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Red Taffeta Dress

Red silk taffetas evening dress BRUCE OLDFIELD
Red silk taffetas evening dress BRUCE OLDFIELD

Red silk taffetas evening dress BRUCE OLDFIELD

By Bruce Oldfield

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Red silk taffetas evening dress open on the middle front from the waist until the bottom with one snap closure.

Category

1980s Unknown Evening Dresses

Bustier dress in taffeta and lace
Bustier dress in taffeta and lace

Bustier dress in taffeta and lace

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

ANONYMOUS - Short bustier dress in black silk taffeta and lace. No signature. It has been made after a Christian Lacroix pattern. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. C...

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1980s French Mini Dress

ALAIA coral red viscose 2023 V-BACK TAFFETA MIDI Dress 36 XS
ALAIA coral red viscose 2023 V-BACK TAFFETA MIDI Dress 36 XS

ALAIA coral red viscose 2023 V-BACK TAFFETA MIDI Dress 36 XS

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Alaïa cocktail dress in coral red stretch taffeta viscose (60%), polyamide (33%), and elastane (7%) is a striking blend of sophistication and allure.

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21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses

1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress
1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress

1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in New York, NY

Some fading on the shoulder but otherwise in perfect shape. 1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress

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1950s American Day Dresses

Orange taffetas evening dress JUNIOR GAULTIER
Orange taffetas evening dress JUNIOR GAULTIER

Orange taffetas evening dress JUNIOR GAULTIER

By Gaultier Junior

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Orange taffetas evening dress. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Zip closure on the middle back. Front lenght = 75cm Back lenght = 125cm SIZE 12 years old

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2010s Bulgarian Evening Dresses

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Dress with Rose Detail - 6
Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Dress with Rose Detail - 6

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Dress with Rose Detail - 6

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This Oscar de la Renta red silk taffeta dress is sleeveless with a drop waist and pleating at the beginning of the skirt.

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21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size M Red Silk Taffeta One Shoulder Knee Length Cocktail Dress
OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size M Red Silk Taffeta One Shoulder Knee Length Cocktail Dress

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Size M Red Silk Taffeta One Shoulder Knee Length Cocktail Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA cocktail dress in a vibrant red silk taffeta featuring a one shoulder style, fitted design, and back snap and zipper closure with belt.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

Mr. Blackwell Fuchsia 1960's Midi Taffeta Ruffled Collar Dress
Mr. Blackwell Fuchsia 1960's Midi Taffeta Ruffled Collar Dress

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 beautifully captures vintage elegance. Designed with delicate rhinestone spaghetti st...

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1960s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt
1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress w Full Draped Skirt

By Suzy Perette

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Suzy Perette Red Silk Cocktail Dress w Full Skirt & Artful Draping: This stunning iconic 50s style dress has a chic apron-like décolletage with boned bodice and crinolines for ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

NWT Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Laser-Cut Embroidery Illusion Dress US 8
NWT Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Laser-Cut Embroidery Illusion Dress US 8

NWT Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Laser-Cut Embroidery Illusion Dress US 8

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Montgomery, TX

This gown is a stunning example of Oscar de la Renta’s signature style and craftsmanship. Made from luxurious silk taffeta, known for its structured form and elegant sheen. A rich, ...

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2010s American Evening Gowns

Orange silk taffetas ruffled bustier cocktail dress PRIORI
Orange silk taffetas ruffled bustier cocktail dress PRIORI

Orange silk taffetas ruffled bustier cocktail dress PRIORI

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Orange silk taffetas ruffled bustier cocktail dress. Boned. Hook&eye closure on the middle back + Zip closure on the top. New with tag SIZE 44 (It) 38 (Fr)

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label Corset Printed Dress
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label Corset Printed Dress

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label Corset Printed Dress

By RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, Vivienne Westwood

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Red Label Corset Printed Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Shoulder: 12.60 inches (43 cm) Bust: 16.53 inches (42 cm) Waist: ...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

1980s Victor Costa Red + Pink + Purple Silk Taffeta Size 6 Hi  Lo 80s Gown Dress
1980s Victor Costa Red + Pink + Purple Silk Taffeta Size 6 Hi  Lo 80s Gown Dress

1980s Victor Costa Red + Pink + Purple Silk Taffeta Size 6 Hi Lo 80s Gown Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible Avant Garde 1980s VICTOR COSTA lipstick red, fuchsia pink and purple color block strapless hi-lo flamenco style evening gown! Flattering ruched boned bodice holds everythi...

