Mr. Blackwell Custom 1960s Evening Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Alford, MA
Mr. Blackwell custom design 1960s dress of black velvet and taffeta, the fitted bodice and wide
Mr. Blackwell Custom 1960s Evening Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Alford, MA
Mr. Blackwell custom design 1960s dress of black velvet and taffeta, the fitted bodice and wide
Mr. Blackwell Custom Vintage Dress Rhinestones & Jewels
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful black silk jersey dress by Mr. Blackwell 'Custom.' Sparkling rhinestones and beads adorn
Mr. Blackwell 1960's Silk Buttons Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Wallkill, NY
sleeve. Labeled Mr. Blackwell. Measures Bust up to 34 in. Waist up to 28 in. Hips up to 36. Will fit an
Mr. Blackwell Fuchsia 1960's Midi Taffeta Ruffled Collar Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 1960s midi dress by Mr. Blackwell features a striking fuchsia taffeta fabric that
1960 Spectacular Mr. Blackwell Custom Rhinestone Jeweled Black Cocktail Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960 Spectacular Mr. Blackwell Custom Rhinestone Jeweled Cocktail Dress. Black wool knit knee
Mr Blackwell Bejeweled Crepe Column
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
This 1960's asymmetrically bejeweled "Mr Blackwell Custom" creation is Mr. Blackwell at his classic
1960 Mr. Blackwell Fluorescent Yellow Embroidered Floral Net Trapeze Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Mr. Blackwell fluorescent yellow floral embroidered net cocktail dress. Under-layer is a
Mr. Blackwell Cream Natural Silk Pencil Sheath Dress, Late 1950s
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 1950s or early 60s Mr. Blackwell silk shift dress in a dark cream/natural color. Square neck
1960s Mr. Blackwell Multi Color Floral Print Silk Sheath Cocktail Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1960s Mr. Blackwell multi color poppies flower print in orange, purple , pink and green. sheer
Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
WOW! This vintage Mr. Blackwell Custom dress is OUT OF THIS WORLD! This is quite possible the best
$636Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small-Large (Free)
1970s Mr. Blackwell Vintage Sheer Silk Chiffon Print Dress with Detachable Cape
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage 1970s Mr. Blackwell sheer silk chiffon dress in what appears to be hand painted
$1,550
Size: Medium / Large
1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s MR. BLACKWELL khaki and orange Irish linen and chiffon shift / sheath dress! Features a
1960 Mr. Blackwell Black One-Shoulder Silk Sheath Dress w/ Rhinestone Bust
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960 Mr. Blackwell Black One-Shoulder Silk Sheath Dress w/ Rhinestone Bust: This rare and
Plus Size Vintage Mr. Blackwell Gorgeous 1970s Size 22 Chiffon Maxi Dress Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage 1970s MR BLACKWELL plus size maxi dress / gown! Vibrant hues of purples, blues
1960s Mr. Blackwell Gray Wool Knit Mini Dress w/ Fabulous Metallic Jewel Florals
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Mr. Blackwell Gray Wool Knit Mini Dress w/ Fabulous Metallic Jewel Florals: Sleeveless, fully
1960 Mr. Blackwell Crimson Red Sequin Black Velvet Gown & Vest Ensemble
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous 1960s Mr. Blackwell Custom crimson red sequin and black velvet gown and maxi vest
$2,200
Size: Tall size 8
Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum w Matching Stole
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum and Matching Stole: A fantastic
Mr Blackwell Woven Hem and Collar 1950s Low Back Dress
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress by Mr. Blackwell. It is a semi fitted sheath with 3/4 length sleeves
1960S MR BLACKWELL Black Silk Faille Bias Beaded Fringe Mod Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
1960S MR BLACKWELL Black Silk Faille Bias Beaded Fringe Mod Cocktail Dress
1960s Mr Blackwell Custom Red Crepe Beaded Gown and Cape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mr Blackwell Custom gown Red crepe Inner boning and lining Decorative white bead, rhinestone
Metallic Gold Mr.Blackwell Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Topanga, CA
, sometimes known just as Mr.Blackwell. He was the creator of the "Ten Worst Dressed Women List", an annual
Unavailable
Mr. Blackwell brown ruffle sleeve dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in New York, NY
This Mr. Blackwell chocolate brown ruffle sleeve dress is from the 1970s. It has three buttons in
1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Wool Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning 1950’s Mr. Blackwell Design can be worn as a formal evening dress or cocktail dress. Black
MR BLACKWELL Sheer Illusion Jeweled Black Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
You'll turn heads in this stunning Mr. Blackwell gown. * It's beautifully embellished with
1960s Mr. Blackwell Custom Black Cocktail Dress with Trim
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Houston, TX
1960's Mr. Blackwell Custom black cocktail dress with spaghetti straps and circle skirt. The dress
1960s Mr. Blackwell Ivory Textured Dress with Cape
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning Mr. Blackwell ivory cocktail dress and cape. Both garments are lined in silk, with a wavy
Mr. Blackwell 1950s Silk Dress Dolman Sleeves Size 8.
