Valentino Blue Short Dress Embroidered with Sequins
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Short dress embroidered with sequins. No size or composition label, it fits a 36FR
Valentino Blue Short Dress Embroidered with Sequins
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Short dress embroidered with sequins. No size or composition label, it fits a 36FR
Valentino Runway Emerald Sequin Shimmer Dress Gown NWT
By Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 70's inspired Valentino Demi Couture evening gown that sparkles and shimmers on the
Valentino Ivory Cocktail Dress with Sequin Embellishments
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
A Valentino ivory crepe de chine cocktail dress with a slouched halter-neck and plunging neckline
VALENTINO mint green burgundy pink SEQUIN Sleeveless Dress 42 M
By Valentino
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Valentino sleeveless knee length dress in sage, burgundy and dusty rose sequins
VALENTINO Sleeveless Cocktail Dress in Silver Lace Embroidered with Sequins 36FR
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant VALENTINO sleeveless cocktail dress in silver lace embroidered with metallic sequins lined
$1,170Sale Price|25% Off
VALENTINO gold sequin embroidered collar cream lace bridal dress
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO gold sequin embroidered collar cream lace bridal dress Reference: LACG/A00399 Brand
Black sleeveless evening dress with beadwork and sequin on tulle Valentino
By Valentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black sleeveless evening dress with beadwork and sequin on nylon tulle mix with velvet. Silk lining
VALENTINO Evening Dress in Beige Silk Embroidered with Sequins and Pearls
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
VALENTINO evening dress in beige silk entirely embroidered sequins and pearls white, gold and
Valentino 98 Vintage black embellished tassel backless sequin maxi dress gown
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI Vintage An incredibly rare black embellished gown from Valentino Spring/Summer 1998
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
NWT $29.900 Valentino Garavani Black Sequin Mimosa Flowers Embroidery Dress US 8
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exceptional Valentino Garavani evening gown from the 2019 collection, executed in black with
90s VALENTINO One shoulder Black Lace Gown with Leopard sequins
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1992-93 Valentino one shoulder black lace dress with gold and black Leopard sequins on the sleeves
VALENTINO yellow poudre silver giallo sequined pailettes silk vest IT40 S
By Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO yellow poudre silver giallo sequined pailettes silk vest IT40 S Reference: NKLL/A00562
Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries Red Valentino
By REDValentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Beige tulle cocktail dress with beads and sequin embroideries. Tulle composition: 100% polyamide
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M see measures
VALENTINO "New" Swarovski Beads Sequins Black Waistband Dress or Gown - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO swarovski beads sequins elegant black waist band for dress / gown - Unworn, New. .. SIZE
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Couture Sequins Silk Velvet Black Gown Dress - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO "New" Couture, sequins, one shoulder strap, velvet black gown dress - Unworn. SIZE
Valentino Sequin Beaded Peach & Gold Evening Dress with Silk Rope Beaded Belt
By Valentino
Located in Portland, OR
This is a sensational Valentino flapper inspired evening dress in shades of pink, blue and gold
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M see measures
VALENTINO "New" Cashmere Top with Golden Sequins Pleated Golden Skirt - Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO cashmere top with golden swarovski sequins and pleated golden silk skirt - Unworn, New
Unavailable
Size: equivalent S / M - see measures
VALENTINO "New" Haute Couture Lilac Top Jacket Pleated Skirt Sequins Silk-Unworn
By Valentino
Located in Somo (Santander), ES
VALENTINO Haute Couture lilac, 3 pcs, top jacket and pleated skirt, with swarovski sequins
Valentino Short Dress Embroidered with Sequins
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - (Made in Italy) Short dress embroidered with sequins. Marked size 4, it fits a 36FR
Valentino Sequin Dress
By Valentino
Located in Athens, GA
Valentino Pink Tiger Sequin Dress. Mint. Brand new condition. With original tags. Beautiful beading
Valentino Silver Sequin Mini Dress w/Twisted Knot Motif
By Valentino
Located in Studio City, CA
2010 Valentino silver sequin mini dress with V-neck and twisted frontal knot detail. Lined at the
Valentino Off-White Tulle Dress Entirely Embroidered with Sequins
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - Off-white tulle dress entirely embroidered with sequins representing flower patterns
RED Valentino Silver Sequin & Beaded Sleeveless Dress Size S
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
and some sequins missing on this used Red Valentino designer resale item. Details Silver Sequin
Valentino Beaded and Sequined Slip Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino, beaded and sequined on tulle, slip dress. C. 1090's.
