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Lace Dresses

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Gucci Rose Silk Slip Dress with Lace Trim
Gucci Rose Silk Slip Dress with Lace Trim

Gucci Rose Silk Slip Dress with Lace Trim

By Gucci

Located in Water Mill, NY

The dress is midi length with a slight flair and black lace along the sides and center back.

Category

2010s Italian Day Dresses

2008 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace knit RUNWAY dress
2008 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace knit RUNWAY dress

2008 AZZEDINE ALAIA black lace knit RUNWAY dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

This spectauclar 2008 black runway dress designed by Azzedine Alaia is made from an open lace knit that’s worked in horizontal bands, shifting in density as it moves down the body.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Cocktail Dresses

1969s Handmade Lace Cocktail Dress with Velvet Straps
1969s Handmade Lace Cocktail Dress with Velvet Straps

1969s Handmade Lace Cocktail Dress with Velvet Straps

Located in Kingston, NY

A charming 1960s handmade cocktail dress crafted from delicate ivory floral lace over a structured underlayer, embodying the elegance of mid-century eveningwear.

Category

1960s Cocktail Dresses

1980s Ungaro Velvet And Lace Cocktail Dress
1980s Ungaro Velvet And Lace Cocktail Dress

1980s Ungaro Velvet And Lace Cocktail Dress

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in London, GB

A mid 1980’s Ungaro Parallele all-in-one dress of black silk velvet with style seams, front pentagonal and back scoop insertion of black Chantilly lace with velvet and lurex detail, ...

Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

1950s Ceil Chapman Navy Fitted Spring Sheath Dress w/ Lace Décolletage Neckline
1950s Ceil Chapman Navy Fitted Spring Sheath Dress w/ Lace Décolletage Neckline

1950s Ceil Chapman Navy Fitted Spring Sheath Dress w/ Lace Décolletage Neckline

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Gresham, OR

A stunning 1950s Ceil Chapman lightweight navy silk fitted sheath dress with draped hip and a dramatic wide-set draped neckline accented with white lace applique covered décolletage.

Category

1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Diane von Fürstenberg Navy Lace Mini Dress, Size 8
Diane von Fürstenberg Navy Lace Mini Dress, Size 8

Diane von Fürstenberg Navy Lace Mini Dress, Size 8

By Diane von Furstenberg

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

- Floral lace motif - Gold tone rear zip closure - 3/4 sleeves length - Crew neckline on the front and v neckline on the back

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

2011 Dolce & Gabbana "Vintage" Black Lace Corset Dress
2011 Dolce & Gabbana "Vintage" Black Lace Corset Dress

2011 Dolce & Gabbana "Vintage" Black Lace Corset Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in London, GB

The back features a wide elastic band at the top to ensure the dress hugs the body. The front has an additional panel of black lace which runs the length of the dress and fastens wit...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Alexander Mcqueen Black Lace Sheer Mini Teddy 2018
Alexander Mcqueen Black Lace Sheer Mini Teddy 2018

Alexander Mcqueen Black Lace Sheer Mini Teddy 2018

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is thrilled to offer an Alexander McQueen black lace sheer mini teddy that can be worn as a very short dress or top featuring a ruffled V-neck, buttons down the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mini Dress

1990s Black Lace Floral Applique & Polka Dot Strapless Lined Dress
1990s Black Lace Floral Applique & Polka Dot Strapless Lined Dress

1990s Black Lace Floral Applique & Polka Dot Strapless Lined Dress

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as a century. Each piece is selected with both quality and rarity in ...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

1990s Black, Red & Purple Chantilly Lace Silk Lined Beaded Dress
1990s Black, Red & Purple Chantilly Lace Silk Lined Beaded Dress

1990s Black, Red & Purple Chantilly Lace Silk Lined Beaded Dress

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as a century. Each piece is selected with both quality and rarity in ...

