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Mary McFadden Jet Encrusted Pleated Dress
Mary McFadden Jet Encrusted Pleated Dress

Mary McFadden Jet Encrusted Pleated Dress

By Mary McFadden

Located in New York, NY

Mary McFadden's cafe and black pleated cocktail dress with large gathered sleeves and a jet embellished "harness" which wraps around the shoulders.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Black Crepe Dress with Jet-Beaded Bodice
1960s Black Crepe Dress with Jet-Beaded Bodice

1960s Black Crepe Dress with Jet-Beaded Bodice

Located in Alford, MA

LBD from the 1960s in crepe featuring a high-waisted bodice decorated with fan-shaped black beads and interspersed with rhinestones. A-line skirt with soft, wide pleats at back, wais...

Category

1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Marc Bouwer Matte Jersey Jet Studded Evening Dress
Marc Bouwer Matte Jersey Jet Studded Evening Dress

Marc Bouwer Matte Jersey Jet Studded Evening Dress

By Marc Bouwer

Located in New York, NY

Marc Bouwer Glamour Matte Jersey Jet Studded Evening Dress designed for 80's club hopping.

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Issey Miyake Iconic Signature Jet-Black High-Neck Pullover Dress
Issey Miyake Iconic Signature Jet-Black High-Neck Pullover Dress

Issey Miyake Iconic Signature Jet-Black High-Neck Pullover Dress

By Issey Miyake

Located in New York, NY

Issey Miyake iconic signature jet-black high-neck , slightly flared pullover dress measures 47 1/2 inches in length.

Category

1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns

1930s Black Jet Beaded Cocktail Dress with Silver Detail
1930s Black Jet Beaded Cocktail Dress with Silver Detail

1930s Black Jet Beaded Cocktail Dress with Silver Detail

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Stunning 1930's hand beaded long sleeve cocktail dress. Beading creates black on black horizontal stripes that get larger as they cascade towards the bottom of the dress. Neckline fe...

Category

1930s French Cocktail Dresses

Escada One Sleeve Black Jet Hand-Beaded Chic Dress NWT Size 6
Escada One Sleeve Black Jet Hand-Beaded Chic Dress NWT Size 6

Escada One Sleeve Black Jet Hand-Beaded Chic Dress NWT Size 6

By Escada

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A showstopper. I’ve never seen a more modern or Luxe design by Escada as this gown. The entire gown is hand-beaded in faceted black jet beads. The drama comes from one long sleeve on...

Category

2010s Indian Evening Gowns

KaufmanFranco Silk Dress w/ Embellished Leather, Crystal, Black Jet Beads Size 8
KaufmanFranco Silk Dress w/ Embellished Leather, Crystal, Black Jet Beads Size 8

KaufmanFranco Silk Dress w/ Embellished Leather, Crystal, Black Jet Beads Size 8

By KaufmanFranco

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Made in the USA by genius design duo Kaufman and Franco. The dress is heavy as it is completely covered in black Jet beads, diamond crystals and real leather sequins.

Category

2010s American Cocktail Dresses

Early 1960's Nina Ricci Demi Couture Black Cocktail Dress with Jet Sparkles
Early 1960's Nina Ricci Demi Couture Black Cocktail Dress with Jet Sparkles

Early 1960's Nina Ricci Demi Couture Black Cocktail Dress with Jet Sparkles

By Nina Ricci

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Beautiful 1960's demi couture Nina Ricci little black cocktail dress. The fitted bodice has horizontal stripes of tonal black jet sparkles on net fabric.

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

MARTIN MARGIELA RUNWAY Replica '1970's evening dress'
MARTIN MARGIELA RUNWAY Replica '1970's evening dress'

MARTIN MARGIELA RUNWAY Replica '1970's evening dress'

By Maison Martin Margiela

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Martin Margiela Replica “1970’s Evening Dress” in jet black. Inspired by a vintage 1970s silhouette, this dress is made from a soft, fluid jersey that drapes beautifully on the body.

Category

Early 2000s North American Maxi Dress

Vintage Jack Bryan Black Jersey Maxi Dress w/ Intricate Embroidery 1970s 70s
Vintage Jack Bryan Black Jersey Maxi Dress w/ Intricate Embroidery 1970s 70s

Vintage Jack Bryan Black Jersey Maxi Dress w/ Intricate Embroidery 1970s 70s

By Jack Bryan

Located in San Diego, CA

The perfect black maxi dress, by Jack Bryan! This jet black jersey dress features embroidery on the flattering bust, and continue onto the waist around the front and back.

