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Silk Evening Dresses

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Vintage Red Silk Evening Gown
Vintage Red Silk Evening Gown

Vintage Red Silk Evening Gown

Located in London, GB

A stunning vintage silk evening gown in a vibrant shade of red. The dress has frill cap sleaves, a drop waist and a central back zip.

Category

1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

VALENTINO Stunning Butterfly Print Silk Evening Cocktail Dress 6
VALENTINO Stunning Butterfly Print Silk Evening Cocktail Dress 6

VALENTINO Stunning Butterfly Print Silk Evening Cocktail Dress 6

By Valentino

Located in Switzerland, CH

This Valentino dress has been crafted in Italy from featherweight silk and is printed with butterflies- a key motif from the brand. The silhouette is enhanced by the fluttering ruffl...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Silk Jacquard Evening Dress, FW 1999
Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Silk Jacquard Evening Dress, FW 1999

Christian Dior by John Galliano Blue Silk Jacquard Evening Dress, FW 1999

By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Fabric: Iridescent Silk Jacquard with Fil Coupé Clipped Floats ▪ Size: FR36 - UK8 - US4 ▪ ...

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1990s French Evening Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Damask Taffeta Evening Dress, FW 2000
Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Damask Taffeta Evening Dress, FW 2000

Christian Dior by John Galliano Silk Damask Taffeta Evening Dress, FW 2000

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Excellent ▪ Mannequi...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses

Lanvin Haute Couture Off-The-Shoulder Striped-Print Silk Chiffon Evening Dress
Lanvin Haute Couture Off-The-Shoulder Striped-Print Silk Chiffon Evening Dress

Lanvin Haute Couture Off-The-Shoulder Striped-Print Silk Chiffon Evening Dress

By Lanvin Paris

Located in Geneva, CH

Perfect for early or late summer events, the evening dress features an elasticated ruffled neckline which sits comfortably on or off the shoulders, together with fantastic fluttery p...

Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

Alexander McQueen red silk chiffon empire evening dress with train, fw 2008
Alexander McQueen red silk chiffon empire evening dress with train, fw 2008

Alexander McQueen red silk chiffon empire evening dress with train, fw 2008

By Alexander McQueen

Located in London, GB

Alexander McQueen red crinkled silk chiffon empire evening dress with long train, structured bust and draped skirt.

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré cowl neck evening dress, fw 1999
Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré cowl neck evening dress, fw 1999

Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré cowl neck evening dress, fw 1999

By Versace, Gianni Versace

Located in London, GB

▪ Atelier Versace black silk velvet devoré calf-length evening dress ▪ Cowl neck ▪ Bias cut ▪ Turquoise bead trim ▪ Leg slit ▪ Concealed zipper at the side seam ▪ This dress is th...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Alexander McQueen metallic silver silk lamé open-back evening dress, ss 1997
Alexander McQueen metallic silver silk lamé open-back evening dress, ss 1997

Alexander McQueen metallic silver silk lamé open-back evening dress, ss 1997

By Alexander McQueen

Located in London, GB

▪ Alexander McQueen metallic silver silk lamé evening dress ▪ V-neck ▪ Open back with a belted waist ▪ Accordion pleated panel starting at the hip and finishing into a train ▪ Conce...

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1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace black silk evening wrap dress with lace underlay, fw 2000
Gianni Versace black silk evening wrap dress with lace underlay, fw 2000

Gianni Versace black silk evening wrap dress with lace underlay, fw 2000

By Gianni Versace

Located in London, GB

▪ Gianni Versace black silk evening wrap dress ▪ Lace underlay ▪ Open back ▪ Beaded belt fastening ▪ Boat neck ▪ Pleated detail at waist ▪ Draped detail at back fastening ▪ IT 3...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Evening Dress and Silk Shawl
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Evening Dress and Silk Shawl

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2001 Psychedelic Print Evening Dress and Silk Shawl

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Paris, FR

Consisting of a floor-length synthetic blend slip dress and a slk printed shawl. Size Large Excellent vintage condition Chest : 38cm Hips : 48cm Length : 126cm

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Roberto Cavalli Distressed Pink Silk Mesh Evening Halter Neck Dress, ss 2001
Roberto Cavalli Distressed Pink Silk Mesh Evening Halter Neck Dress, ss 2001

Roberto Cavalli Distressed Pink Silk Mesh Evening Halter Neck Dress, ss 2001

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival Roberto Cavalli Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from pink silk chiffon ▪ Enveloped in a distressed black silk mesh overlay, featuring layered paneling and fra...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Roberto Cavalli black shredded silk strapless evening dress with train, fw 2001
Roberto Cavalli black shredded silk strapless evening dress with train, fw 2001

