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Metal Mesh Dresses

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress COLLECTIBLE ITEM! Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh oroton chainmail mini dress with textured l...

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress
NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress

NWT Pierre Balmain Sz 40 / 8 Chainmail One Shoulder Grey Wool Metal Mesh Dress

By Pierre Balmain, Balmain

Located in San Diego, CA

Brand new with tags early 2000s PIERRE BALMAIN gray wool and cashmere one shoulder chain mail cocktail dress! Features one shoulder of metal mesh chainmail, produced by Whiting & Dav...

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

S/S 2016 Look #29 Versace Black Silk Pleated w/Metal Mesh Dress 38 - 2
S/S 2016 Look #29 Versace Black Silk Pleated w/Metal Mesh Dress 38 - 2

S/S 2016 Look #29 Versace Black Silk Pleated w/Metal Mesh Dress 38 - 2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Versace black pleated dress Black metal mesh and lace embellished Zip on the side.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2
Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2

Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE METAL MESH DRESS VERSUS COLLECTION A truly phenomenal piece from the house of Versace !

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2009 Chainmail Metal Mesh Knit Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2009 Chainmail Metal Mesh Knit Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2009 Chainmail Metal Mesh Knit Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Jean Paul Gautier Sexy Chainmail Metal Mesh Dress Size IT 40 FR 36 Heather grey Jean Paul Gaultier metal mesh sleeveless midi dress with metal mesh at bodice and sash tie closure at...

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21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns

Versace dress Summer 1983
Versace dress Summer 1983

Versace dress Summer 1983

By Gianni Versace

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

VERSACE - (Made in Italy) Silvery metal mesh dress with a blue flower pattern. Size 42IT indicated, it fits a 38FR. 1983 Spring-Summer Collection.

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1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Loris Azzaro 1971 Metal Mesh Chain Purple Jersey Dress
Loris Azzaro 1971 Metal Mesh Chain Purple Jersey Dress

Loris Azzaro 1971 Metal Mesh Chain Purple Jersey Dress

By Loris Azzaro

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Measurements: Shoulder: 14" Bust: 32" Waist 29" Hip 44" Length 54" Good Vintage Condition Slight imperfections in the chain metal mesh Inside hidden zipper.

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1980s Evening Dresses

Dolce & Gabbana 2004 Unworn Metal Mesh Chainmail Sheer Lace Evening Dress Gown
Dolce & Gabbana 2004 Unworn Metal Mesh Chainmail Sheer Lace Evening Dress Gown

Dolce & Gabbana 2004 Unworn Metal Mesh Chainmail Sheer Lace Evening Dress Gown

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Dolce & Gabbana 2004 Unworn Metal Mesh Chainmail Sheer Lace Evening Dress Gown Size IT 44 Condition: Unworn, includes original tags however there are two small pulls in the mesh in...

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Loris Azzaro Gold Metal Mesh and Black Jersey Dress, F/W 1972
Loris Azzaro Gold Metal Mesh and Black Jersey Dress, F/W 1972

Loris Azzaro Gold Metal Mesh and Black Jersey Dress, F/W 1972

By Loris Azzaro

Located in Paris, FR

The halter-style bodice is entirely crafted from the designer’s signature gold metal mesh, draped to create a plunging neckline that ties elegantly behind the neck with a metallic co...

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1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress
Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress

By Anthony Vaccarello

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather and Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress Size FR 36 Black Anthony Vaccarello leather strapless mini dress with silver-tone metal mesh ruffle trim...

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2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Gianni Versace Navy Striped Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Dress Ca. 1983
Vintage Gianni Versace Navy Striped Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Dress Ca. 1983

Vintage Gianni Versace Navy Striped Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Dress Ca. 1983

By Gianni Versace

Located in Studio City, CA

Ca. 1983 Gianni Versace striped navy Oroton metal mesh chainmail dress featuring a deep V-neckline, cutouts at the back bodice, a gathered waistline and multiple folds at center fron...

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1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Runway Crystal Metal Mesh Chainmail Evening Dress Gown
Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Runway Crystal Metal Mesh Chainmail Evening Dress Gown

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Runway Crystal Metal Mesh Chainmail Evening Dress Gown

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2005 Runway Unworn Crystal Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Up Silver Evening Dress Gown Featured on both the womenswear and menswear Spring 2005 Runways.

