Givenchy Couture Velvet and Sequined Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy Couture, black velvet cocktail dress having black sequins embellishment in the form of circles.
Givenchy Couture Velvet and Sequined Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy Couture, black velvet cocktail dress having black sequins embellishment in the form of circles.
Givenchy Black Satin and Velvet Dress Haute Couture 34FR/36FR
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Givenchy - (Made in France) Black satin and velvet Haute Couture dress decorated with red hearts and a large black satin bow.
$1,480
Size: Equivalent French Size 38
A Givenchy Couture Velvet and Taffeta Evening Dress - French Circa 1980
By Givenchy
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Elegant Givenchy Couture evening dress dating from the early 1980s.
1980s Givenchy Plunging Black Velvet Feather Bow Wrap-Style Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning black velvet Givenchy dress is accented with a large bow and iridescent feathers at one hip.
Givenchy haute Couture Velvet Bustier Dress Size European 36
By Givenchy
Located in PARIS, FR
This stunning evening dress features midnight blue velvet with a sculptural lobed neckline and bare shoulders.
Givenchy velvet coat dress by John Galliano Couture 1996
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIVENCHY - Collection Couture Pre Fall Automne-Hiver 1996 sous la direction artistique de John Galliano. Longue robe manteau en velours bleu nuit et doublure en soie. Taille 38FR. ...
1980s Givenchy Couture Velvet Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Haute Couture gown was made by Hubert de Givenchy for the Fall 1982 collection. This silhouette and entire aesthetic is SO Givenchy— this fitted drop-waist bodice is...
Givenchy Black Velvet and Lace Cocktail Dress w/ Bow Belt
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
this is a beautiful custom-made Couture cocktail dress from Givenchy. It is made of black velvet and has a lace bodice and hem.
GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: GIVENCHY c.1990's Haute Couture Fuchsia Pink Leopard Print Velvet Evening Dress Circa: c.1990’s Label(s): Givenchy; 72310 (Haute Couture number) Designer: Hubert de Gi...
GIVENCHY Black Velvet Cocktail Dress with Lace Trim and Satin Belt Size 4
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Givenchy cocktail dress is composed of a beautiful velvet with lace trim.
Givenchy dress Haute Couture circa 90
By Givenchy
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIVENCHY - Black velvet dress ornamented with sequins, and pearls with jet-black tassels.
$1,705
Size: 38 (Fr) M
Black velvet and check pattern acetate evening dress GIVENCHY Nouvelle Boutique
By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black velvet and check pattern acetate evening dress. Velvet composition: 100% rayon. 2nd fabric composition: 98% acetate, 2% lurex. Zip closure on the left. SIZE 38 (Fr) M
Givenchy Black Velvet Gown with Horsehair Rhinestone Trim Sheer Sections
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous black velvet long sleeve gown with rhinestones and horsehair detail by Givenchy. The gown has a black satin belt, zippers at the cuffs, and a zipper up the back. ...
GIVENCHY COUTURE Black Velvet Gown with Mesh & Rhinestone Stripe Skirt Detail
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIVENCHY COUTURE black velvet gown with mesh inserts and rhinestone striped skirt detail. This gown is black velvet with long sleeves and a wide v-neck neckline. Towards the bottom...
GIVENCHY Couture Blue Velvet Off Shoulder Gown with Sheer Chiffon Poet Sleeves
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an amazing blue velvet gown by Givenchy, from the 1980's. The gown has an off the shoulder neckline, chiffon lined bodice, sheer blouson sleeves, a taffeta under skirt and a ...
GIVENCHY COUTURE Black Velvet Long Sleeve with drape Pink Gown, Circa 1980's 4
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Givenchy couture gown from the 1980's. The gown has a black velvet bodice, pink and black cut velvet floral detail wrap drape skirt with a black satin bow at the hip.
1980s Givenchy Silk Velvet Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York City, NY
Givenchy black silk velvet evening dress. Stunningly classic 1980’s with large puff satin sleeves accented with black dyed mink pom-poms.
Givenchy 1950s Strapless Printed Silk Devoré Velvet Dress + Stole
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Strapless printed silk paisley devoré velvet cocktail dress, silk chiffon trim on bust with folded drop bow.
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique Black Velvet Dress, 1970s
By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique, Givenchy
Located in Houston, TX
A 1970's Givenchy chic, black, velvet dress made of Viscos and Cupro.
Givenchy Sweetheart Taffeta and Velvet Patch Evening Babydoll Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Henrico, VA
This beautiful vintage piece by Givenchy is a velvet and taffeta blend shown in patch work and in the bodice.
Givenchy Haute Couture Striped Velvet And Taffeta Dress, Circa 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Givenchy Haute Couture, circa 1980's long sleeve striped velvet and taffeta dress, double side zip, shirred taffeta and polka-dot velvet waist, fully lined in silk.