Category

1970s American Maxi Dress

1970's SCOTT BARRIE black jersey dress
1970's SCOTT BARRIE black jersey dress

1970's SCOTT BARRIE black jersey dress

By Scott Barrie

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black, jersey dress designed by Scott Barrie dating to the 1970's.

Category

1970s American Day Dresses

1920s French Jet Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Tunic Gown
1920s French Jet Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Tunic Gown

1920s French Jet Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Tunic Gown

Located in Gresham, OR

1920s French Jet Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Tunic Gown: Pointed center front and back hemline, V-neck and back. Beading utilzes a variety of shapes and sizes in a banded bias pattern,...

Category

1920s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black flared sleeveless RUNWAY dress
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black flared sleeveless RUNWAY dress

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black flared sleeveless RUNWAY dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

This 1990's jet black runway dress by Azzedine Alaia is cut close through the body with a clean, sculpted fit that follows the torso and hips.

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1980's CLAUDE MONTANA black knit dress with fishnet back
1980's CLAUDE MONTANA black knit dress with fishnet back

1980's CLAUDE MONTANA black knit dress with fishnet back

By Claude Montana

Located in San Fransisco, CA

A jet-black knit dress by Claude Montana dating to the late 1980's or early 1990's.

Category

1980s Italian Day Dresses

1970's LORIS AZZARO jet back gown with low lace back
1970's LORIS AZZARO jet back gown with low lace back

1970's LORIS AZZARO jet back gown with low lace back

By Loris Azzaro

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Stunning, jet black jersey gown by Loris Azzaro dating to the 1970's, cut in a long, fluid line that skims the body without clinging.

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black seamed mini dress with full skirt
1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black seamed mini dress with full skirt

1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black seamed mini dress with full skirt

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Incredibly flattering, jet-black, seamed dress with full skirt from Azzedine Alaia dating to approximately 1990.

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black knit wool dress with semi sheer crocheted detail from Alaia dating to the 1990's.

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless knit dress with sheer hem

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black knit wool dress with semi sheer crochet detail designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1990's.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses

UNWORN Emilio Pucci Signature Print Purple Blue Silk Dress 42
UNWORN Emilio Pucci Signature Print Purple Blue Silk Dress 42

UNWORN Emilio Pucci Signature Print Purple Blue Silk Dress 42

By Emilio Pucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

This specific silhouette, with its dramatic peplum and structured waist, remains one of the most recognizable and coveted shapes of that era’s "Jet-Set" aesthetic. The dress featur...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1980's VALENTINO black pleated strapless dress
1980's VALENTINO black pleated strapless dress

1980's VALENTINO black pleated strapless dress

By Valentino

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black, pleated , silk mini dress from Valentino Boutique dating to the early 1980's.

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black crocheted dress
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black crocheted dress

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black crocheted dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Classic, jet-black, knit wool dress with crocheted detail from Alaia dating to the 1990's.

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline
AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline

AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemline

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare, jet black knit mini dress with scalloped trim and semi sheer skirt with decorative diamond embroidered hemline from Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's, Dress is la...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless dress with diamond trim
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless dress with diamond trim

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black sleeveless dress with diamond trim

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black sleeveless dress by Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's STEPHEN BURROWS black jersey maxi dress with red 'lettuce' edges
1970's STEPHEN BURROWS black jersey maxi dress with red 'lettuce' edges

1970's STEPHEN BURROWS black jersey maxi dress with red 'lettuce' edges

By Stephen Burrows

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black jersey dress with red 'lettuce-edge' edges designed by Stephen Burrows dating to the 1970's.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

YVES SAINT LAURENT by Stefano Pilati black draped caftan dress
YVES SAINT LAURENT by Stefano Pilati black draped caftan dress

YVES SAINT LAURENT by Stefano Pilati black draped caftan dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Dramatic, jet black caftan dress with draped sides at designed by Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent dating to spring of 2009' Labeled a French size XXS although this dress is ver...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

1970's GIVENCHY black wool dress with large gold studs
1970's GIVENCHY black wool dress with large gold studs

1970's GIVENCHY black wool dress with large gold studs

By Givenchy, Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Exceptional, jet-black, wool jersey, maxi dress with gold toned studs and matching scarf designed by Givenchy dating to the 1970's.

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses

Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S
Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S

Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S

By Donna Karan

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

A timeless example of 1990s Donna Karan minimal glamour, this vintage Donna Karan New York cocktail dress embodies sleek, understated sensuality. Crafted from a stretch silk knit and...

Category

1990s Hong Kong Evening Dresses

1984 AZZEDINE ALAIA black knit runway dress with wide elastic waistband
1984 AZZEDINE ALAIA black knit runway dress with wide elastic waistband

1984 AZZEDINE ALAIA black knit runway dress with wide elastic waistband

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare, jet-black dress with elasticized waist and draped bodice from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1984 exactly as seen on the runway.

