Thimister Silvery Lame Dress
By Josephus Thimister, Thimister
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This vintage Thimister gown has a seductively revealing, draped back. It offers a heavy metal zipper with dangling ribbon pull and two more delicate ribbons to tie across the back, s...
1997 Balenciaga Sz 0 XS Black Dress Vintage Thimister Final Runway Collection
By Balenciaga, Josephus Thimister
Located in San Diego, CA
The model in video is 5’8 feet tall, and US Size 6 An exceptionally rare Balenciaga black evening dress from the Spring-Summer 1997 collection, designed under the creative direction...
Balenciaga Le Dix by Josephus Thimister Silk Gazar Dress
By Balenciaga
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1990’s Balenciaga Le Dix by Josephus Thimister sculptural silk gazar dress, directly inspired by a design from the A/W 1958 collection.
Balenciaga Josephus Thimister Runway Silk Polka Dot Evening Dress, 1997
By Balenciaga
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Having worked for a several prominent couture houses such as Chanel and Patou, Josephus Thimister brought his modernist design style to the house of Balenciaga.
BALENCIAGA Hot Pink Strapless Polka dot Cocktail Dress by Josephus Thimister
By Balenciaga, Josephus Thimister
Located in Sheffield, GB
Beautiful BALENCIAGA Hot pink Polka dot cocktail dress by Josephus Thimister. This strapless cocktail runway dress is crafted from a Moire silk fabric with a boned upper body, conce...
1997 Josephus Thimister for BALENCIAGA navy runway dress with asymmetrical swag
By Balenciaga, Josephus Thimister
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rich navy blue silk dress with asymmetrical swag designed by Josephus Thimister for Balenciaga le dix as seen on the runway in spring of 1997.
2010 Thimister Couture Moujik Trousers
By Thimister
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
2010 Couture Josephus Thimister Moujik Trousers featuring a drop crotch waist with red paint stains.
Thimister Acid-Washed Backless Dress
By Josephus Thimister, Thimister
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Gorgeous dark brown, acid-washed, sleeveless dress from vintage Thimister is 100% silk. The eye-catching deep draping in back is delicately secured by two sets of ribbons tied across...
1980s Balenciaga Mustard Yellow/Acid Green Silk Scarf 30.5x29.5
By Balenciaga, Josephus Thimister
Located in Port Hope, ON
Lovely geometrical pattern silk scarf from Josephus Melchior Thimister for Balanciaga in excellent vintage condition.
1990s Balenciaga Beige Silk Chiffon Column Dress
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in London, GB
We are certain that this dress is from around the time he took over as creative director of the fashion house, after the departure of Josephus Thimister in 1997. An almost identical...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Jersey Evening Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic black evening gown by Yves Saint Laurent. The dress has a v neckline with woven detail at the front under the bust, and gathering. It has cap sleaves. Size 38. Bust up to 36/8...
PLEIN SUD late '90s metallic gown
Located in Athens, Athens
PLEIN SUD late 90's stunning bias-cut metallic gown Feautures a chainmail-like pattern and a draped neckline. Adjustable silver straps that can be tied in the deep open back. Minor ...
Black satin evening slip dress CHRISTIAN DIOR
By MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI, Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black satin evening slip dress with silk chiffon lining. The black chiffon lining is visible on the top edge and bottom edge. Invisible zip on the left side + hook&eye. SIZE 38/40 (...
Epic Thierry Mugler FW1986 Silver Metallic Liquid Silky Goddess Dress Rare
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
This Epic Goddess Dress is everything. Extremely rare Thierry Mugler creation, FW 1986 Collection. Liquid silky silver metallic dream in the most stunning fitted shape. Deep wavy V-...
Circa 2005 Azzedine Alaia Black Evening Dress Gown
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Studio City, CA
Circa 2005 Azzedine Alaia black fitted evening gown with zipper closure up the back. At the back skirt there are slight gathers as well as a nude-colored layer underneath the skirt. ...
Tom Ford for Gucci Silver Leather Backless Dress
By Tom Ford, Gucci
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silver leather wrap dress by Tom Ford for Gucci . The bodice crosses in the front wrapping at the waist and closing with snaps. It has a fine grey leather belt matching ...
Valentino 2000s Size 6 Black Silk Lace Cut-Out Sequin Evening Gown Dress
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet classic early 2000s VALENTINO black silk and lace cut-out evening gown ! Features a tailored bodice with black lace sequin cut-out detail with rhinestone encrusted buckle a...
1990s THIERRY MUGLER Black Dress with Cut Out Asymetrical neckline
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage Thierry Mugler black dress with asymmetrical neckline. Perfect cocktail dress for summer. Slit on the side. Tag size: 38 Bust: 33"/ Waist: 26" / Hip: 33" / length: 52"/ ...
$7,996Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT44
2000s Gianni Versace by Donatella Halter Neck Bias Cut Black Chiffon Gown IT44
By Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning black chiffon halter-neck Gianni Versace Couture gown designed by Donatella Versace. This beautiful creation from the early 2000s is constructed entirely of sil...
Gianni Versace Couture Spring 1995 Black Silk Bias Evening Gown
By Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ingeniously simple, drop dead gorgeous gown by the master himself, Gianni Versace. Couture label. As seen on the Spring 1995 Versace Ready-To-Wear runway in pink. THE look of the '90...