Vintage 1979 Givenchy Haute-Couture Metallic Gold & Black Burnout Velvet Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The a-line skirting, with flattering tiered ruffle detail, finishes this garment off with a perfect "femme fatale" vibe. As Givenchy said, "The dress must follow the body of a woman,...
Vintage 1990 Givenchy Haute Couture Sapphire Blue Draped Silk Velvet Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Measurements Bust: 36-37 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: up to 39 inches Sleeve Length: 24 inches Total Length: 46 inches This vintage Givenchy Haute-Couture 72436 numbered dress is ...
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique Velvet Dress
Located in Topanga, CA
Zig-zag patterned, textured velvet dress with rhinestone detail at top seam. Black velvet ribbon straps and tie belt.
1984 Givenchy Haute Couture Documented Silk Petal Appliqué Velvet Hourglass Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking and truly timeless Givenchy haute couture petal appliqued silk velvet hourglass gown dating back to his 1984 fall/winter runway collection. Givenchy, the name itself e...
Givency Couture 1950s Printed Devoré Silk Velvet Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gown has spectacular architectural details beginning with the plissé detail under the right arm to the dramatic 11 angle of the back shoulder. The draping on the skirt cowls to...
Givenchy Black Silk & Velvet Long Sleeve Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Product details: Vintage black silk and velvet dress by Givenchy. Long sleeves. Crew neckline.
1960s Givenchy black velvet cocktail dress
By Givenchy
Located in Austin, TX
Late 60s black velvet Givenchy cocktail dress. 32" bust, 30" waist, 44 1/2" length.
Givenchy Ribbon lace and Velvet cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy , black, ribbon embroidered on lace, strapless, fitted cocktail dress with black velvet horizontal, placed panels with velvet bow detail at the center bust and hip.
Givenchy Gold lame and Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy, silk gazar, gold lame and black paisley pattern fitted dress with slight gatherings at the waist and shoulders and a band of velvet edging the wrist and hem.
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 38
A Givenchy Couture Velvet and Taffeta Evening Dress - French Circa 1980
By Givenchy
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980 France Elegant Givenchy Couture evening dress dating from the early 1980s.
Givenchy Couture Black Velvet Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a classic Givenchy Couture black velvet gown with white trim. Measurements: Length: 45" Bust: 27" Waist: 30" Hip: 35" This Givenchy Couture gown is available to be ...
F/W 1987 Givenchy Black Velvet Sculptural Rhinestone Strapless Gown
By Givenchy
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black velvet Givenchy gown. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy for his Fall/Winter 1987 collection, this full-length gown is constructed of luxurious black velvet a...
Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet Dress with Bare Back & Diamante
By Givenchy
Located in New Hope, PA
This glamorous black silk velvet dress from Givenchy Haute Couture is embellished with large square cut diamante as well as smaller round stones.
Sold
Size: Equivalent French Size 36
A Hubert de Givenchy Catwalk Dress in Satin and Lamé Velvet Circa 1985
By Givenchy
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1985 France Haute Couture A Hubert de Givenchy dress for show in emerald silk satin and gold lamé velvet dating from 1985/1990.
Givenchy 1970s Vintage Black Textured Black Silk + Velvet Gown
By Givenchy, Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous vintage Givenchy black long sleeved gown with hand sewn textured velvet cord fabric that gives the dress a flattering 3-D effect.
Givenchy Haute Couture Beaded & Printed Floral Velvet Dress, Low Back
By Givenchy
Located in New Hope, PA
Brightly colored three dimensional sequin flowers with rhinestone centers are combined with a printed floral design on a black velvet background. The effect is quite dramatic. The dr...
Givenchy F/W 1977 Haute Couture Velvet & Chantilly Lace Gown
By Givenchy
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
Dating to the 1977 A/W collection, this numbered Givenchy Haute Couture dress was designed by none other than the revered couturier Hubert De Givenchy himself.
1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Moiré Taffeta & Beaded Velvet Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
1980S GIVENCHY Black Haute Couture Silk Moiré Taffeta & Beaded Velvet Gown
Givenchy Couture Black Wool and Velvet Jumpsuit with Bolero, Size 38
By Givenchy
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Givenchy Couture jumpsuit is black wool and velvet. There is a matching collared bolero with no closures. It is strapless with a textured bodice and a black waist bow. This jum...
Sold
Size: Small - Medium
Exceptional Vintage Givenchy Red + Black Velvet & Silk Cut - Out Evening Gown
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely stunning vintage Givenchy gown! Black silk velvet bodice, with cut-out detail, encrusted with black beads. Long silk taffeta full skirt in vibrant red. Sleek long sleeves....
Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Gown with Hand Appliqued Velvet Flowers
Located in New Hope, PA
The couture construction in this dress is truly amazing. A beautiful cobalt blue silk strapless gown is used as the base of the dress with a boned black tulle corset supporting the d...
GIvenchy Vintage devore Velvet Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Givenchy Vintage devore Leopard pattern Silk Velvet Dress.
1970's Givenchy Gold Velvet Mini Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Hamburg, Deutschland
1970's Givenchy Gold Velvet Mini Dress Measurement: Length front 31" back 35"- bust 32" - waist 28" inches
1980's GIVENCHY COUTURE Silk velvet & taffeta cocktail dress
By Givenchy
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Mint condition, 1980's GIVENCHY COUTURE Silk velvet & taffeta cocktail dress.
Classy 1980s Givenchy Silk Velvet and Satiné Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Paris, IDF
Superb Givenchy cocktail dress, beautifully sexy with deep V front and back neckline, deep black silk velvet and black silk satiné.
A/W 1993 Givenchy Haute Couture Embroidered Velvet Midi Dress
By Givenchy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A/W 1993 Givenchy Haute Couture embroidered velvet midi dress.
Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet Gown
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy Fabulous Haute couture black velvet gown. Two bows on the shoulder and the hip. Rushed front top and side.Gown is made for petite person as you can see by the pictures. Lab...
1970s Velvet & Feather Givenchy Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Rockwood, ON
A beautiful gown from Givenchy is a perfect mix of velvet, netting and dramatic feathers! The cut of the gown is meant to skim over the body and the velvet gives it a sensual, sexy f...
1980's GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lace & velvet cocktail evening dress
By Givenchy
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Excellent condition, 1980's, GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE, lace & velvet cocktail evening dress.
Givenchy Long Sleeve Printed Dress W/ Black Velvet & Gold Buttons
By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Givenchy long sleeve printed dress with black velvet detail & gold buttons on chest and sleeves.
1980s Givenchy Haute Couture Op Art Dress in Velvet and Silk
By Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
We really miss Hubert de Givenchy at RARE vintage. While we do like what Riccardo Tisci is doing at the house of Givenchy, there is not much connection to the founding designer. Fa...
1990 Givenchy Haute-Couture Lavender Leopard Print Silk-Velvet Strapless Gown
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An hourglass nipped-waist skirt with side ruching finishes this garment off with a perfect "femme fatale" vibe. As Givenchy said, "The dress must follow the body of a ...
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique Velvet Fringe Dress
By Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique, Givenchy
Located in New York, NY
Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique black velvet fringe dress.
Vintage Couture Givenchy Black Velvet and Taffeta Long Evening Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Portland, OR
This is an elegant all black vintage evening dress from Givenchy with a velvet bodice and peplum and a satin long skirt.
Avant Garde Givenchy Vintage Dress Black Velvet Statement Evening Gown 12
By Givenchy
Located in Portland, OR
The sleeves have zippers at the wrists, and the beautiful rhinestone buttons up the back are decorative and cover a back zipper. This fully lined dress is made of a rayon/silk blend ...
Givenchy Black Velvet and Green Taffeta Silk Bow Evening Dress, 1980s
By Givenchy
Located in Houston, TX
Striking doesn't even begin to describe it! Fabulous maxi full length evening dress by the one and only Hubert de Givenchy! The green taffeta silk has a slight iridescent duochrome p...
1977 Givenchy Haute-Couture Black Velvet & Ostrich Feather One-Shoulder Dress
By Givenchy
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This gorgeous 1977 black silk-velvet dress is a beautiful example of his brillance.
Givenchy Haute Couture Velvet Dress With Maison Lemarié Feathers, Circa 1980's
By Givenchy
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Givenchy Haute Couture, Circa 1980's, off the shoulder, black silk velvet dress with Maison Lemarié feathers, built in brasserie and side zip.
Givenchy Couture Unworn Vintage Lace, Sequin & Velvet Party Dress, A/W 1991
By Givenchy
Located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire
A sexy and elegant vintage Givenchy Couture dress from the Autumn Winter 1991 - 1992 collection.
New Vintage Givenchy Couture Black Velvet Sequins & Lace Evening Suit w Tags
By Givenchy
Located in Portland, OR
This black velvet Givenchy Couture skirt suit is embellished with black sequins and lace. We love the bold gold tone starburst and black enamel buttons on the jacket. The black velv...
2015 Givenchy Haute-Couture Cobalt Blue Velvet Applique Strapless Fishtail Gown
By Riccardo Tisci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An hourglass nipped-waist with fishtail skirting finishes this garment off with a perfect "femme fatale" vibe. As Givenchy said, "The dress must follow the body of a w...