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Lace Gold Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace S/S 1997 Unworn Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail Embellished Lace Gold Dress Size: IT 40 Condition: New with tags, chainmail and lace layer are in pristine condition.

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s GIANNI VERSACE Mixed Blues & Green Metal Mesh & Crystal Cocktail Dress
1990s GIANNI VERSACE Mixed Blues & Green Metal Mesh & Crystal Cocktail Dress

1990s GIANNI VERSACE Mixed Blues & Green Metal Mesh & Crystal Cocktail 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 ...

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1990s Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Panels Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Black Dress Condition: Very good vintage condition, brand and size tags have been removed, fi...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2003 Runway Sheer Lace Panels Oroton Metal Mesh Embellished Dress Size: IT 42 Condition: light pulling throughout which is common with this material, no...

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace Gold Metal Mesh Evening Dress with Crystal Barbed Straps, FW 1998
Gianni Versace Gold Metal Mesh Evening Dress with Crystal Barbed Straps, FW 1998

Gianni Versace Gold Metal Mesh Evening Dress with Crystal Barbed Straps, FW 1998

By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace

Located in London, GB

This rare Gianni Versace dress from the Fall-Winter 1998 collection is constructed from gold-tone metal mesh, showcasing a structured, fitted silhouette with a straight-cut design.

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Versace Oroton F/W 2007 Runway Silver Metal Mesh Chain Mail Open Back Dress
Versace Oroton F/W 2007 Runway Silver Metal Mesh Chain Mail Open Back Dress

Versace Oroton F/W 2007 Runway Silver Metal Mesh Chain Mail Open Back Dress

By Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

VERSACE F/W 2007 Runway Oroton Metal Mesh Open Back Dress Gunmetal Versace Oroton Metal Mesh Chainmail dress with square neckline and low back.

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

F/W 2012 Look #21 Versace Yellow Dress with Metal Chain Mesh Size 38 - 2
F/W 2012 Look #21 Versace Yellow Dress with Metal Chain Mesh Size 38 - 2

F/W 2012 Look #21 Versace Yellow Dress with Metal Chain Mesh Size 38 - 2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Fall 2012 look # 21 This wool blend shift dress features a crew neck, short sleevesand silver metallic chain mesh detailing at front.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown
MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown

Located in New York, NY

MORPHEW ATELIER Black & Gold & Silver Metal Mesh Beaded Silk Chiffon & Lace Gown Decade: Material: Metal Vintage condition: Measurements Bust : 33 in Waist : 25 in...

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21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Paco Rabanne New Chain Mail Dress
Paco Rabanne New Chain Mail Dress

Paco Rabanne New Chain Mail Dress

By Paco Rabanne

Located in Water Mill, NY

An incredible metal mesh, chain mail dress in a beautiful red, blue and silver abstract print from Paco Rabanne.

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2010s French Day Dresses

Recent Sales

New Versace Color block Crystal Embellished Metal Mesh Dress
New Versace Color block Crystal Embellished Metal Mesh Dress

New Versace Color block Crystal Embellished Metal Mesh Dress

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

Versace Crystal embellished metal mesh dress Nude tulle detail Made in Italy IT Size: 38 - US 4 Brand New, with tags

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

New Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2
New Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2

New Versace Versus Metal Mesh Animal Print Dress 38 - 2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE METAL MESH DRESS VERSUS COLLECTION A truly phenomenal piece from the house of Versace !