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1980s American Evening Gowns

1990s Escada Couture Red Silk Taffeta and Metallic Lace Gown
1990s Escada Couture Red Silk Taffeta and Metallic Lace Gown

1990s Escada Couture Red Silk Taffeta and Metallic Lace Gown

By Escada

Located in London, GB

Sheer and shimmering like dew-scattered cobwebs, it allows the red taffeta to peek through. The skirt is full; lined with a removable, double-layered red tulle maxi-skirt that adds v...

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1990s German Ball Gowns

Vivienne Westwood Couture red taffeta corset and ballgown skirt, fw 1996
Vivienne Westwood Couture red taffeta corset and ballgown skirt, fw 1996

Vivienne Westwood Couture red taffeta corset and ballgown skirt, fw 1996

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

▪ Vivienne Westwood evening ensemble ▪ Labelled as a 'SPECIAL ITEM' from Vivienne Westwood's Couture line ▪ Constructed from red taffeta backed with silk organza ▪ Boned corset with...

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1990s English Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oscar de la Renta 2011 Couture Red Strapless Silk Taffeta Ball Gown, Size 6
Oscar de la Renta 2011 Couture Red Strapless Silk Taffeta Ball Gown, Size 6

Oscar de la Renta 2011 Couture Red Strapless Silk Taffeta Ball Gown, Size 6

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Kingston, NY

Turn heads in this Oscar de la Renta couture strapless ball gown from the 2011 collection, exquisitely crafted in vibrant scarlet silk taffeta. The ruched bodice sculpts the waist be...

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Early 2000s Italian Ball Gowns

ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown

ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 2007 "Witches" Black Red Silk Taffeta Bubble Evening Gown

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 2007 "Witches" Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Evening Gown Color(s): Shades of black, red Lined: Yes Marked Fabric Cont...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Vintage 80"s Black Velvet and Pink Taffeta Gown - 4
Vintage 80"s Black Velvet and Pink Taffeta Gown - 4

Vintage 80"s Black Velvet and Pink Taffeta Gown - 4

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage 80"s black velvet top with crystals, and pink taffeta bottom. Length 46", bust 32", waist 26". Size 4

Category

1980s Unknown Evening Gowns

Vintage Nina Ricci Couture 1980s Avant Garde Polka Dot Silk Taffeta Evening Gown
Vintage Nina Ricci Couture 1980s Avant Garde Polka Dot Silk Taffeta Evening Gown

Vintage Nina Ricci Couture 1980s Avant Garde Polka Dot Silk Taffeta Evening Gown

By Nina Ricci

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational vintage 1980s NINA RICCI Couture for NEIMAN MARCUS polka dot Avant Garde silk taffeta sleeveless evening gown! Features a black and white polka dot body, with lipstick re...

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1980s French 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,...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Jill Richards 1980s For Saks Fifth Avenue Red Avant Garde Silk Dress
Vintage Jill Richards 1980s For Saks Fifth Avenue Red Avant Garde Silk Dress

Vintage Jill Richards 1980s For Saks Fifth Avenue Red Avant Garde Silk Dress

By Saks Fifth Avenue, Jill Richards

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 80s JILL RICHARDS, for SAKs Fifth Avenue, red silk + taffeta dress!!! Avant Garde feel, with tiered skirt, and bow in the back.

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Red lace and silk taffeta dress. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR/40FR.

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Alexis de Fursac scarlet chiffon evening dress - Paris Circa 1990
Alexis de Fursac scarlet chiffon evening dress - Paris Circa 1990

Alexis de Fursac scarlet chiffon evening dress - Paris Circa 1990

Located in Toulon, FR

Pleated boat neckline at the bust, long sleeves buttoned at the cuffs and a large built-in cape that ends in a mini-train, batwing style. Matching red taffeta under-dress with slit b...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Recent Sales

1990's Isaac Mizrahi Red Silk Taffeta Dress
1990's Isaac Mizrahi Red Silk Taffeta Dress

1990's Isaac Mizrahi Red Silk Taffeta Dress

By Isaac Mizrahi

Located in North Miami Beach, FL

Embrace bold color this season with this 1990's Isaac Mizrahi red taffeta silk dress. Ruched at the waist, this dress is an instant classic that features a small collar detail and b...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress
Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress

Vintage 1950s Red Dot Taffeta Party Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * red dot print taffeta * tulle lining * back bow tie accent * metal side zipper condition | excellent fits like xs dress length 45" bodice 15" ...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

Fall 1980 Nina Ricci Haute Boutique Red Taffeta and Lace Evening Dress
Fall 1980 Nina Ricci Haute Boutique Red Taffeta and Lace Evening Dress

Fall 1980 Nina Ricci Haute Boutique Red Taffeta and Lace Evening Dress

By Nina Ricci, Gerard Pipart

Located in Paris, FR

NINA RICCI HAUTE BOUTIQUE (Made in France) Red Taffeta and Lace Evening Dress consisting of a long crinoline skirt with a waistband made of pleated bands of traffetas and lace sleeve...