Roberto Cavalli black shredded silk strapless evening dress with train, fw 2001

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

▪ Roberto Cavalli evening dress ▪ Constructed from multiple strips of shredded silk applied onto mesh ▪ Built-in boned corset and bodysuit ▪ Super high leg slit at the center-front ...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino Square Neckline Black Silk Blend Evening Gown
Valentino Square Neckline Black Silk Blend Evening Gown

Valentino Square Neckline Black Silk Blend Evening Gown

By Valentino

Located in PARIS, FR

Crafted in Italy from a luxurious silk-rich blend. This elegant dress is sleeveless, with clean, architectural lines—a hallmark of Valentino’s refined couture heritage.

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Early 2000s Italian Maxi Dress

Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12
Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12

Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12

By Bill Blass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bill Blass lacquered lace black silk chiffon evening dress from the 1970s. This beautiful evening gown has never been worn and still has the original tags.

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Silk Embellished Evening Dress, FW 2001
Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Silk Embellished Evening Dress, FW 2001

Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Silk Embellished Evening Dress, FW 2001

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in London, GB


▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 2001 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Tulle ▪ Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Very Good ▪ ...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Roberto Cavalli Silk Evening Gown
Roberto Cavalli Silk Evening Gown

Roberto Cavalli Silk Evening Gown

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

A wonderful silk evening gown by Roberto Cavalli. The dress has a pretty floral print near the hem and pretty pleats at hip leval.

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Angel Sanchez Navy Blue Silk Vintage 90s Strapless Evening Gown Dress
1990s Angel Sanchez Navy Blue Silk Vintage 90s Strapless Evening Gown Dress

1990s Angel Sanchez Navy Blue Silk Vintage 90s Strapless Evening Gown Dress

By Angel Sanchez

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning late 1990s ANGEL SANCHEZ Couture navy blue silk strapless mermaid evening gown ! The perfect alternative to black, this shade of navy blue in particular is quite striking. I...

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1990s American Evening Gowns

CHRISTIAN DIOR pink silk 2016 SEQUIN DOTTED TULLE EVENING Dress 36 XS
CHRISTIAN DIOR pink silk 2016 SEQUIN DOTTED TULLE EVENING Dress 36 XS

CHRISTIAN DIOR pink silk 2016 SEQUIN DOTTED TULLE EVENING Dress 36 XS

By Christian Dior

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Christian Dior 2016 sequin dotted tulle dress in dusty rose and black silk (100%). Features an a-line fit and a v-neck. Slip dress and overdress both open with a conce...

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2010s Evening Gowns

NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress
NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress

NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

The Danes Vintage Black 100% silk Extra long Pullover Sheer mesh back Size USA 8 NWT's, Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: length 66, pit to pit 16 to 18, smallest of waist...

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Early 2000s Evening Gowns

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42
UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano Hourglass Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress 42

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in Switzerland, CH

An extremely luxurious and CHRISTIAN DIOR signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, couture-like piece hand-crafted by the seamstresses in Christian Dior's atelier in Pa...

Category

Early 2000s French Evening Gowns

Rick Owens early black silk deconstructed trained evening dress, c. 1995 - 1997
Rick Owens early black silk deconstructed trained evening dress, c. 1995 - 1997

Rick Owens early black silk deconstructed trained evening dress, c. 1995 - 1997

By Rick Owens

Located in London, GB

▪ Rick Owens early black deconstructed evening dress ▪ Rayon crepe asymmetric bodice with twisted shoulder strap ▪ Asymmetric peplum descending from the waist ▪ Bias cut long skirt ...

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1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress
LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress

LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes Vintage 1996 Jet black opaque Crinkle effect but chic Has panels so I lightened pics so you can see them Has an attached ribbon that you can tie however you like 2 butt...

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21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

UNWORN Roberto Cavalli Vintage Exotic Snake Print Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress S
UNWORN Roberto Cavalli Vintage Exotic Snake Print Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress S

UNWORN Roberto Cavalli Vintage Exotic Snake Print Silk Evening Gown Maxi Dress S

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Switzerland, CH

A beautiful ROBERTO CAVALLI evening gown that will last you for years From the most prestigious ROBERTO CAVALLI main line Made out of most beautiful fabric with exotic snakeskin anim...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

1970s Lillie Rubin Black Silk Sequin Belted Vintage 70s Sleeveless Evening Dress
1970s Lillie Rubin Black Silk Sequin Belted Vintage 70s Sleeveless Evening Dress

1970s Lillie Rubin Black Silk Sequin Belted Vintage 70s Sleeveless Evening Dress

By Lillie Rubin

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous vintage 70s LILLIE RUBIN black silk fully sequined sleeveless gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins throughout the entire dress. Attached belt hooks closed at the ba...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Raffaella Silk Chiffon Evening Ensemble
Raffaella Silk Chiffon Evening Ensemble

Raffaella Silk Chiffon Evening Ensemble

Located in Geneva, CH

This refined Raffaella ensemble would be perfect for any evening event or would make a fantastic wedding dress.