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace Pale Blue Metal Mesh Sheath with Lace Overlay
Gianni Versace Pale Blue Metal Mesh Sheath with Lace Overlay

Gianni Versace Pale Blue Metal Mesh Sheath with Lace Overlay

By Gianni Versace

Located in New York, NY

Extraordinary Gianni Versace metal mesh oroton toga style dress. A similar dress is in the Collection of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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1980s Italian Sheath Dresses

Versace Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Mirrors
Versace Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Mirrors

Versace Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Mirrors

By Versace

Located in New York, NY

Spectacular rock and roll glamour from Versace. Shift dress in black metal mesh embroidered with mirrors and backless.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Versace Black Sleeveless Metal Chain Mesh Dress
Versace Black Sleeveless Metal Chain Mesh Dress

Versace Black Sleeveless Metal Chain Mesh Dress

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE This sleeveless chain mesh shift dress features a crew neck, and chain mesh paneling. Two-way, exposed back zip. 100% cady silk Made in Italy Size 38 - US 2 Brand Ne...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Gianni Versace gold metal mesh chainmail evening dress, fw 1994
Gianni Versace gold metal mesh chainmail evening dress, fw 1994

Gianni Versace gold metal mesh chainmail evening dress, fw 1994

By Gianni Versace

Located in London, London

Gianni Versace; gold metal mesh evening dress comprises mini skirt with silk lining and a matching bodysuit with 2 gold plate medusa circular clasps, designed to be worn tucked into ...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

New Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Lace and Metal Mesh
New Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Lace and Metal Mesh

New Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Lace and Metal Mesh

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Versace black pleated dress Black metal mesh and lace embellished Zip on the side.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

80-s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh Crystal Gown
80-s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh Crystal Gown

80-s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh Crystal Gown

By Gianni Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

Gianni Versace Metal mesh and Crystals Dress Batwing sleeves; Padded shoulders The dress was a part of 2001 Sotheby's Auction The Collection of Gianni Versace when they sold the c...

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1980s Italian Evening Gowns

F/2012 look # 21 NEW VERSACE YELLOW DRESS with METAL CHAIN MESH 38 - 2
F/2012 look # 21 NEW VERSACE YELLOW DRESS with METAL CHAIN MESH 38 - 2

F/2012 look # 21 NEW VERSACE YELLOW DRESS with METAL CHAIN MESH 38 - 2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Fall 2012 look # 21 This wool blend shift dress features a crew neck, short sleevesand silver metallic chain mesh detailing at front Hidden back zip Content: 90% tricote...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Morphew Backless Gold Metal Mesh Dress
Morphew Backless Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Morphew Backless Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Located in New York, NY

Morphew Backless Gold Metal Mesh Dress

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2010s American Cocktail Dresses

Gold Metal Mesh Dress
Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Located in New York, NY

Made from Gold plated Whiting and Davis metal mesh. This is a show stopping piece. Emily Ratajakowski wore a version of it in Paris and was voted best dressed by Vogue.

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress
Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace F/W 1994 Runway Ad Campaign Vintage Gold Oroton Metal Mesh Dress COLLECTIBLE ITEM! Gold vintage Gianni Versace metal mesh oroton chainmail mini dress with textured l...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Morphew Collection Gold Metal Mesh Dress
Morphew Collection Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Morphew Collection Gold Metal Mesh Dress

Located in New York, NY

Made from Gold plated Whiting and Davis metal mesh. This is a show-stopping piece. Emily Ratajakowski wore a version of it in Paris and was voted best dressed by Vogue.

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Metal Mesh Dress with High Slit
Metal Mesh Dress with High Slit

Metal Mesh Dress with High Slit

Located in New York, NY

Dress has elastic waist and fits from a 0 to a 6

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2010s American Cocktail Dresses

Fannie Schiavoni 2016 Bella Dress Silver Metal Mesh & Metal Disks
Fannie Schiavoni 2016 Bella Dress Silver Metal Mesh & Metal Disks

Fannie Schiavoni 2016 Bella Dress Silver Metal Mesh & Metal Disks

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fannie Schiavoni Bella Dress 2016 silver stainless steel metal mesh and aluminum discs.

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21st Century and Contemporary American Mini Dress

Gold metal mesh backless cocktail dress
Gold metal mesh backless cocktail dress

Gold metal mesh backless cocktail dress

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Gold mesh backless cocktail dress. Beige cotton lining . Chain and chain clasp closure on the top back. SIZE 38 (Fr) M

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Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Gold Metal-Mesh and Chain Showgirl Dream Dress
Gold Metal-Mesh and Chain Showgirl Dream Dress

Gold Metal-Mesh and Chain Showgirl Dream Dress

Located in New York, NY

Gold Metal-Mesh and Chain Showgirl Dream Dress

Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Mary Katrantzou Jigsaw Metal Mesh Jacquard Dress, Runway 2013
Mary Katrantzou Jigsaw Metal Mesh Jacquard Dress, Runway 2013

Mary Katrantzou Jigsaw Metal Mesh Jacquard Dress, Runway 2013

By Mary Katrantzou

Located in New York, NY

Mary Katrantzou continues to revolutionize feminine fashion with this intricately crafted 'Jigsaw' dress. The designer artfully combines metallic jacquard with hand-linked metal-mes...