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

1983 Chanel Boutique Karl Lagerfeld Black Sequin Lace Evening Dress
1983 Chanel Boutique Karl Lagerfeld Black Sequin Lace Evening Dress

1983 Chanel Boutique Karl Lagerfeld Black Sequin Lace Evening Dress

By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

* Bust: 34–36 inches * Waist: 30–32 inches * Hips: 36–38 inches * Front length: 58 inches * Back length: 64 inches The dress has an elongated, body-skimming bodice that extends t...

Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

DOLCE & GABBANA 00's Pencil dress with lace bra attached
DOLCE & GABBANA 00's Pencil dress with lace bra attached

DOLCE & GABBANA 00's Pencil dress with lace bra attached

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Milano, MILANO

00's pencil dress with lace bra attached by Dolce & Gabbana Back zip closure 98% virgin wool 2% elastane

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Leslie Junior Vintage Ecru Beige Lace Mini Dress, Circa 1960s
Leslie Junior Vintage Ecru Beige Lace Mini Dress, Circa 1960s

Leslie Junior Vintage Ecru Beige Lace Mini Dress, Circa 1960s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Label: Leslie Junior Circa: 1960s Color: Ecru Beige ----------------------------->><<----------------------- Vintage mod mini dress. A-line silhouette. Ecru lace body....

Category

1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Geoffrey Beene Silk Lace Slip Dress with Sheer Back 1980s
Geoffrey Beene Silk Lace Slip Dress with Sheer Back 1980s

Geoffrey Beene Silk Lace Slip Dress with Sheer Back 1980s

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black lace slip dress by Geoffrey Beene in an intracate, elaborate circular pattern.

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Bespoke Embellished Lace and Crystal Turquoise Dress
1990s Bespoke Embellished Lace and Crystal Turquoise Dress

1990s Bespoke Embellished Lace and Crystal Turquoise Dress

Located in London, GB

This magnificent 1990s bespoke made embellished lace and crystal dress is a fairytale dream. The top section features a heavily crystal studded lace and turquoise bodice which has a...

Category

1990s Italian Ball Gowns

1950s Norman Hartnell Haute Couture Black Lace and Sequin Dress
1950s Norman Hartnell Haute Couture Black Lace and Sequin Dress

1950s Norman Hartnell Haute Couture Black Lace and Sequin Dress

By Norman Hartnell

Located in London, GB

The bodice has a sweetheart neckline and is supported by delicate, beaded spaghetti straps. The dress is crafted from black silk-satin adorned all-over with panels of black floral la...

Category

1950s British Evening Dresses

Christian Lacroix Black Lace Bustier Dress with Fringe, Circa 1990
Christian Lacroix Black Lace Bustier Dress with Fringe, Circa 1990

Christian Lacroix Black Lace Bustier Dress with Fringe, Circa 1990

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Paris, Paris

This circa 1990 Christian Lacroix black lace bustier dress epitomizes the designer’s flair for theatrical romance and haute couture craftsmanship.

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970s Mexicana White Cotton and Lace Wedding Dress
1970s Mexicana White Cotton and Lace Wedding Dress

1970s Mexicana White Cotton and Lace Wedding Dress

By Mexicana

Located in London, GB

Pleated all over, it is made from bright white cotton which has been intricately pin-tucked all over and detailed with stripes of tonal lace. The bodice is compiled from alternating ...

Category

1970s Mexican Wedding Dresses

Galliano Black Lace Evening Dress with Nude Lining, Italian Size 40
Galliano Black Lace Evening Dress with Nude Lining, Italian Size 40

Galliano Black Lace Evening Dress with Nude Lining, Italian Size 40

By John Galliano

Located in CACHAN, FR

Elegant Galliano evening dress crafted in intricate black floral lace over a soft nude / blush-toned lining, creating a refined illusion effect.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress
1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress

1990s Fabrice Cream Beaded and Lace Strapless Dress

By Fabrice

Located in London, GB

It is fully lined in cream silk. This dress is in excellent vintage condition with no flaws to the beadwork or structure of the dress.