Iconic 1997 / 1998 F/W Gucci & Tom Ford Runway Evening Black Dress
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Tom Ford for Gucci Evening Dress. 1997/1998 Fall/Winter collection Gucci by Tom Ford Made in Italy. The product is marked 42 it. Features: Used, very good Previously belonged to ano...
Fausto Pugliesi Metallic Dress - '00s
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Fausto Puglisi metallic dress with silver and golden metal bead embellishments. Stud and bead detailing on sleeve straps for a sculptural effect. Remarks: There are no tags. There a...
JEAN PATOU Black Wool Full Length Draped Neck Halter Dress Size 10
By Jean Patou
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Jean Patou dress is composed of a light weight black wool. Features a draped halter style neck with open back, and waist tie. There is a zipper closure. In excellent vintage c...
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 4
Barbara Tfank Silver Taffeta Silk Dress with Black Sequined Tulle Bustier
By Barbara Tfank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Silver 100% silk taffeta evening dress fitted through the bodice bustier with flattering vertical princess seams and finished with a fitted, tea length column skirt. The...
Metallic mesh and lurex evening dress Paco Rabanne by Julien Dossena (NEW)
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Metallic mesh (100% aluminium) and lurex ( 80% rayon, 15% polyester, 5% elasthane) evening dress. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. Split on the left side, lenght : 35cm. ...
Valentino Square Neckline Black Silk Blend Evening Gown
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Iconic Valentino evening gown, featuring a sleek square neckline and floor-length silhouette. Crafted in Italy from a luxurious silk-rich blend. This elegant dress is sleeveless, wi...
$6,920
H 3.1 in W 3.9 in L 0.8 in
Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...
Rochas Vintage Inspired Harlow Bias Cut Silk Gown NWT
By Rochas, Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
As seen on the runway Jean Harlow 1930's inspired gown designed by Rochas. Fashioned of eggshell white silk charmeuse with plunging neckline; spaghetti straps; chemise style bodice...
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends ...
UNWORN Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas 2011 Navy Crochet Knit Maxi Dress Gown 42
By Peter Dundas, Emilio Pucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
ABSOLUTELY INSANE EMILIO PUCCI MIDNIGHT BLUE CROCHET KNIT CUTOUT GOWN DESIGNED BY PETER DUNDAS SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY WORN BY TOPMODELS AS CLAUDIA SCHIFFER, MIRANDA KERR AND MANY OT...
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Peplum Jacket
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in New York, NY
Jean Paul Gaultier Transformable Black Faille Moire Peplum Jacket from the 1990's. Gaultier's Haute Couture training is evident in this fitted "Bar" style peplum jacket with pointed ...
1960s Nina Ricci Couture Ruby Velvet Gown & Cape Ensemble W/ Heavy Bead Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Gresham, OR
An incredible and rare 1960s Nina Ricci Couture ruby red evening ensemble: an evening gown with a portrait neckline, fitted "princess" seaming, 3/4 sleeves and a faux Empire waist tr...
Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Iconic Lace Inserted Crepe Gown
By Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Lace Inserted Silk Crepe Gown from the 1970's. Made in the period when Lagerfeld helmed the direction of Chloe with his weightless body conscious layer...
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Print Silk Jacket Pencil Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005 “The Man W...
Chanel Pair of Chain decorated Cuffs
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary pair of Chanel chain decorated biker cuffs from the 1980's. Designed by Victoire de Castellane under Karl Lagerfeld, this is the period where all of Chanel's iconograph...
Bronze
Yohji Yamamoto black wool gabardine coat with exaggerated pockets, fw 2004
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in London, GB
Yohji Yamamoto; black wool gabardine maxi coat with exaggerated external flap pockets and belt buckle fastenings on waist and neck. Fall-Winter 2004 - The same coat is in the...
Thierry Mugler Couture Pink Flame Beaded Silk Gown
By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
This early 2000’s vintage Thierry Mugler gown features a halter neckline with a plunging V-front. The dress transitions from vibrant fuchsia to deep red, with flame-like cutouts ador...
Rare Chanel Vintage S/S 1989 Grecian Goddess Ivory Gold Pleated Gown
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Jersey City, NJ
An ethereal and rare Chanel creation from the Spring/Summer 1989 collection, designed under Karl Lagerfeld’s direction. This gown embodies timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from...
$219Sale Price|20% Off
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Variation Vintage Fuchsia Tunic Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gorgeous unworn fuchsia tunic dress. Short sleeves. Large buttons. 2 front pockets. Unlined. Label reads Yves Saint Laurent Variation Made in France. Si...
$676Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small - Small Medium
1970s Tachi Castillo Hot Pink Mexican Crochet Vintage Cotton 70s Maxi Dress
By Tachi Castillo
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s TACHI CASTILLO hot pink 3/4 bell sleeve cotton crochet boho maxi dress ! Castillo was a Mexican designer who was famed for her textile works, and her ability to transform ...
Halston Metallic Gown
By Halston
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Halston Metallic Gown Metallic crepe long 'Raelynn' dress embellished with twisted halter-neckline and open back with concealed zip fastening. Rrp Approx. £460 Size – ...
Thierry Mugler SS 1997 Gorgeous Black Evening Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
In this stunning black dress, Thierry Mugler marries his signature sculptural precision with motion. The silhouette is razor-sharp, hugging the body with a surgeon’s precision, while...
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.