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21st Century and Contemporary British Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh and Crystals Backless Dress
1990s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh and Crystals Backless Dress

1990s Gianni Versace Metal Mesh and Crystals Backless Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in New York, NY

Metal mesh and crystal mesh patchworked together into a geometric sexy little disco halter dress.

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress
Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress

Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress

By Whiting & Davis

Located in New Hope, PA

A glamourous cream jersey evening dress from the late 1980's is embellished with Whiting & Davis gold toned metal mesh at the neckline, both front and back.

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Late 20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress
Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress

Whiting & Davis Gold Metal Mesh Embellished Cream Jersey Dress

By Whiting & Davis

Located in New Hope, PA

A glamourous cream jersey evening dress from the late 1980's is embellished with Whiting & Davis gold toned metal mesh at the neckline, both front and back.

Category

Late 20th Century American Cocktail Dresses

Rihanna Gold Mini Dress made from Vintage Metal Mesh
Rihanna Gold Mini Dress made from Vintage Metal Mesh

Rihanna Gold Mini Dress made from Vintage Metal Mesh

Located in New York, NY

We are the original designers and makers of the iconic dress worn by Rihanna. This piece we made using vintage Whiting and Davis gold plated metal mesh from the 1970s.

Category

2010s American Cocktail Dresses

Versace floral printed tulle and metal mesh evening dress, ss 1999
Versace floral printed tulle and metal mesh evening dress, ss 1999

Versace floral printed tulle and metal mesh evening dress, ss 1999

By Versace

Located in London, GB

▪ Versace evening dress ▪ Creative Director: Donatella Versace ▪ Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Constructed from floral printed mesh ▪ Turquoise metal mesh shoulder straps and starfish ▪ Cott...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress
Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress

By Anthony Vaccarello

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Anthony Vaccarello F/W 2014 Runway Leather and Metal Mesh Cutout Mini Dress Size FR 36 Black Anthony Vaccarello leather strapless mini dress with silver-tone metal mesh ruffle trim...

Category

2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace Couture Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Crystals NWT
Gianni Versace Couture Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Crystals NWT

Gianni Versace Couture Metal Mesh Backless Dress with Crystals NWT

By Gianni Versace

Located in New York, NY

There is phenomenal internal construction in this dress which holds it to the body. The dress has an internal bodysuit on the lower half and the front of it is completely boned to ke...

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

VERSACE A/W 2009 Black Metal Mesh Inset Sheath Cocktail Dress
VERSACE A/W 2009 Black Metal Mesh Inset Sheath Cocktail Dress

VERSACE A/W 2009 Black Metal Mesh Inset Sheath Cocktail Dress

By Versace, Donatella Versace

Located in Thiensville, WI

Versace Fall / Winter 2009 black wool sleeveless sheath style cocktail dress. Gunmetal toned metal mesh angled inset at left front.

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Ferrera Gold Metal Mesh Top, 1980s
Ferrera Gold Metal Mesh Top, 1980s

Ferrera Gold Metal Mesh Top, 1980s

Located in New York, NY

1980s Ferrera Gold Metal Mesh Top

Category

1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Metal Mesh Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of metal mesh dresses for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black metal mesh dresses, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Brown, Beige and more options on these pages. 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. Finding appealing metal mesh dresses such as these — no matter the origin — is easy, but Gianni Versace, Versace and Morphew each produced popular versions that are worth a look. Finding accessories for sale for women should be easy, but there are 8 pieces available to browse for men as well as unisex, too.

How Much are Metal Mesh Dresses?

The prices for metal mesh dresses start at $450 and top out at $95,000 with these items, on average, selling for $5,200.

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.

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