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

1960s White Lace Tiered Wedding Dress with Train
1960s White Lace Tiered Wedding Dress with Train

1960s White Lace Tiered Wedding Dress with Train

Located in London, GB

This enchanting wedding dress, with its tiered construction and layers of delicate machined lace, was created in the 1960s.

Category

1960s American Wedding Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana Italy. Black Acetate Blend Lace Pattern Dress
Dolce & Gabbana Italy. Black Acetate Blend Lace Pattern Dress

Dolce & Gabbana Italy. Black Acetate Blend Lace Pattern Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ

size 42 the condition is generally excellent, but on the openwork part there are two holes, not noticeable in life, see photos Armpits 40 cm Hips 42 cm Length 100 cm Underarm — 15...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Organza and lace bustier cocktail dress J Mendel
Organza and lace bustier cocktail dress J Mendel

Organza and lace bustier cocktail dress J Mendel

By J Mendel

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Organza and lace bustier cocktail dress. Silk lining. The lace is draped on the bust.

Category

2010s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

Comme Des Garcons Navy Lace Anglaise Overlay Shift Dress 1999
Comme Des Garcons Navy Lace Anglaise Overlay Shift Dress 1999

Comme Des Garcons Navy Lace Anglaise Overlay Shift Dress 1999

By Comme des Garçons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Comme des Garçons navy lace anglaise overlay shift dress from the 1999 collection featuring a high neckline, sleeveless, fitted bod...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gold lace cocktail dress with sequin ZUHAIR MOURAD
Gold lace cocktail dress with sequin ZUHAIR MOURAD

Gold lace cocktail dress with sequin ZUHAIR MOURAD

By Zuhair Murad

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Gold lace cocktail dress with sequin embellishment around the waist.

Category

2010s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

2010s Alberta Ferretti Aubergine Silk Chiffon and Lace Halterneck Dress
2010s Alberta Ferretti Aubergine Silk Chiffon and Lace Halterneck Dress

2010s Alberta Ferretti Aubergine Silk Chiffon and Lace Halterneck Dress

By Alberta Ferretti

Located in London, GB

The dress has a gathered bust, with a layer of fabric - gathered and pinned elegantly - falling from here and cascading down around the body.

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses

MA Red beaded Silk lace Cocktail Dress with fringe
MA Red beaded Silk lace Cocktail Dress with fringe

MA Red beaded Silk lace Cocktail Dress with fringe

Located in New York, NY

MA Red beaded Silk lace Cocktail Dress with fringe Bust: 33 in. Waist: 25 in.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Aesthetic Evening Dresses

BURBERRY PRORSUM Size 8 Olive Lace Cotton Blend Shift Dress
BURBERRY PRORSUM Size 8 Olive Lace Cotton Blend Shift Dress

BURBERRY PRORSUM Size 8 Olive Lace Cotton Blend Shift Dress

By Burberry Prorsum

Located in San Francisco, CA

BURBERRY PRORSUM dress comes in a olive lace cotton featuring a shift style, shoulder buttons, and a back zip up closure.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.
Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.

By Calvin Klein

Located in New York, NY

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads.

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Versace Orange Black Lace Half Racerback Dress NWT
Versace Orange Black Lace Half Racerback Dress NWT

Versace Orange Black Lace Half Racerback Dress NWT

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Spring/Summer 2013 Look # 8 This bright Versace cocktail dress features an allover contrast black lace trim and a partial racerback strap with a spaghetti strap at the left ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

VALENTINO Pink Lace Size 8 Cotton Nylon Short Sleeve Dress
VALENTINO Pink Lace Size 8 Cotton Nylon Short Sleeve Dress

VALENTINO Pink Lace Size 8 Cotton Nylon Short Sleeve Dress

By Valentino

Located in San Francisco, CA

VALENTINO dress comes in a pink lace cotton / nylon with a slip liner featuring an a-line style, short sleeves, slit pockets, v-neck, and a side zipper closure.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

Dolce & Gabbana Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Black Midi Dress
Dolce & Gabbana Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Black Midi Dress

Dolce & Gabbana Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Black Midi Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Dolce & Gabbana Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Black Midi Dress IT 36

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970s Bill Blass Black Lace and Silk Tafetta Maxi Dress
1970s Bill Blass Black Lace and Silk Tafetta Maxi Dress

1970s Bill Blass Black Lace and Silk Tafetta Maxi Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 1970s Bill Blass Black Lace long sleeve dress with silk taffeta skirt and black ribbon sash.