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1970s Unknown Evening Gowns

Halston 1970s Black Silk Bias Iconic Bishop Sleeve Vintage Evening Gown Dress
Halston 1970s Black Silk Bias Iconic Bishop Sleeve Vintage Evening Gown Dress

Halston 1970s Black Silk Bias Iconic Bishop Sleeve Vintage Evening Gown Dress

By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick

Located in San Diego, CA

Iconic beautiful 1970s vintage Halston black bias cut gown ! Features an asymmetrical neckline in the front and bac. Simply slips over the head. Buttons at each bishop sleeve cuff. T...

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1970s American Evening Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Exotic Printed & Silver Stenciled Silk Velvet Evening Dress 8
Oscar de la Renta Exotic Printed & Silver Stenciled Silk Velvet Evening Dress 8

Oscar de la Renta Exotic Printed & Silver Stenciled Silk Velvet Evening Dress 8

By Oscar de la Renta Active, Oscar De La Renta

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Oscar de la Renta exotic printed burgundy and silver stenciled silk velvet belted evening dress from the mid 1990s.

Category

1990s American Evening Dresses

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Constellation Print Slip Silk Train Evening Dress Gown
Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Constellation Print Slip Silk Train Evening Dress Gown

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Constellation Print Slip Silk Train Evening Dress Gown

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Roberto Cavalli F/W 2003 Constellation Zodiac Print Slip Silk Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown Condition: Good Vintage Condition, light discoloration on the lower right side, not notic...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown
Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown

Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown

By Gianni Versace Couture

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace F/W 2000 Runway Plunging Sheer Lace Silk Backless Evening Dress Gown IT 40 Look 59 from the Fall 2000 Collection.

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE 1998 Vintage Silk Gold Evening Gown Maxi Dress w. Train
PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE 1998 Vintage Silk Gold Evening Gown Maxi Dress w. Train

PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE 1998 Vintage Silk Gold Evening Gown Maxi Dress w. Train

By PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Pamela Dennis Couture 1998 Vintage As seen in American Vogue Yellow Gold tapestry print 100% thick silk Removable long oversized dramatic train Back zip Size USA 6 Excellent Conditio...

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1990s Evening Gowns

Gianni Versace F/W 1999 Runway Cutout Silk Open Back Evening Dress Gown
Gianni Versace F/W 1999 Runway Cutout Silk Open Back Evening Dress Gown

Gianni Versace F/W 1999 Runway Cutout Silk Open Back Evening Dress Gown

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Gianni Versace F/W 1999 Runway Cutout Turquoise Silk Open Back Evening Dress Gown IT 38 As seen on the F/W 1999 Runway.

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Chinoiserie Print Silk Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown
Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Chinoiserie Print Silk Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Chinoiserie Print Silk Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2003 Chinoiserie Print Silk Train Maxi Evening Dress Gown 2 Piece Roberto Cavalli semi-sheer chinoiserie print silk maxi dress featuring an floral & leopard prin...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Black Silk & Lace Mini Dress Cocktail Dress
Chanel Black Silk & Lace Mini Dress Cocktail Dress

Chanel Black Silk & Lace Mini Dress Cocktail Dress

By Chanel

Located in Studio City, CA

1980's Chanel black short-sleeved mini dress comprised of a medium weight silk fitted upper bodice, a horizontally ruched lace mid-section, a fitted waist made of gathered lace and a...

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1980s French Mini Dress

Ronald Amey Evening Gown Black Lace and Silk Taffeta Formal Dress Vintage 70s
Ronald Amey Evening Gown Black Lace and Silk Taffeta Formal Dress Vintage 70s

Ronald Amey Evening Gown Black Lace and Silk Taffeta Formal Dress Vintage 70s

By Ronald Amey

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

A breathtaking piece of 1970s American couture, this black lace and taffeta evening gown by Ronald Amey is a rare find for collectors of fine vintage fashion. Crafted with exceptiona...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Tom Ford pink and black silk multi panelled evening maxi dress, fw 2015
Tom Ford pink and black silk multi panelled evening maxi dress, fw 2015

Tom Ford pink and black silk multi panelled evening maxi dress, fw 2015

By Tom Ford

Located in London, GB

▪ Tom Ford multicoloured evening dress ▪ 100% Silk ▪ Undulating panels in fuchsia, champagne pink and black ▪ Black velvet bodice ▪ Black tinsel panel ▪ High leg slit at centre ba...

