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Designer Occasion Dresses

2007 Jenny Packham Teal Sequinned Slip Dress
2007 Jenny Packham Teal Sequinned Slip Dress

2007 Jenny Packham Teal Sequinned Slip Dress

By Jenny Packham

Located in London, GB

hook-and-eye clasp. From the mainline collection of the renowned British designer and occasion-wear

Category

Early 2000s British Evening Dresses

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Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Skakeskin Pump Heels Sz 36.5   $2425
Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Skakeskin Pump Heels Sz 36.5   $2425

Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Skakeskin Pump Heels Sz 36.5 $2425

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Gucci Worn One Time Minor Markings to Soles Only Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, $2425 * Python Heels * Size: 36.5 * Purple & Orange Snakeskin Python * Adjustable A...

Category

2010s Italian Shoes

Gucci Belted Cutout Backless Dress Gown
Gucci Belted Cutout Backless Dress Gown

Gucci Belted Cutout Backless Dress Gown

By Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Gucci Belted Cutout Backless Dress Gown IT 38 Gucci dress with cutout open back, belt accent at waist and concealed zip closure at back.

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino Top One Shoulder Ruffle and Bow Trim M
Valentino Top One Shoulder Ruffle and Bow Trim M

Valentino Top One Shoulder Ruffle and Bow Trim M

By Valentino

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers a Valentino one shoulder top with ruffle and bow trim in silk. Black knit fitted top. Double layer black silk ruffle trims 'neckline'. Signature bow detail at the s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Blouses

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Water Mill, NY

An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...

Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

1960s Black Fringe Tassel Cocktail Dress
1960s Black Fringe Tassel Cocktail Dress

1960s Black Fringe Tassel Cocktail Dress

$275Sale Price|34% Off

L 43 in

1960s Black Fringe Tassel Cocktail Dress

Located in University City, MO

1960s Black fringe tassel cocktail dress The chic retro cocktail dress is designed with contiguous stationary fringe that covers the bodice and back side The midsection is dis...

Category

1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN pink LEATHER CROPPED BIKER Jacket 40
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN pink LEATHER CROPPED BIKER Jacket 40

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN pink LEATHER CROPPED BIKER Jacket 40

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Zürich, CH

Alexander McQueen cropped biker jacket in pale pink textured calf leather. With epaulettes, buttoned notch collar, zipper pocket on the chest, buttoned flap pocket on the front, belt...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets

Vintage Bob Mackie 1980s Plunge Low Back 80s Long Sleeve Evening Nightgown Dress
Vintage Bob Mackie 1980s Plunge Low Back 80s Long Sleeve Evening Nightgown Dress

Vintage Bob Mackie 1980s Plunge Low Back 80s Long Sleeve Evening Nightgown Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage 1980s BOB MACKIE for SAKS 5th AVENUE black and white plunging low back evening nightgown or evening gown! Features a sheer black and white mesh bodice, back and sleeves....

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes

By Madame Gres

Located in Studio City, CA

A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching high-heeled shoes size 6 1/2. Features the iconic Mme Gres gathered/balloon sleeve,...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Joy Stevens 1970s Pink Mauve Dusty Rose Long Sleeve Disco Vintage 70s Dress
Joy Stevens 1970s Pink Mauve Dusty Rose Long Sleeve Disco Vintage 70s Dress

Joy Stevens 1970s Pink Mauve Dusty Rose Long Sleeve Disco Vintage 70s Dress

By Joy Stevens

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1970s JOY STEVENS pink / mauve long sleeve jersey dress! Perfectly cut v-neck reveals just the right amount of cleavage. Simply slips over the head and ties in the back to fit a...

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress
Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress

Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress

By Mollie Parnis

Located in San Diego, CA

From the queen of dressing First Ladies, comes this wonderfully chic 1970s vintage MOLLIE PARNIS blue and white nautical linen/cotton dress ! Features the perfect linen/cotton blend ...

Category

1970s American Cocktail Dresses

Sylvia Ann 1970s Rose Print Pink Ivory Chiffon Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown
Sylvia Ann 1970s Rose Print Pink Ivory Chiffon Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown

Sylvia Ann 1970s Rose Print Pink Ivory Chiffon Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown

By SYLVIA ANN

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1970s SYLVIA ANN pink, ivory and green chiffon ruffled maxi dress / gown! Features rose bouquets in various sizes throughout. Flutter sleeves, with a flowy layer of chiffon drap...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

1960s Lilly Pulitzer Op Art Splatter Paint Colorful Velvet Vintage Maxi Dress
1960s Lilly Pulitzer Op Art Splatter Paint Colorful Velvet Vintage Maxi Dress

1960s Lilly Pulitzer Op Art Splatter Paint Colorful Velvet Vintage Maxi Dress

By Lilly Pulitzer

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic and rare 60s LILLY PULITZER colorful op-art print cotton velvet maxi dress! Features chevron prints in vibrant colors of blues, green and orange. Contrasting thin stripes in bla...

Category

1960s American Maxi Dress

Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown
Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown

Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown

By Vicky Tiel

Located in New York, NY

Vicky Tiel's chic and sexy draped stretch illusion gown on a matte jersey base. The illusion is ruched at shoulder and is gathered across bodice and releases to a gathered panel whic...

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Chic 1960s Evon Besack Black Crepe + Velvet A - Line Vintage 60s Dress
Chic 1960s Evon Besack Black Crepe + Velvet A - Line Vintage 60s Dress

Chic 1960s Evon Besack Black Crepe + Velvet A - Line Vintage 60s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1960s EVON BESACK black crepe and velvet A-Line dress! Features a flattering square neck with a tailored bodice. Forgiving full skirt with intricate velvet details at hem. Full ...

Category

1960s German Cocktail Dresses

Fabulous 1950s Gene Shelly's Fully Beaded Iridescent Paillettes Silk Blouse Top
Fabulous 1950s Gene Shelly's Fully Beaded Iridescent Paillettes Silk Blouse Top

Fabulous 1950s Gene Shelly's Fully Beaded Iridescent Paillettes Silk Blouse Top

By Gene Shelly

Located in San Diego, CA

Fabulous 1950s Gene Shelly's silk beaded top!!! Fully hand sewn Paillettes and seed beads throughout, with a full metal zipper on the back. A true work of art! 100% black silk. Extre...

Category

1950s Blouses

Tom Ford for Gucci 2004 Collection Silk Stretch Black Brooch Dress It. 40
Tom Ford for Gucci 2004 Collection Silk Stretch Black Brooch Dress It. 40

Tom Ford for Gucci 2004 Collection Silk Stretch Black Brooch Dress It. 40

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

Tom Ford for Gucci Black Silk Stretch Cocktail Dress with Brooch 2004 Collection Designer size 40 - US 4 Black Stretch Silk Cocktail Dress, Black Crystals Removable Brooch with Gucc...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

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Designer Occasion Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an extraordinary variety of designer occasion dresses available on 1stDibs. Our collection of designer occasion dresses includes a variety of colors, spanning black, 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 20th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Designer occasion dresses such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci are consistently popular. 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 Designer Occasion Dresses?

On average, designer occasion dresses on 1stDibs sell for $869, while they’re typically $45 on the low end and $165,000 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.