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr. Blackwell Design 1950s coral & cream silk dress with dolman sleeves and elastic waist is a
1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Sequined Bombshell Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage gown from Mr. Blackwell dates to the 1950's through early 1960's and is fully covered in
1970's Mr. Blackwell Red Sequined Illusion Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage gown from Mr. Blackwell dates to the 1970's. The bodice is made of sheer nude netting that
1960s Mr. Blackwell Custom Green Silk 2 Piece Dress and Jacket Ensemble
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Houston, TX
Iconic 1960's Mr. Blackwell Custom silk green 2 piece dress and jacket evening ensemble. Jackie O
1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Long Sleeve Wiggle Dress
Located in Houston, TX
Bombshell and elegant 1950's Mr. Blackwell black crepe wiggle style dress with shawl collar and
Long Mirror Dress-Lime Green
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Lime green mirror disc maxi dress features rushed stand up collar; long sleeves sprinkled with
1960's Mr. Blackwell Pink Multicolor Swirl Print Rhinestone Maxi Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Before he was known for his worst-dressed celebrity lists, Mr. Blackwell was a designer to the
Mr. Blackwell Black/White Printed Bow Cocktail Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your wedding ensemble with the Mr. Blackwell Black/White Printed Bow Cocktail Dress
Fantastic 1950s Mr. Blackwell Custom Satin Bustle Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Port Hope, ON
Richard Blackwell known as Mr. Blackwell was an iconic figure in the world of fashion, as the
Mr. Blackwell 60s Psychedelic Silk Print Tunic Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A spectacular print is featured on this 60s psychedelic Mr. Blackwell silk tunic dress that can be
1960s Mr Blackwell Coatdress with Statement Buttons
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in London, GB
This original vintage 1960s Mr Blackwell coatdress is a fantastic example of this well-known and
Mr. Blackwell Rhinestone Strap Pink Linen Tiered Fishtail Dress, circa 1959
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mr. Blackwell blush pink linen wiggle dress from the late 50s or early 60s with rhinestone
Mr. Blackwell 1960s 60s Black and White Silk A - Line Abstract Vintage Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous vintage 1960s MR. BLACKWELL A-Line silk dress! Black and ivory white abstract print
1960's Mr Blackwell Intricately Beaded Sik Brocade Dress & Coat
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
An extraordinary set from the famous Mr. Blackwell Custom, his higher end line, consisting of a
1960s Mr. Blackwell Wool Knit Cocktail Dress w/Egyptian Revival Jeweled Collar
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
Fabulous, never-worn, 1960s Mr. Blackwell goldenrod wool knit cocktail dress. Fully lined w
1950s Mr. Blackwell Custom One Sleeved Embellished Sheath
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A wonderful custom made Mr. Blackwell cocktail dress: black silk crepe sheath with one-shoulder and
Mr. Blackwell 50s Tri-Color Solid Sequin Evening Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous Mr. Blackwell gown from the 50s or 60s in solid sequins with a tri-color (white pink and
Incredible 50s Mr. Blackwell Velvet Gown w/ Glittering Medallion
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
An incredible 1950s Mr. Blackwell Custom designed gown: Black velvet column with thin straps, back
Mr. Blackwell Black One Shoulder Beaded Gown, Circa 1980
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a gorgeous black beaded one-shoulder gown by Mr.Blackwell, from the 1980's. The long sleeve
1960's Mr. Blackwell Black Sleeveless Sunburst Jeweled Evening Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Studio City, CA
1960's Mr. Blackwell black crepe sleeveless evening gown with frontal asymmetric jeweled sunburst
Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fantastic example of Mr. Blackwell's (unmarked but confirmed)1950s style with a fitted column
1950 Mr. Blackwell Gold Brocade Fishtail Gown & Beaded Evening Vest Ensemble
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1950s Mr. Blackwell gold lame brocade fishtail sheath gown with incredible tailoring for that
1960s Mr. Blackwell 2-Piece Ensemble with Jeweled Neck
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fantastic 1960s Mr. Blackwell "Jackie O" style 2-piece mint green silk mini and coat ensemble
1970s Mr. Blackwell Sleeveless Column w/ Cocoon Opera Coat
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
Skillfully constructed and thoughtfully created, this custom Mr. Blackwell ensemble is new old
MR. BLACKWELL Wool Turtleneck Gown with Sequin Rose Applique Size 10
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gown is composed of an embellished black wool. Features a mock neck with center back zipper closure. Excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements f...