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black racer back dress
1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black racer back dress

1990's AZZEDINE ALAIA black racer back dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black racker back dress designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's.

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Charles James Brown Satin Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
Charles James Brown Satin Black Velvet Cocktail Dress

Charles James Brown Satin Black Velvet Cocktail Dress

By Charles James

Located in New York, NY

In this iteration in heavy deep chocolate silk satin, James uses his extraordinary color sense to create a dramatic almost Edwardian Palette for this late afternoon cocktail dress. A...

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1980s Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Black Cocktail Dress
1980s Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Black Cocktail Dress

1980s Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Black Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jet black cut velvet cocktail dress. Asymmetrical neckline with long sleeves and rhinestone embellished gold and black buttons.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black RUNWAY dress with strappy back
1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black RUNWAY dress with strappy back

1990 AZZEDINE ALAIA black RUNWAY dress with strappy back

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black knit dress with corseted waist and unique triple straps designed by Azzedine Alaia exactly as seen on the spring 1990 runway.

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Azzedine Alaia black mini dress with mirrored hemline, 1990s
Azzedine Alaia black mini dress with mirrored hemline, 1990s

Azzedine Alaia black mini dress with mirrored hemline, 1990s

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare, jet-black knit mini dress with scalloped trim and semi sheer hemline embellished with mirrored pieces trimmed in gold thread from Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

2000 AZZEDINE ALAIA documented black halter RUNWAY dress with strappy back
2000 AZZEDINE ALAIA documented black halter RUNWAY dress with strappy back

2000 AZZEDINE ALAIA documented black halter RUNWAY dress with strappy back

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Very rare, jet-black halter style dress designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to 2001 as seen in numerous editorials including on Karolina Kurkova as photographed in Elle US September 20...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Versace Dress Black Side Drawstring Rouching Asymmetrical Length 44 / 8
Versace Dress Black Side Drawstring Rouching Asymmetrical Length 44 / 8

Versace Dress Black Side Drawstring Rouching Asymmetrical Length 44 / 8

By Versace

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a Versace jet black slinky dress. Wide boat neck that also falls of one shoulder if you wish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

NWT Michael Kors Collection Size 8 Spring 2005 Vintage Black White Halter Dress
NWT Michael Kors Collection Size 8 Spring 2005 Vintage Black White Halter Dress

NWT Michael Kors Collection Size 8 Spring 2005 Vintage Black White Halter Dress

By Michael Kors

Located in San Diego, CA

⸻ michael kors collection 2005 dress, new old stock designer dress, y2k luxury halter dress, black white silk dress, italian silk jersey dress, resort wear luxury dress, early 2...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Shimmery Black and Turquoise V NecK Slim Dress with Back Bow
Shimmery Black and Turquoise V NecK Slim Dress with Back Bow

Shimmery Black and Turquoise V NecK Slim Dress with Back Bow

By Barbara Tfank

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Deep double V Neck Slim Dress in Black Jet Brocade with Turquoise Floral Motif.

Category

Early 2000s American Cocktail Dresses

1960's PIERRE BALMAIN haute couture black dress with flounced trim
1960's PIERRE BALMAIN haute couture black dress with flounced trim

1960's PIERRE BALMAIN haute couture black dress with flounced trim

By Pierre Balmain

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black haute couture wool dress with beautiful flounce trimmed in satin from Pierre Balmain dating to the late 1960's.

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1993 YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche black wool RUNWAY dress with lace up back
1993 YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche black wool RUNWAY dress with lace up back

1993 YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche black wool RUNWAY dress with lace up back

By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black wool dress from Saint Laurent’s 1993 resort collection, as shown on the runway that season.

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

1960's ANTONIO DEL CASTILLO haute couture black dress with patch pockets & lace
1960's ANTONIO DEL CASTILLO haute couture black dress with patch pockets & lace

1960's ANTONIO DEL CASTILLO haute couture black dress with patch pockets & lace

By Antonio del Castillo

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black haute couture dress with Broderie anglaise lace trim and uniquely shaped patch pockets designed by Antonio del Castillo dating to the 1960's.

Category

1960s French Cocktail Dresses

1990's CHEAP AND CHIC by MOSCHINO black bustier minidress
1990's CHEAP AND CHIC by MOSCHINO black bustier minidress

1990's CHEAP AND CHIC by MOSCHINO black bustier minidress

By Moschino Cheap and Chic, Moschino

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet black bustier mini dress from MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC dating to the 1990's.

