formfitting black Dolce and Gabbana halter neck dress with a leopard print necktie
$7,458
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana black maxi dress with crystal choker necklace, ss 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Dolce & Gabbana evening dress ▪ Constructed from black rayon and spandex jersey ▪ Built-in silk
Dolce & Gabbana 2001 Black Stretch Lace Dress with Nude Acetate Slip IT44
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Berlin, DE
A refined and sensual Dolce & Gabbana black lace dress dating from the 2001 era, designed
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Ruched Grey Silk Floral Printed Runway Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a figure-hugging ruched silk floral print dress by Dolce & Gabbana. This piece is part
Dolce & Gabbana 2001 silk black floral daisy print halter chocker midi dress XS
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2001 black dress with floral daisy. The flowers themselves
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Ruched Silk Bustier Dress — Referencing S/S 2001 Runway
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in Berlin, DE
on the S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana runway, this commercial iteration is rendered in a more wearable silk
$695
Size: IT 40 or US small
Black D&G Dolce & Gabbana Bodycon Girdle Slip Dress w Satin Bra – 40, 2001
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in Tucson, AZ
fully open vent: 7” label: D&G Dolce & Gabbana size: It 40 or US small
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 01 burgundy backless tie neck midi maxi slim line dress XS-S
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2001. This dress is an incredibly rare version of
Dolce and Gabbana Beyonce dress, SS 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
The same dress worn by Beyonce in 2001. A raunchier version of this dress was seen on the runway
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Corset Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Austin, TX
2001 3500Dolce & Gabbana black Corset Dress 25" bust, 24" waist, 30" hips, 47" length. Condition
Dolce & Gabbana Vintage F/W 2001 Runway Ivory Lace Slip Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana Fall Winter 2001 ivory lace dress with black bra. Features an attached black bra
Vintage Dolce & Gabbana Black Bondage 2001 Runway Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Dolce & Gabbana black jersey cocktail dress with
Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2001 black ruched tulle evening dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2001 black ruched tulle evening dress
Dolce & Gabbana red low back figure hugging dress, ss 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana red figure hugging mid length turtle neck dress with very low back and tie up
Dolce & Gabbana Brown Lace Mini Dress with High Neck 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Dolce & Gabbana brown lace mini dress featuring
Dolce & Gabbana Off White Lace Mini Dress With Velvet Collar 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Dolce & Gabbana off-white lace mini dress
Sold
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Dolce & Gabbana ivory lace slip dress with attached bra, fw 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Dolce & Gabbana ivory lace slip dress ▪ 90% Rayon, 10% Nylon ▪ Attached satin bra edged with
Dolce & Gabbana black bodycon evening dress with cut out, circa 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare Dolce & Gabbana bodycon evening dress from the spring summer 2001 collection
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Backless Neck Tie Bodycon Black Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Backless Neck Tie Bodycon Black Dress IT 44 Please note this
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Cutout Back Neck Tie Bodycon Brown Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Cutout Back Neck Tie Bodycon Brown Dress IT 38
Dolce & Gabbana black rayon spandex backless turtle neck dress, S/S 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
- Low open back - Turtle neck with tie up fastening - Long fitted sleeves Spring-Summer 2001
Sold
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10
Dolce & Gabbana black rayon spandex maxi dress with high leg slit, ss 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
Dolce & Gabbana black rayon spandex maxi dress with turtle neck, high leg slit and knot fastening
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Cutout Bodycon Tie Up Black Midi Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2001 Runway Cutout Bodycon Tie Up Black Midi Dress Size S Look 4 from the S/S
Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2001 Black lace slip dress with attached bra
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Milano, IT
- Black lace slip dress - Sold by Skof.Archive - Attached satin bra edged with black lace
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Ruched Stretch Bustier Bodycon White Red Poppy Gown
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible pink floral poppy satin Dolce & Gabbana gown. From the Spring/Summer 2001
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Corset Lace Up Bra Black Dress
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in Naples, FL
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Corset Lace Up Bra Black Dress Please note size tag is missing
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Black Bustier Halterneck Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black Dolce and Gabbana mini dress. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection
Dolce & Gabbana black ruched stretch-knit evening dress, ss 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Dolce & Gabbana black evening dress ▪ Stretch-knit ▪ Multiple vertical panels with ruched seams
Dolce & Gabbana black rayon bandage strap backless maxi dress, ss 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
▪ Dolce & Gabbana black maxi dress ▪ 75% Rayon, 17% Nylon, 8% Spandex ▪ Built-in bra ▪ Open back
Dolce & Gabbana black bodycon evening dress with cut out, circa 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare Dolce & Gabbana bodycon evening dress from the spring summer 2001 collection
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Pink Lilly Print Bodycon Satin Sleeveless Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this lily print Dolce & Gabbana dress debuted on the
F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Standing Collar Boned Bodycon Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic black silk satin Dolce and Gabbana midi dress. From the Fall/Winter 2001
Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Semi-Sheer One Shoulder Corset Lace Up Ties Black Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Semi-Sheer One Shoulder Corset Lace Up Ties Black Dress IT 44 Dolce
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Corset Lace Up Black Dress
By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in Naples, FL
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana c. 2001 Corset Lace Up Black Dress Please note size and fabric tags are
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Ivory Plunging Mermaid Bodycon Long Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Royal Blue Cut-Out Bodycon Mini Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Sheer Fishnet Mesh Mini Dress 42 XS-L
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Mermaid Wiggle Dress 40
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Plunging Backless Bodycon Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2001 White Lace Turtleneck Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Rome, IT
Dolce & Gabbana Runway sheer white lace Turtleneck Short Dress with extra long sleeves from the
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Semi-Sheer Gray Silk Ruched Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Nude Mesh Tunic Mini Dress XS/S 38
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Pin-Up Ivory Halter Long Mermaid Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
2001 Vintage Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Embellished Black Long Dress Gown
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Montgomery, TX
2001 Vintage Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Embellished Black Long Dress IT Size 38 Excellent condition
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Brown Neck Tie Mini Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Plunging Backless Long Black Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Black Neck Tie Convertible Black Dress 40
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway- first photo shows without the bra straps but dress had a
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Black Neck Tie Convertible Black Dress 40
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway- first photo shows without the bra straps but dress had a
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black Sheer Fishnet Mesh Mini Dress 40 XXS-M
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
Sold
Size: 40- can be adjusted with ties
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black Corset Ties One Arm Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Black Plunging Backless Bodycon Dress 40
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Black High Neck Plunging Back Bodycon Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Strappy Convertible Neck Tie Bodycon Dress 44
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway- this dress had a bra attached that was removed allowing
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Strappy Convertible Neck Tie Bodycon Dress 44
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway- this dress had a bra attached that was removed allowing
C. 2001 D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Blush Champagne Plunging Mini Slip Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: Circa 2001 D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos
F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Semi-Sheer Black Ruched Off Shoulder Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION
Sold
Size: 38- fits up to M
Dolce & Gabbana Runway Plunging Back Pin-Up Black Wiggle Dress, S / S 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Documented Floral Stretch Silk Boned Bustier & Ruffle Skirt
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Total Length: 37 inches This 2001 Dolce and Gabbana designer runway archival dress set is in beautiful
Sold
Size: 28/42- fits XS/S
Dolce & Gabbana D&G Pin-Up Ties Cut Out Sides Black Wiggle Dress Circa 2001
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: C. 2001 D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Please contact for more information and/or photos
Sold
Size: unknown fits XS to L
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Sheer Black Fishnet Mesh Pin-Up Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway CONDITION: Good- straps have been shortened but there
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Plunging Back Pin-Up Black L/S Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Plunging Back Pin-Up Black L/S Wiggle Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
Limited Edition NWT S/S 2001 D&G Dolce & Gabbana Runway China Doll Crystal Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 2001 D&G runway limited edition dress! Extremely rare and only a few made. Brand new
Sold
Size: 30/44 runs small
F/W 2001 D&G by Dolce Gabbana Runway Sheer Black Lace Wiggle Halter Pin-Up Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: F/W 2001 D&G by Dolce & Gabbana runway Please contact for more information and/or photos
2001 Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black Silk Built-In Lace Bra Plunge Hourglass Gown
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
illusion built-in bra dress to the 2001 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards. Dolce & Gabbana are considered the
1950s Vintage Brown + Beige Wool Blazer Jacket Size XS
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage early-1950s blazer jacket in a beige and brown woven wool. Fully lined with front button closure. Light shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining. This has a ju...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches 38 briefcase. Very rare in Electric Blue. Epsom leather with Palladium hardware. Two large accordion compartments. Front wall ha...
$2,346
Size: Equivalent French Size 36-38
A French Carven Couture Chiffon Evening Dress numbered 11150 Circa 1960/1970
By Carven
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1960/1970 France Haute Couture evening dress from Carven House Designer in blue silk muslin from the 60s/70s. Bustier with thin straps and large low-cut neckline embroidered wi...
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 ...
1980s Escada Vintage Black + White Polka Dot Striped Print Strapless Dress
By Escada Margaretha Ley, Amen Wardy
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1980s black and white strapless tube dress by Margaretha Ley for Escada with a polka dot and stripe print. Fully lined with rear zip closure. The marked size is 34, and the d...
New Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008 Size 40 / US 8 Black Silk Strapless Dress
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT Spring 2008 black silk strapless dress! Features intricate interior corset boning that holds everything in place. Hidden zipper up the sid...
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...
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 ...
1970s Lilli Diamond Taupe + Mint Green Marabou Feather 70s Maxi Dress + Jacket
By Lilli Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic vintage LILLI DIAMOND taupe and mint green jersey maxi dress and matching cardigan / jacket ! Features a soft jersey fabric that offers plenty of stretch. Sleeveless maxi d...
$2,159Sale Price|20% Off
New W Box Gucci Malika Large Python Clutch Bag in Bronze Pewter Spring 2011
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New With Tags & Box A Rare Find New Spring 2011 Runway $3950 Bronze Metallic Pewter Full 100% Python Throughout the Bag Braided Double Straps Wrap Around and Connect ...
Mink Headband Brown
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This mink headband is made of soft and supple mink We offer more exclusive fur items, view our frontstore Details; Color; dark brown Thick and warm band Lined with some stretch Ci...
Tulle stretch jersey leopard printed dress Roberto Cavalli" Class"
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Tulle stretch jersey leopard printed dress. Gold metal ring on each shoulders straps, in the front. Wrap on the bust. Double lays of stretch leopard jersey on the bust and waist. pe...
1950s Black and White Pearl Encrusted Vintage 50s Saucer Hat and Purse Bag
Located in San Diego, CA
Unbelievably chic black and white straw saucer wide brim hat and matching bag set! Features a navy blue and white woven straw on both pieces. Hat features an extra wide brim, and has...
Moschino Vintage 1990s Red + Black Color Block Jacket
By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage two-tone color block jacket in red and black by Cheap and Chic by Moschino. Fully lined with front button closure. Velcro closure at collar and on sides. Fabric: 52% Rayon/ 4...
Alexander McQueen Slip Dress with Applique Skirt 1990s
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
An adorable black silk slip dress from an early collection of Alexander McQueen's. It has spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline and a low cut back. It is semi fitted through a the ...
Vintage Chanel Black and White Halter Maxi Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990s CHANEL black and white V neck halter maxi dress. Size: 4 / small Bust 34” / Waist : 26” Hip: open/ Dress length: 55”
Shapely lingerie models, animal and floral prints and the Mediterranean heritage of Sicily have come to define the romantic and sensual style of Dolce & Gabbana, a leading international brand that from its earliest days of corsetry, copious lace and provocative silhouettes has challenged fashion with an audacious vision for femininity.
After meeting in Milan in 1980 while they were both working for Italian designer Giorgio Correggiari, Domenico Dolce (b. 1958) and Stefano Gabbana (b. 1962) would go on to establish their eponymous fashion empire in 1982. Three years later, a breakthrough for the duo materialized in the form of an up-and-coming talent showcase at Milan Fashion Week, where they unveiled an approach to fashion design that broke sharply from that of the era’s reigning Italian houses. By then romantic partners as well as a business, Dolce & Gabbana were outsiders. Soon, their distinctive garments — sexy, feathery skirts and stretchy jersey evening dresses that favored full figures — demanded the fashion world’s undivided attention.
Though Dolce & Gabbana forged a path in womenswear that would take shape with a 1986 collection called “Real Women,” the brand’s offerings broadened quickly to encompass knitwear, swimwear, lingerie, ready-to-wear, menswear and perfume. In the early 1990s, Madonna helped catapult the luxury house to international stardom: The renowned singer and actress famously tapped the brand to create the looks for her 1993 tour “The Girlie Show.” It saw Madonna working closely with the designers and even starring in their ad campaigns. Dolce & Gabbana has continued to develop a high-profile clientele that includes pop sensations such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. The latter donned Dolce & Gabbana’s armor corset dress in the music video for her hit single “Paparazzi.”
Rather than following the rapidly changing trends of fashion, Dolce & Gabbana have instead held to their close-fitting tailoring and decadent designs. The house continues to work with recurring themes such as the culture of Italy and Catholicism, which is manifest, specifically, in their widespread use of black lace, a fabric that references the dresses worn by Sicilian widows. The duo is also inspired by Italian cinema and its icons such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren; in 2015 they introduced the Sophia No. 1 lipstick in her honor.
Although Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana separated as a couple in 2005, they continued their business as a creative partnership. In 2012, they closed their less expensive D&G ready-to-wear line to focus on exclusive extravagance, such as their Alta Moda custom pieces. Today, Dolce & Gabbana maintains a popularity with a wealthy clientele, and the house’s 2020s collections have featured technological experiments that update traditional styles, such as a bouclé jacket with a pixel-like pattern, as well as throwbacks to the 1990s fashion that made the brand a household name.
Find vintage Dolce & Gabbana handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
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.