Mr. Blackwell 2-Piece 60s Cocktail Sheath with Ruffled Vest
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
This is a great 1960s Mr. Blackwell! A simple cap sleeved cocktail sheath in a spectacular
Mr Blackwell Custom 1960's Red and Purple Brocade Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your winter wardrobe with the Mr Blackwell Custom 1960's Red and Purple Brocade Gown W
Vintage Mr. Blackwell 1960's White Lace with Lamé & Rhinestone Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Make a statement with the vintage elegance of the Mr. Blackwell 1960's Lace & Rhinestone Gown. This
1950S MR BLACKWELL Black Silk Chiffon Tiered Balloon Skirt Cocktail Dress With
Located in New York, NY
1950S MR BLACKWELL Black Silk Chiffon Tiered Balloon Skirt Cocktail Dress With Velvet Neckline
1970S MR BLACKWELL CUSTOM Polyester Chiffon Pastel Brushstroke Print Tiered Gow
Located in New York, NY
1970S MR BLACKWELL CUSTOM Polyester Chiffon Pastel Brushstroke Print Tiered Gown With Cape Sleeves
60s One-Shoulder Black Cocktail Dress w/ White Silk Insets
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous unmarked 60s cocktail dress (Mr. Blackwell style!) dress with one shoulder design and
1960's Mr. Blackwell Pink Multicolor Swirl Print Rhinestone Maxi Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Before he was known for his worst-dressed celebrity lists, Mr. Blackwell was a designer to the
1960s Mr Blackwell Orange Silk Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in London, GB
A stunning full length dress from Mr Blackwell, typical of the style of the day and complete with
Mr Blackwell 1960s Maxi Dress with Embroidery
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk gown from Mr Blackwell. It is sleeveless with a square cut neckline and is
Mr. Blackwell Vintage 1970s Metallic Maxi Dress + Sash
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Sparks, NV
Egyptian-inspired metallic maxi dress by Mr. Blackwell. Matching sash included. Details
Mr. Blackwell Blk/White Silk Print Dress and Shawl
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Alford, MA
Classic style with a fluorish by Mr. Blackwell, this ensemble is fashioned of a black and white
Mr. Blackwell Black Ostrich Feather Cuff Midi Dress, 1960s
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Tucson, AZ
sweep: 47” hem: 1 ¾” sash: 78” l x 7 ½” w label: Mr. Blackwell size: no size tag present
Mr. Blackwell Vintage 1960s Black Wool Beaded + Rhinestone Shift Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Sparks, NV
Mr. Blackwell black wool shift dress with mod beaded and rhinestone embellished diamond design. Bow
Sold
Size: Best fits 2/4
1960s Mr. Blackwell Custom Floral Dress, Yellow, Brown, Green, Blue Peplum Maxi
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning 1960s vintage Mr. Blackwell Custom floral print dress in vibrant shades of yellow, orange
Mr. Blackwell Vintage 1970s 70s Ruffled Evening Dress with Plunging Neckline
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Sparks, NV
Gray/ Silver Fabric: Polyester Label: Mr. Blackwell Measurements: Bust: Up To 48" Waist: Free
1960s Mr. Blackwell Neon Yellow Wide A-Line Swing Dress in Embroidered Tulle
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous Mod 1960s Mr. Blackwell neon yellow wide A-line swing dress: yarn-embroidered tulle
Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
A fantastic example of Mr. Blackwell's (unmarked but confirmed)1950s style with a fitted column
1960s Mr. Blackwell Pink Wool & Silk Blend Sheath Dress W/ Beaded Sequined Neck
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Mr. Blackwell pink wool and silk sharkskin sheath dress with Egyptian-inspired sequin
Sold
Size: Small / Medium
Incredible 1970s Mr. Blackwell Vintage Nude Illusion Sequin Couture Black Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely incredible RARE 70s MR. BLACKWELL black vintage full length dress! Nude Illusion bodice
1950s Mr. Blackwell Black and White Size 10 / 12 Rhinestone Encrusted 50s Gown
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage 50s MR. BLACKWELL black and white abstract flower print rhinestone encrusted silk
Vintage Mr. Blackwell Yellow & Blue Layered Printed Caftan W/Ties & Ruffle Hem
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Mr. Blackwell silk floral printed caftan in yellow, blue, orange, green, and purple. This
1960s Mr Blackwell black & white silk early gown
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
arbiters…Mr. Blackwell’s biting list of the “Worst dressed” was taken seriously in its day…A sleeveless
Sold
Size: none; comparable to size M
Mr Blackwell Off-Shoulder Snake Print Cocktail Dress and Wrap, 1960s
Located in Tucson, AZ
In a nod to Biblical symbolism, Mr Blackwell presents an apple green snake print wiggle dress whose