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Gold lamé asymmetrical cocktail dress with gold lace BALMAIN
Gold lamé asymmetrical cocktail dress with gold lace BALMAIN

Gold lamé asymmetrical cocktail dress with gold lace BALMAIN

By Balmain

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Gold lamé cocktail dress with gold lace. Boned bustier inside the dress with zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back.

Category

1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lace Up Bodycon Black Dress
D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lace Up Bodycon Black Dress

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lace Up Bodycon Black Dress

By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA

Located in Englishtown, NJ

D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lace Up Bodycon Black Dress IT 38

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

MA Navy Blue Crepe Lace Double Corset Back Dress Size 2
MA Navy Blue Crepe Lace Double Corset Back Dress Size 2

MA Navy Blue Crepe Lace Double Corset Back Dress Size 2

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW ATELIER Navy Blue Crepe Lace Double Corset Back Dress Size 2 Decade: Material: Vintage condition: Measurements Overall length: 65 in.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Gianni Versace black pleated and lace evening dress, ss 1994
Gianni Versace black pleated and lace evening dress, ss 1994

Gianni Versace black pleated and lace evening dress, ss 1994

By Gianni Versace

Located in London, GB

Gianni Versace black above-the-knee evening dress with lace panels and pleated skirt Spring-summer 1994

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana D&G White Lace Off The Shoulder Ruched Dress
Dolce & Gabbana D&G White Lace Off The Shoulder Ruched Dress

Dolce & Gabbana D&G White Lace Off The Shoulder Ruched Dress

By D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA, Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection is pleased to present a Dolce & Gabbana D&G white lace off-the-shoulder ruched dress, a romantic and body-contouring silhouette that captures the label’s signatu...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Hervé Léger Open-knit Lace Overlay Maxi Gown 1990s
Hervé Léger Open-knit Lace Overlay Maxi Gown 1990s

Hervé Léger Open-knit Lace Overlay Maxi Gown 1990s

By Herve Léger

Located in London, GB

Hervé Léger, 1990s Ready-to-Wear — original Hervé Léger Paris label. Black open-knit lace overlay maxi gown over nude slip underlay, V-neckline with scalloped black picot trim, spagh...

Category

1990s French Maxi Dress

Monique Lhuillier Brown Lace Cocktail Dress Size 8
Monique Lhuillier Brown Lace Cocktail Dress Size 8

Monique Lhuillier Brown Lace Cocktail Dress Size 8

By Monique Lhuillier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a stellar Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress. It is a wonderful brown lace, features a brown bow, and scalloped lace design.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Dresses

Fall 2008 Runway Jean Paul Gaultier Lace and Velvet Dress
Fall 2008 Runway Jean Paul Gaultier Lace and Velvet Dress

Fall 2008 Runway Jean Paul Gaultier Lace and Velvet Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in London, GB

Reminiscent of 1930s designs, the dress is topped with a layer of inky black lace; the peekaboo lining showcases the brand’s iconic tribal tattoo print - featuring Tibetan tigers and...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

1960s White Chantilly Style Lace Tiered Wedding Dress
1960s White Chantilly Style Lace Tiered Wedding Dress

1960s White Chantilly Style Lace Tiered Wedding Dress

Located in London, GB

This pretty early 1960s or late 1950s white Chantilly style lace bridal gown has a fairy tale charm. The man-made, Chantilly style lace overlay covers the dress in its entirety and f...