Valentino Ruffle & Sequin Embellished Silk Dress
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino Ruffle & Sequin Embellished Silk Dress Black, knee length dress designed with decorative
Valentino Embroidered and Sequinned Chinoiserie Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Luxurious and elegant 2 pc Valentino cocktail dress. The T shirt top and skirt are completely
Valentino Vintage 1960s Striped Metallic Sequin Color Block Silk Sheath Dress
By Valentino
Located in Sparks, NV
Rare late-1960s color block sequin sheath dress by Valentino Boutique. Purple silk satin lining and
Valentino Garavani Red Valentino Black Sequinned Mini Dress Size M
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Synthetic Dress Mini Sequin embellished Sleeveless Round neck Sheer Ruffle skirt
Valentino Garavani Black Sequin Collar Mini Dress Size XS
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
Dress Mini Stretchy Sequin embellished collar Short sleeves Elasticated waist Ribbed
Valentino Black Silk Sequin Strappy Dress - UK 6 / XS
By Valentino
Located in Krakow, PL
Stunning Valentino black silk dress, perfect for your next special occasion! This beautiful dress
Valentino Night black velvet and gold sequined cocktail dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino Night 20's inspired dropped waist velvet cocktail dress. Dress bodice is plain
Valentino Garavani Yellow Feather-Trimmed Sequinned Mini Dress Size XXS
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the dress is evident on this used Valentino
Valentino Garavani Yellow Feather-Trimmed Sequinned Mini Dress Size XXS
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Very good. Hardly any visible wear to the dress is evident on this used Valentino
Valentino vintage ivory silver sequin beaded backless wedding dress maxi gown
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A beautiful floor length vintage gown by Valentino that could also be worn as an evening dress or
Vintage Valentino SS01 nude cut out sheer sequin embellished plunging dress gown
By Valentino
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A very rare Vintage Valentino floor length gown from their Spring Summer 2001 Collection (Look 81
Valentino Garavani Black Sequin Embellished Tulle Maxi Gown Size S
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Never worn, with tags. No visible wear to dress is evident. However, one of sequin is
VALENTINO pink wool silk crepe sequin sheer collar fit flare mini dress UK6 XS
By Valentino
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VALENTINO pink wool silk crepe sequin sheer collar fit flare mini dress UK6 XS Reference: LACG
Valentino Metallic Bead and Sequin Spaghetti Strap Gown – 12
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Valentino gown has spaghetti straps and is a taupe color. It features metallic beads and
Valentino Runway Vintage Gold Sequin Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2002 Size 8
By Valentino
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Valentino Runway Vintage Gold Sequin Evening Gown Fall/Winter 2002 Size 8
Valentino Set Haute Couture Silk Set Embroidered with Sequins, Fall-winter 1985
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Haute Couture silk set embroidered with sequins in pearl grey tones. No size nor
S/S 1997 Valentino Garavani Runway Naomi Abstract Organic Form Sequin Gown
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
sequins that give the dress an abstract organic design. This fitted slip dress features a small v-neckline
S/S 1997 Valentino Garavani Runway Ad Dégradé Sequin Plunging Cowl Backless Gown
By Valentino, Valentino Garavani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This stunning gold sequin Valentino gown debuted on the Spring/Summer 1997 season's runway. This
Dolce & Gabbana "San Valentino" Collection Lace, Chiffon & Sequin Mini Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Studio City, CA
Dolce & Gabbana "San Valentino" collection black lace with chiffon sleeves mini dress featuring red
Sold
Size: 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
Black tulle sleeveless cocktail dress with gold sequin and beads Red Valentino
By REDValentino
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black tulle sleeveless cocktail dress with gold sequin and beads. Zip closure on the middle back
Valentino Strapless Sequined Evening Dress
By Valentino
Located in New York, NY
Valentino, rust and white, tropical pattern, strapless, sarong, style evening dress. Dress is
Valentino Dress in Raw Silk Fully Embroidered with Beads and Sequins
By Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino - (Made in Italy) Dress in raw silk fully embroidered with beads and sequins. Size
Valentino Garavani RED Valentino Silver Sequin & Beaded Sleeveless Dress Size S
By Valentino Garavani
Located in London, GB
and some sequins missing on this used Red Valentino designer resale item. Details Silver Sequin
S/S 2005 Valentino Garavani Runway Beaded Sequin Tassel Beige Green Sheer Dress
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: an abstract floral green beaded/sequined Valentino dress. From the Spring
Vintage Valentino Sequined Flapper 20s Style Car Wash Hem Chiffon Dress + Shawl
By Valentino
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular vintage VALENTINO ivory chiffon sequined 1920s style car wash hem flapper dress and
Valentino Set Haute Couture Silk Set Embroidered with Sequins, Fall-winter 1985