1950s Mr. Blackwell Current Size 10 / 12 Mustard Yellow Silk Vintage 50s Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1950s MR. BLACKWELL mustard yellow raw silk shantung short sleeve wiggle dress! Wonder
1960s Silk Print Fringe Mr Blackwell Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Rockwood, ON
Fantastic and unusual Mr Black cocktail dress done in a vibrantly printed silk. The colors are
1950's Mr. Blackwell Wool Dress Matching Asymmetrical Cape
By Mr. Blackwell
Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI
Rare and gorgeous 1950's Mr. Blackwell dress and cape. Both pieces are made of black, white and
S/S 1986 Azzedine Alaïa Runway Shiny Copper Tone Sleeveless Bodycon Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Azzedine Alaïa's Spring/Summer 1986 collection, this bodycon dress debuted on the season's runway and is crafted from a shiny copper-tone knit. The sleeveless design features a ...
Ceil Chapman Light Pink Lace Cocktail Dress, Circa 1950
By Ceil Chapman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a collectible pink lace vintage cocktail dress by Ceil Chapman, from the 1950's. The dress has a scoop neckline, full skirt, cap sleeve, and a zipper up the back. Due to ...
Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS Couture navy blue silk satin strapless mermaid gown and matching shawl. Strapless bodice features a super soft silk velvet in navy. Interior support holds ...
$948Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Medium
1960s Guy Laroche Couture Lipstick Red Virgin Wool A Line Vintage 60s Mini Dress
By Guy Laroche
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s GUY LAROCHE Couture lipstick red virgin wool A-Line mini dress! The perfect alternative to a little black dress, this red gem is sure to stand out! Hand made, with the utmost a...
Early 1980s Bob Mackie Backless Halter Tie Black Satin Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This early 1980s Bob Mackie black satin evening gown features a backless halter tie design, a keyhole neckline, and draped waist detailing. Approximate measurements: Size - removed ...
$2,495
Size: 44 / US 10 - 12
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Sz 44 Black Corset / Bustier Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' YSL black dress! Quite possibly the most flattering dress I have ever seen! This rare beauty does wonders for the body! Co...
$695
Size: none; comparable to size XS - S
Convertible Yellow Floral Circle Dress w Rhinestone-Studded Shelf Bust-S, 1950s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Wearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...
1960s Lilli Diamond Brand New Light Pink Silk Wiggle Dress w/ Paillettes + Beads
By Lilli Diamond
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational 1960s Lilli Diamond light pink chiffon dress, with pailletes, beads, and sequins embellished throughout. Brand new, with original store tags, this deadstock dress is simp...
S/S 1999 Thierry Mugler Runway Sculptural Abstract Brooch Strap Navy Gown
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous navy Thierry Mugler gown designed by Manfred Mugler. This beautiful dress debuted from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection on the season's runway. The gown featur...
Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket Off-White Ecru Plumetis Tulle Skirt Set FR38
By Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
The 30 Montaigne Bar jacket and plumetis tulle skirt represent the most iconic ensemble in the history of Dior - a timeless symbol of femininity, structure, and grace. First introduc...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
$2,792Sale Price|20% Off
ALAIA black leather TRENCH COAT Jacket 38
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
Alaia trench coat in black lambskin. With wide notch colar, belt loops at the waist, two flap pockets on the front sides, box pleat on the back, and woven seams. Closes with flat let...
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Manolo Blanik Black Satin Cocktail Button Up Cocktail Shoes
By Manolo Blahnik
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Manolo Blanick Black Satin Button Up Cocktail Open Back Shoes Made In: Italy Color: Black Material: Satin Marked Size: 39,5 Europe Heel Height: 8 cm/ 3,14 inches His name has bec...
$2,875
H 5.5 in L 7.25 in
Opulent Handmade Silver Metal Artisan Leaves Evening Bag designed by Perez Sanz
Located in University City, MO
Opulent handmade silver metal artisan leaves evening bag designed by Perez Sanz c 1980s The exquisite evening bag is designed with a collection of silver plated large scale hand sol...
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.