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1980s French Evening Dresses

Don Luis de Espana Black and Red Taffeta Gown
Don Luis de Espana Black and Red Taffeta Gown

Don Luis de Espana Black and Red Taffeta Gown

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a chic and stylish black and red plaid taffeta gown, of the 1970's vintage, designed by Don Luis de Espana. The gown has a solid black top and sleeves with a slightly dropped...

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1970s Spanish Evening Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Tiered Skirt and Ruffled Cuffs
Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Tiered Skirt and Ruffled Cuffs

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Tiered Skirt and Ruffled Cuffs

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Chicago, IL

This striking Oscar de la Renta gown is made of a vivid red taffeta which flashes a bit when moving. The style is reminiscent of 19th century dresses with the fitted bodice and sleev...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Richilene  1970s Silk Taffeta Gown Size 4.
Richilene  1970s Silk Taffeta Gown Size 4.

Richilene 1970s Silk Taffeta Gown Size 4.

By Richilene

Located in Atlanta, GA

Richilene New York 1970s silk taffeta striped gown size 4 was purchased in Houston Texas at Neiman Marcus. Belt has one snap button and three hook and eye. Gown is lined. Ladies plea...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Marquise Double Halo Elipse Earrings, Garnet Crystal Rhinestone with CZ Halo
Marquise Double Halo Elipse Earrings, Garnet Crystal Rhinestone with CZ Halo

Marquise Double Halo Elipse Earrings, Garnet Crystal Rhinestone with CZ Halo

Located in Lynnwood, WA

These would be perfect for a Black Tie event and I can see them working beautifully with either a garnet-colored velvet dress or an iridescent dark red taffeta dress. Dance the night...

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco More Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Garnet, Brass

Portrait of Phoebe Francis Ricker
Portrait of Phoebe Francis Ricker

Portrait of Phoebe Francis Ricker

Unavailable

H 35.25 in W 28.5 in

Portrait of Phoebe Francis Ricker

By Samuel Miller

Located in Columbus, OH

Her dark hair, large almond-shaped blue eyes, and gold necklace nicely set off the dark red of her taffeta dress, which is trimmed with black lace, and her white pantaloons.

Category

Antique 19th Century Paintings

Materials

Canvas

2000s Runway Valentino Red Silk Taffeta Dress
2000s Runway Valentino Red Silk Taffeta Dress

2000s Runway Valentino Red Silk Taffeta Dress

By Valentino

Located in London, GB

The dress is a glorious silk taffeta affair and was designed to turn heads; dresses in the famous "Valentino Red" were always reserved for the finale of any runway event and are amon...

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Early 2000s British Aesthetic Evening Dresses

DOLCE & GABBANA Size 12 Red Taffeta Zip Cocktail Dress
DOLCE & GABBANA Size 12 Red Taffeta Zip Cocktail Dress

DOLCE & GABBANA Size 12 Red Taffeta Zip Cocktail Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in San Francisco, CA

Lovely sleeveless cocktail dress by DOLCE & GABBANA. This style comes in a bold and shiny red structured silk bend taffeta and features a a slight boat neck, structured bubble silhou...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Azzaro Taffeta Dress, Size 36FR
Azzaro Taffeta Dress, Size 36FR

Azzaro Taffeta Dress, Size 36FR

By Loris Azzaro

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Azzaro (Made in Italy)- Short dress in silk taffeta. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Bust: 39 cm (15.35"), Waist: 33.5 cm (13...

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses

Marc Jacobs Dark Magenta Silk Taffeta Dress
Marc Jacobs Dark Magenta Silk Taffeta Dress

Marc Jacobs Dark Magenta Silk Taffeta Dress

By Marc Jacobs

Located in Atlanta, GA

Marc Jacobs dark magenta silk taffeta dress with a built-in ruffled organza crinoline and a cascading drape with pouf. The dress zips at the side with an exaggerated long grosgrain ...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses

S/S 2000 Ralph Lauren Red Gingham Print Silk Taffeta Slip Runway Dress
S/S 2000 Ralph Lauren Red Gingham Print Silk Taffeta Slip Runway Dress

S/S 2000 Ralph Lauren Red Gingham Print Silk Taffeta Slip Runway Dress

By Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren

Located in West Hollywood, CA

TheRealList presents: a gorgeous red gingham silk taffeta Ralph Lauren mini slip dress.