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Valentino -Haute Couture silk set embroidered with sequins in pearl grey tones. No size nor
1990s Fine Bead & Sequin Valentino Dress
By Valentino
Located in Rockwood, ON
This couture quality constructed cocktail dress that it is elaborately beaded and sequined by hand
Valentino Black Sequined Puff Sleeve Detail Shift Dress M
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
Style, glamour, and poise are all delivered in spades in this shift dress by Valentino! Perfect for
1980s Valentino Silk Velvet & Sequined Puff Sleeve Dress
By Valentino
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A gorgeous 1980s Valentino Nigh black velvet gown with a fitted bodice, embellished puff sleeves
$24K Valentino's Enchanted Wonderland Sequin Embellished Dress
By Valentino
Located in Montgomery, TX
Inspired by the work of the late Elio Fiorucci, Valentino's Enchanted Wonderland motif turns heads
Valentino Vintage Sequin Cocktail Dress with Car Wash Sequin Fringe and Shawl
By Valentino
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Valentino Vintage Sequin Cocktail Dress with Car Wash Sequin Fringe and Shawl So pretty , but hard
Valentino Lace Trim Sequin Slip Dress New / Tags
By Valentino
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Exquisite Valentino Lace Trim Sequin Slip Dress by Maria Grazia Chiuri &Pier Paolo Piccioli. New
Valentino Vintage Sequined Tulle And Satin Dress Us 10 Uk 14
By Valentino
Located in London, GB
Valentino Vintage Sequined Tulle And Satin Dress. Black. Short Sleeve. Mock Neck. Button and zip
Valentino Black Sequin Gown
By Valentino
Located in Topanga, CA
Valentino black silk gown with 20's style detailed sequin net overlay. Accented with a silk rose
Valentino little black silk dress with sequins on sheer net
By Valentino
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Valentino little black dress with sequins on sheer net
Valentino Silk Little Black Dress with Sequin Sheer Net Inserts
By Valentino
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Valentino Little Black Dress with Sequin Sheer Net Inserts
1970's Valentino Haute-Couture Black Sequin Silk Long-Sleeve Plunge Dress
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
waist for an ultra flattering swing-skirt silhouette. Valentino has dressed some of the world's most
Valentino Pink Sequined Tulle Floral Design Dress From 2013 Resort Collection
By Valentino
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Valentino pink sequin tulle "Baby Doll" style dress. This Valentino dress from the 2013 resort
Valentino Sequin and Beaded Evening Gown
By Valentino
Located in Topanga, CA
Stunning, unworn black bead, sequin and silk chiffon red-carpet evening gown. Net bodice with bugle
Valentino Pink Sequin Embellished Tulle Gown L
By Valentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This tulle gown from Valentino appears to have been made for a queen! The creation is so beautiful
80S VALENTINO 40S-STYLE VELVET AND SEQUINS
By Valentino
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Valentino does drop-dead 40s glamour for evening! The woman who wears this will look like a movie
Valentino 1980's solid sequin sheath
By Mario Valentino, Valentino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Sequined cocktail dress with spaghetti straps and lace trim slip with detail showing at hem
1990's Valentino Couture Metallic Bronze Sequin Backless Gown
By Valentino
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
perfect example of his vision. The dress is fashioned from lined sequin silk-tulle. The bodice is a low
Valentino Elegant Sheer Sequin Silk Evening Gown 90's
By Valentina, Valentino
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Valentino Elegant Sheer Sequin Silk Evening Gown. This dress features a dramatically
Red Valentino Silver Sequined Pearl Embellished Sleeveless Mini Shift Dress S
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This beauty of a dress from Red Valentino comes especially tailored for you. It is designed as a
Red Valentino Silver Sequined Pearl Embellished Sleeveless Mini Shift Dress S
By REDValentino
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
This beauty of a dress from Red Valentino comes especially tailored for you. It is designed as a
$2,963Sale Price|24% Off
Size: IT 44
New Alexander McQueen Olive Green Wool Cape Jacket Coat Size IT 44
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2015 Brand New $3950 Butter Soft Wool IT44 Olive Mock Knit at Neck Zips and Belted at Waist Fully Lined Two Front Pockets Bust: 37" Waist: 32" Shoulder:...
Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible, sexy, and timeless vintage 1980s Giorgio di Sant Angelo white beaded dress! Encrusted with thousands of seed beads, rhinestones, etc...The detail on this sexy little numb...
1960s Jack Bryan Yellow Silk Rhinestone Beaded 60s A-Line Dress + Jacket Suit
By Jack Bryan, Jack Bryan by Dupuis
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1960s JACK BRYAN yellow silk shantung A-Line dress and jacket ensemble! Dress features a tailored bodice with a forgiving A-Line shape skirt. Full metal zipper up the ba...
$1,454Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...
$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...
Vicky Tiel 1980s Silk Strapless High Low Bustier Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great pink silk high low dress from Vicky Tiel. It has a drop waist horizontally ruched boned bustier bodice onto which is gathered a full skirt knee length in the front, ankle len...