$12,640Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 40IT
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Leopard Evening Gown Size 40IT Spring/Summer 2002
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Leopard Evening Gown Size 40IT Spring/Summer 2002
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
By Bob Mackie
Located in New York, NY
1980S BOB MACKIE Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve Gown With Fringe
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Haute Couture Red / Green Stripe Silk Chiffon Dress, 1991
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Yves Saint Laurent understood fashion for the everyday woman, and he also was a master of couture who reinvented the look and feel of the traditional couture image. YSL’s 1991 Spring...
1970s John Kloss red dress with slash and high slit
By John Kloss
Located in Austin, TX
1970s John Kloss red long sleeve dress with slash and high slit condition: Very good 31" bust, 26" waist, 28" hips, 58.75" length sz S ( Mannequin is a US size 6 for reference )
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
$625Sale Price|30% Off
Size: 2 or 4
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Green Silk Crepe Sequined Cocktail Dress ca. 1967
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Studio City, CA
A circa 1967 Pierre Cardin haute couture green sequined silk crêpe cocktail dress that features a keyhole opening at the back. The main draw of this slinky silk cocktail dress are th...
Giorgio Armani Vintage Dress Hand Beaded Fleurette on Tulle Formal Gown 40
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare and vintage Giorgio Armani gown so divinely exquisite that it can take you from the Red Carpet to the White House. Breathtaking and the epitome of the Giorgi...
Mignon Paris Draped Silk Dress 1950s
By Mignon
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning black silk dress from Mignon Paris. It is sleeveless with a draped portrait collar, fitted waist and a full skirt- a feat of draping and ruching. The dress has a back pai...
Cartier Paris 5cts Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
A fabulous pair of vintage Cartier Paris diamond huggie-hoop earrings. They showcase approximately 5 carats of sparkling diamonds set in shimmering 18 karat yellow gold. Each earring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Thierry Mugler Evening Gown Sexy Lace Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
A masterstroke of provocation, this evening gown by Thierry Mugler is truly gorgeous. The silhouette is pure liquid couture: a slender nude column that clings to the body like beauti...
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2002 Lace Blouse + Skirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Skirt Set F/W 2002 Collection Color - Black. Lace Puff-Sleeve Blouse with Silk Ribbons. Fabric is stretch. Skirt - Silk and Wool (90% wool, 10% Cashme...
$227Sale 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...
Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Phenomenal vintage late 80s Bob Mackie Couture light pink and gray silk chiffon, lace and rhinestone encrusted strapless Grecian gown ! Features grey lace and rhinestones on the bodi...
Alexander McQueen black low plunge evening dress, fw 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen black evening maxi dress with draped low plunge neckline. Fall-Winter 1998
$445Sale Price|22% Off
Size: Refer to measurements
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Avant-Garde Hooded Dress c 21st C
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Avant-garde hooded dress The edgy boxy tunic style dress is designed with a subtle textured crinkled pattern that emulates reptile scales The unique ...
Venerated French designer Hubert de Givenchy (1927–2018) made a splash with his first collection of mix-and-match separates in 1952, which launched his namesake fashion house, the clean lines and refined silhouettes of the pieces offering a contrast to the more structured shapes then dominating postwar women’s fashion. His roster of clients would eventually include Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, all of whom were drawn to the designer’s architecturally and materially simple dresses, handbags, shoes and other pieces that combined sensual femininity with elegance.
At the age of 17, Givenchy left his hometown of Beauvais, France, for Paris. There he studied drawing at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and apprenticed for the houses of Jacques Fath, Robert Piguet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Givenchy earned his first high praise for the 1952 Bettina blouse, an embroidered, ruffle-sleeve linen shirt named for his publicist and model Bettina Graziani. The Givenchy label soon developed a following of fashion icons around the world, most notably Audrey Hepburn, who would serve as Givenchy’s muse for decades after they met in 1953. The couturier created pieces for many of her films, such as the iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), as well as her personal life, including her wedding dress for her 1969 marriage to Andrea Dotti.
Givenchy formed a close friendship with his idol and mentor, Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, with whom he’d popularize such pieces as the sack dress, choosing looser forms over tailored ones. Throughout the decades, Givenchy expanded his empire to include fragrances, menswear, accessories and beauty lines.
In 1988, his house was acquired by luxury conglomerate LVMH. After Givenchy retired from fashion in 1995, he became an antiques expert, working with Christie’s and the Louvre, among other institutions. The brand then saw an impressive succession of head designers and artistic directors: John Galliano was the first to arrive, followed by Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams.
Today, the Givenchy brand, with its timeless fashions, continues to be a favorite of A-listers, including Cate Blanchett, Erykah Badu, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage Givenchy evening dresses, handbags, necklaces and other clothing and accessories today.
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.