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2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Versace Red Silk Evening Long Gown Dress w/Patent Leather Detail 38 -2
Versace Red Silk Evening Long Gown Dress w/Patent Leather Detail 38 -2

Versace Red Silk Evening Long Gown Dress w/Patent Leather Detail 38 -2

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VERSACE Red Silk Long Dress One shoulder strap. Front cut out on the left leg. Patent Leather perforated inserts. Content: 97% silk,3% polyamide Trim: 100% leather IT Size 38 - US ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Gowns

Roberto Cavalli black silk crepe evening dress with allover jewel print, fw 2002
Roberto Cavalli black silk crepe evening dress with allover jewel print, fw 2002

Roberto Cavalli black silk crepe evening dress with allover jewel print, fw 2002

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

▪ Roberto Cavalli black silk-crepe evening dress ▪ Allover multicoloured jewel print ▪ Plunging neckline ▪ Floor-length skirt with train and dancing loop ▪ Size Medium ▪ Made in I...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano black floral silk jacquard draped evening dress and shawl, ss 1999
John Galliano black floral silk jacquard draped evening dress and shawl, ss 1999

John Galliano black floral silk jacquard draped evening dress and shawl, ss 1999

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ John Galliano black evening dress and shawl ▪ Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Constructed from black floral silk jacquard ▪ Double-layered ▪ Large drape to one hip ▪ Floor-length skirt ▪ ...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

John Galliano Black Bias-Cut Silk Draped One-Sleeve Evening Dress, FW 1999
John Galliano Black Bias-Cut Silk Draped One-Sleeve Evening Dress, FW 1999

John Galliano Black Bias-Cut Silk Draped One-Sleeve Evening Dress, FW 1999

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB


▪ Brand: John Galliano ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Fabric: Silk ▪ Size: approx. FR34/36 - UK6/8 - US2/4 ▪ Made in: France ▪ Condition: Very G...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

NWT Vintage Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Silk Mini Nude Sequin Evening Dress US 8
NWT Vintage Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Silk Mini Nude Sequin Evening Dress US 8

NWT Vintage Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Silk Mini Nude Sequin Evening Dress US 8

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Montgomery, TX

NWT Vintage Oscar de la Renta Silk Embellished Mini Dress S/S 2011 Collection US size - 8 Nude color silk embellished with soft-gold color sequins and beads. Shift silhouette. 3/4 sl...

Category

2010s American Mini Dress

BARNETT c.1910's Rose Pink & Black Silk Velvet Sleeveless Peplum Evening Dress
BARNETT c.1910's Rose Pink & Black Silk Velvet Sleeveless Peplum Evening Dress

BARNETT c.1910's Rose Pink & Black Silk Velvet Sleeveless Peplum Evening Dress

Located in Thiensville, WI

DESCRIPTION: BARNETT c.1910's Rose Pink & Black Silk Velvet Sleeveless Peplum Evening Dress Circa: c.1910's Edwardian / 1920's Flapper Label(s): Barnett Style: Peplum dress Color...

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1920s Unknown Evening Dresses

Jean Dessès haute couture emerald and gold silk brocade evening dress, c. 1962
Jean Dessès haute couture emerald and gold silk brocade evening dress, c. 1962

Jean Dessès haute couture emerald and gold silk brocade evening dress, c. 1962

By Jean Dessès

Located in London, GB

To ensure a luxurious and comfortable experience, the dress is thoughtfully lined with the finest silk chiffon, further elevating its lavish appeal.

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1960s Greek Evening Dresses and Gowns

Valentino 2000s Size 6 Black Silk Lace Cut-Out Sequin Evening Gown Dress
Valentino 2000s Size 6 Black Silk Lace Cut-Out Sequin Evening Gown Dress

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...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

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Silk Evening Dresses For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of silk evening dresses for sale on 1stDibs. Our collection of silk evening dresses includes a variety of colors, spanning black, gray, brown and more. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many classic iterations of silk evening dresses over the years, but those made by Christian Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino are often thought to be among the most stylish. When shopping for these accessories, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men or unisex today than there are for women.

How Much are Silk Evening Dresses?

Prices for silk evening dresses can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $245,000, while these items, on average, fetch $1,362.

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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