Gai Mattiolo 1990s Sexy Semi Sheer Leopard Brown Metallic Vintage 90s Dress
By Gai Mattiolo
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy late 90s GAI MATTIOLO vintage semi sheer leopard print brown semi sheer sleeveless dress! Features intricate embroidery on the bodice, which covers the breasts. Gold, silver and...
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...
Dolce & Gabbana c.2000 Halter Cutout Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Naples, FL
Dolce & Gabbana c.2000 Halter Cutout Open Back Black Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Dolce & Gabbana black evening gown with ruching details at bust and exposed cutout back featuring conce...
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...
$327Sale Price|30% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Iconic Destructured Sailor Stripes Sweater
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage iconic destructured sailor stripes sweater featuring detachable sleeves. This sweater features : - Black knitted fabric with white stripes design. - Turtl...
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Button Front Dress
By Givenchy, Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
GIVENCHY Couture A/W 1998 ALEXANDER McQUEEN Ruby Red Wool Knit Fitted Button Front Dress Circa: 1998 Label(s): Givenchy / Couture / Made In France / Paris / 8HG 8520152830 Desig...
New Emilio Pucci Runway Pumps Heels Wedges Sz 37
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Emilio Pucci Gorgeous Blue Suede Wedge Heels Size: 37 Suede Adjustable Ankle Strap Pucci Painted Cork Heel Heels: 5" Platforms: 1" New With Dust Cover
Chanel Runway Spring 2000 Multi colored Silk Skirt-38
By Chanel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chanel Multi colored Silk Skirt-38 from the runway of the 2000 Spring/Summer collection. This adorable Chanel skirt is in excellent condition, it has minimal sign of use. It is made ...
1990s Valentino Black Chiffon and Velvet Dress Shirt Dress
By Valentino
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Amazing 1990s Valentino little black shirt dress from Holt Renfrew Canada. Top is black chiffon with a pussy bow tie, sheer bishop sleeves and delicate ruching at shoulders. Jet blac...
Edwardian Ivory Light Weight Silk Haute Couture Blouse With Mother-Of-Pearl But
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Ivory Light Weight Silk Haute Couture Blouse With Mother-Of-Pearl Buttons From Paris
The mononymously known Italian designer Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (b. 1932) is renowned for his fashion house of romantic styles and feminine shapes that he founded in Rome in 1960. Valentino dresses, skirts and other apparel captured the hearts of many of Italy’s wealthiest ladies in the couturier’s early days and led to commissions from Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Jayne Wrightsman and others on the international best-dressed list (when it still meant something). They sought out Valentino for gorgeous gowns, jackets, elegant daytime wear and even when they needed wedding dresses.
An early fascination with fashion developed when Valentino attended the theater as a child and was dazzled by the evening gowns on stage. While a teenager in Voghera, Lombardy, he studied under Italian designer Ernestina Salvadeo and soon moved to Paris, where he trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Valentino spent time apprenticing under haute couturiers Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, learning how to design and construct high fashion while also thinking about how to strike out on his own.
In 1959, Valentino returned to Italy, and a year later, he opened his own salon, soon joining with longtime professional and personal partner Giancarlo Giammetti. It was located on Rome’s trendy Via Condotti and modeled after the French maisons. One of his earliest clients was Elizabeth Taylor, who discovered Valentino while she was in Rome filming Cleopatra and ordered the white dress that she wore to the premiere of Spartacus.
When the designer launched his first couture line in 1962 with its fiery red colors, it was internationally celebrated, with Valentino soon attiring fashion trendsetters including Princess Margaret and Audrey Hepburn. He formed an especially close friendship with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for whom he designed numerous dresses. Luxurious drapery with fine needlework, bold uses of color and dramatic flourishes would define Valentino fashion across the decades.
As a fashion house, Valentino is best known for its signature Valentino Red color, though one of its iconic lines is the monochromatic “no colour” collection for which the designer won the Neiman Marcus Award in 1967. (The collection also debuted his trademark “V.”) The white dresses and beige dresses led to a demand for Valentino wedding gowns, with clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway.
Valentino retired from his fashion empire in 2007, with Alessandra Facchinetti and then the duo Maria Grazia Chiuri (who departed in 2016) and Pierpaolo Piccioli succeeding him as creative directors. But Valentino still steps out of retirement for special occasions, such as designing a wedding gown for Princess Madeleine of Sweden in 2013.
Today, the brand offers a range of collections that include the Valentino Garavani line and REDValentino, a diffusion line that is aimed at a younger audience. The house has expanded far beyond women’s haute couture and prêt-à-porter to encompass various lines of accessories, including shoes, sunglasses, scarves and perfume.
Find vintage Valentino evening dresses, handbags and other items on 1stDibs now.
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.