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

EMANUEL UNGARO 2007 Vintage Black Hammered Silk Evening Gown
EMANUEL UNGARO 2007 Vintage Black Hammered Silk Evening Gown

EMANUEL UNGARO 2007 Vintage Black Hammered Silk Evening Gown

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Emanuel Ungaro Vintage SS07 Jet black asymmetrical maxi dress 100% hammered silk Very flattering silhouette IT44 Excellent condition, needs an extra stitch in the back Measurements i...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

2012 JOHN GALLIANO black draped dress coat RUNWAY
2012 JOHN GALLIANO black draped dress coat RUNWAY

2012 JOHN GALLIANO black draped dress coat RUNWAY

By John Galliano

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Jet-black, draped evening dress coat designed by John Galliano dating to fall of 2012 as seen on the runway.

Category

2010s Italian Coats and Outerwear

UNWORN Missoni Pink Crochet Knit V-Neck Kaftan Tunic Dress 38
UNWORN Missoni Pink Crochet Knit V-Neck Kaftan Tunic Dress 38

UNWORN Missoni Pink Crochet Knit V-Neck Kaftan Tunic Dress 38

By Missoni

Located in Switzerland, CH

This stunning multicolored Missoni knitted mini dress epitomizes jet-set glamour. The signature geometric weave will update your look in a flash.

Category

2010s Italian Beachwear

4.41 Carat Oval Band Brilliant White 18K White Gold Effortless Elegance
4.41 Carat Oval Band Brilliant White 18K White Gold Effortless Elegance

4.41 Carat Oval Band Brilliant White 18K White Gold Effortless Elegance

Located in Mumbai, IN

It has the kind of silhouette and diamond presence that feels at home beside couture gowns and bespoke tuxedos, yet it also grounds beautifully with a crisp white shirt or a black dr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970’s Halston Silver Crochet Skull Cap with Sequins
1970’s Halston Silver Crochet Skull Cap with Sequins

1970’s Halston Silver Crochet Skull Cap with Sequins

By Halston

Located in Toronto, Ontario

He was best known for his pillbox style creations before expanding into women's wear and revolutionizing the way his jet set clients dressed for daytime to disco nights.

Category

1970s American Cloche Hats

Vintage "Fancy Japanese Lady" Doll Head Vase, American, Circa 1958 Scarce
Vintage "Fancy Japanese Lady" Doll Head Vase, American, Circa 1958 Scarce

Vintage "Fancy Japanese Lady" Doll Head Vase, American, Circa 1958 Scarce

Located in Incline Village, NV

This is the rarer variation; slightly larger with the side headdress "gold leaf" decoration covering the side of the face and going all the way to her dress. Jet black hair, bright r...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Busts

Materials

Porcelain, Ceramic

1930s Black Satin Dress with Jet Belt
1930s Black Satin Dress with Jet Belt

1930s Black Satin Dress with Jet Belt

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 1930s black satin dress with jet belt. Features netting/ mesh and a pretty cut out embroidery at the neckline, this dress also has a small open back.

Category

1930s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

1920s Jet Black Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress
1920s Jet Black Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress

1920s Jet Black Beaded Fringe Flapper Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fabulous jet black beaded flapper dress from the 1920s. The skirt features and iconic tiered beaded fringe skirt with an asymmetrical hem.

Category

1920s Art Deco Cocktail Dresses

1960s Black Anita Modes Cocktail Dress with Jet Beaded Trim
1960s Black Anita Modes Cocktail Dress with Jet Beaded Trim

1960s Black Anita Modes Cocktail Dress with Jet Beaded Trim

By ANITA MODES

Located in San Francisco, CA

1960s Black Anita Modes Cocktail Dress with Jet Beaded Trim. Black cocktail silk dress with black glass beaded fringe trim around the bust

Category

1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oleg Cassini Black Jet Beaded Cage Column Formal Evening Gown
Oleg Cassini Black Jet Beaded Cage Column Formal Evening Gown

Oleg Cassini Black Jet Beaded Cage Column Formal Evening Gown

By Oleg Cassini

Located in San Francisco, CA

For your consideration is a fabulous Oleg Cassini Black formal gown. The double thick straps are heavily beaded with jet bugle beads with a cage back effect. Nice boning in the bod...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Evening Gowns

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Jet Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our collection of jet dresses. For jet dresses, black is a pretty popular color, but we also have brown and more in stock now. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many classic iterations of jet dresses over the years, but those made by ANITA MODES, Bill Blass and Escada are often thought to be among the most stylish. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much are Jet Dresses?

On average, jet dresses on 1stDibs sell for $1,044, while they’re typically $315 on the low end and $4,500 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

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Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

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The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.