Category

Early 2000s American Cocktail Dresses

OSCAR DE LA RENTA PF12 red silk taffeta belted cocktail dress US0 XS
OSCAR DE LA RENTA PF12 red silk taffeta belted cocktail dress US0 XS

OSCAR DE LA RENTA PF12 red silk taffeta belted cocktail dress US0 XS

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Hong Kong, NT

OSCAR DE LA RENTA PF12 red silk taffeta belted cocktail dress US0 XS Reference: LNKO/A02517 Brand: Oscar de la Renta Designer: Oscar De La Renta Collection: PF12 Material: Silk Color...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Murray Arbeid Red Ruched Taffeta Gown with Bow Details
Murray Arbeid Red Ruched Taffeta Gown with Bow Details

Murray Arbeid Red Ruched Taffeta Gown with Bow Details

By Murray Arbeid

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Murray Arbeid design is composed of a beautiful red silk taffeta. Features a gorgeous cascading ruched detail with a wide sweeping hem and large bows at the shoulders. There is ...

Category

20th Century British Ball Gowns

A Louis Féraud Couture Taffeta Evening Dress with beaded Bodice-Fall 1986-1987
A Louis Féraud Couture Taffeta Evening Dress with beaded Bodice-Fall 1986-1987

A Louis Féraud Couture Taffeta Evening Dress with beaded Bodice-Fall 1986-1987

By Louis Feraud

Located in Toulon, FR

Fall-Winter 1986-1987 Collection France An Amazing evening gown, taken from a fairy tale, by Louis Féraud Haute Couture from the 1986-1987 collection. Bustier with plunging necklin...

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

1970's Lanvin Fuchsia Silk Taffeta Halter Evening Gown Dress w/Detachable Apron
1970's Lanvin Fuchsia Silk Taffeta Halter Evening Gown Dress w/Detachable Apron

1970's Lanvin Fuchsia Silk Taffeta Halter Evening Gown Dress w/Detachable Apron

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Studio City, CA

Late 1970's Lanvin fuchsia silk taffeta evening gown with plunging halter neckline, open back and straight long skirt with back slit. Comes with a detachable 3-tiered asymmetric apro...

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Victor Costa Bright Red Taffeta Evening Gown Strapless Sheath 1970s Size XS
Victor Costa Bright Red Taffeta Evening Gown Strapless Sheath 1970s Size XS

Victor Costa Bright Red Taffeta Evening Gown Strapless Sheath 1970s Size XS

By Victor Costa

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

This brilliant evening gown was designed by Victor Costa in the late 1970s. Made from a polyester/nylon blend taffeta, it features a sheath skirt with an overlay to add dramatic vol...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Rose Ruched Front - 12
Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Rose Ruched Front - 12

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Rose Ruched Front - 12

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Oscar de la Renta Red Silk Taffeta Gown with Rose Ruched Front - 12. This show stopping gown is an amazing piece. It is sleeveless with a straight neckline and a large area of front ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns

OSCAR DE LA RENTA 8 Red Floral Silk Taffeta Pointed Bustier Ruffle Back Gown
OSCAR DE LA RENTA 8 Red Floral Silk Taffeta Pointed Bustier Ruffle Back Gown

OSCAR DE LA RENTA 8 Red Floral Silk Taffeta Pointed Bustier Ruffle Back Gown

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in San Francisco, CA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Fall Winter 2006 gown comes in red floral print silk taffeta with a strapless pointed neckline bustier top, fitted body flared hem with train, and cascading ruffle ...

Category

Early 2000s American Evening Gowns

Carolina Herrera Raspberry Red Silk Taffeta Gown w/ Lace Ruffle
Carolina Herrera Raspberry Red Silk Taffeta Gown w/ Lace Ruffle

Carolina Herrera Raspberry Red Silk Taffeta Gown w/ Lace Ruffle

Located in Gresham, OR

Carolina Herrera raspberry red silk taffeta gown with flared hem, spaghetti straps and delicate lace ruffle at neckline. Size 10. Gorgeous.

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns

Vintage Dusty Rose Velvet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Evening Gown
Vintage Dusty Rose Velvet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Evening Gown

Vintage Dusty Rose Velvet & Silk Taffeta Tiered Evening Gown

Located in Studio City, CA

Vintage dusty rose velvet & silk taffeta tiered evening gown with a velvet bodice featuring a V-neck line and gathering at shoulders, bust, and waist. In fair/good condition with som...

Category

Late 20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

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Red Taffeta Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary red taffeta dress for your needs in our varied inventory. Red is a pretty popular color, but we also have Black, Gray, Beige and more in stock now. You’re likely to find the perfect red taffeta dress among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Oscar De La Renta, Victor Costa and Vivienne Westwood 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 is a Red Taffeta Dress?

The price for a red taffeta dress starts at $250 and tops out at $21,791, and on average, selling for $800.

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.

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