Category

1950s British Wedding Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Lace and Velvet Cocktail Dress
Yves Saint Laurent Lace and Velvet Cocktail Dress

Yves Saint Laurent Lace and Velvet Cocktail Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in New York, NY

Yves Saint Laurent, black, velvet and lace cocktail dress. Collarless, sleeveless, with a lace bodice ending above the bust.

Category

1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2003 Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Dress
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2003 Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Dress

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2003 Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2003 Corset Lace-Up Bustier Bodycon Midi Dress Size: IT 44 Condition: Very good vintage condition

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Martin Margiela Black Crystal-Laced Viscose Mini Dress, ss 2009
Martin Margiela Black Crystal-Laced Viscose Mini Dress, ss 2009

Martin Margiela Black Crystal-Laced Viscose Mini Dress, ss 2009

By Maison Martin Margiela

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival Margiela Black Crystal-Laced Viscose Mini Dress ▪ Creative Director: Martin Margiela ▪ Spring-Summer 2009 ▪ Black viscose jersey construction ▪ Crystal-adorned denim blue ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s French Couture Cream Guipure Floral Lace Midi Dress
1960s French Couture Cream Guipure Floral Lace Midi Dress

1960s French Couture Cream Guipure Floral Lace Midi Dress

Located in London, GB

This 1960s floral lace midi dress was couture-made in France and was very likely a wedding dress circa 1966-1968.

Category

1960s French Wedding Dresses

A Christian Lacroix Silk and Lace Cocktail dress Circa 1995/2000
A Christian Lacroix Silk and Lace Cocktail dress Circa 1995/2000

A Christian Lacroix Silk and Lace Cocktail dress Circa 1995/2000

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Toulon, FR

France Beautiful cocktail dress for an event in silk and lace by Christian Lacroix dating from the late 1990s.

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Vintage John Galliano Black Gathered Strapless Dress with Lace Trim
Vintage John Galliano Black Gathered Strapless Dress with Lace Trim

Vintage John Galliano Black Gathered Strapless Dress with Lace Trim

By John Galliano

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage John Galliano black strapless dress with ruching and pleating throughout bodice, wired swirl detail on either side of bust, and lace trim at hem.

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Nina Ricci Velvet Dress With Floral Lace Sleeves & Back
Nina Ricci Velvet Dress With Floral Lace Sleeves & Back

Nina Ricci Velvet Dress With Floral Lace Sleeves & Back

By Nina Ricci

Located in London, GB

Nina Ricci Velvet Dress With Floral Lace Sleeves & Back Black viscose velvet dress adorned with a sheer floral lace panels to the long sleeves and back.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Prada Camel Wool Dress With Snaps And Black Lace
Prada Camel Wool Dress With Snaps And Black Lace

Prada Camel Wool Dress With Snaps And Black Lace

By Prada

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A concealed snap-front closure runs vertically through the center of the dress, adding a utilitarian precision that contrasts beautifully against the softness of the lace detailing.

Category

Early 2000s Day Dresses

Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress
Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress

Nina Ricci Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress

By Nina Ricci

Located in London, GB

Nina Ricci  Bead, Sequin & Lace Hand-Embellished Silk Dress Black dress fully crafted from silk and adorned with an intricate bead and sequin detailing with a delicate...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

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Lace Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of lace dresses for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for black lace dresses and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in gray, brown and more. 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 18th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many classic iterations of lace dresses over the years, but those made by Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and Valentino 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 Lace Dresses?

Prices for lace dresses can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2 and can go as high as $11,111,788, while these items, on average, fetch $1,239.

Finding the Right Evening Dresses And Gowns 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.

Questions About Lace Dresses

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because lace wedding dresses are elegant and a classic bridal look, lace wedding dresses are seen as a bridal fabric that will never go out of style. If you are seeking a more trendy design, there are different styles of lace dresses so that the gown is better suited toward your taste and needs.

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A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

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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

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

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.