Versace 2021/22 Women's Black Viscose Dress with Silk Straps & Slit
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Super dress by Versace F/W collection 2021/22 Black color Viscose (97%) Elastan (3%) Silk straps
Versace 2021/22 Women's Black Viscose Dress with Silk Straps & Slit
By Versace
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Super dress by Versace F/W collection 2021/22 Black color Viscose (97%) Elastan (3%) Silk straps
VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01806
Versace Fall 2021 Starfish Print Sleeveless Midi Dress Yellow IT 42
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Sleeveless garment-pleated satin mid-length dress in yellow featuring graphic pattern printed in
Versace S/S 2021/22 Re-edition of S/S 1994 Safety Pin Dress
By Versace
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this 2021/22 Versace Spring Summer re-edition black safety pin dress
$344Sale Price|35% Off
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01174 Brand
$360Sale Price|40% Off
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01171
$2,772Sale Price|30% Off
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer white starfish corset flounce dress IT40 L
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer white starfish corset flounce dress IT40 L Reference: TGAS
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS/D00316
S/S 2021 L# 24 VERSACE TRESOR DE LA MER BLUE STARFISH FRILL PLISSE Dress IT 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection Spring/Summer 2021 look # 24 Blue plisse dress Gold-tone hardware with
Versace S/S 2021 Runway Trésor De La Mer Crystal Embellished Bustier Mini Dress
By Versace
Located in Naples, FL
Versace S/S 2021 Runway Trésor De La Mer Crystal Embellished Bustier Mini Dress Size IT 38
Versace S/S 2021/22 Re-edition of S/S 1994 Safety Pin Dress
By Versace
Located in London, GB
2021/22 Versace Spring Summer re-edition black safety pin dress. Features short sleeves with
new VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway pink scaled crystal encrusted strapless dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01806
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01174 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01171
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00274 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01173 Brand
new VERSACE 2021 black Medusa buckle strap cold shoulder mini dress IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 black Medusa buckle strap cold shoulder mini dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS/C01787
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01769 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00898 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS Reference: TGAS/D00271
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00275 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00274 Brand
new VERSACE 2021 black Medusa buckle strap cold shoulder mini dress IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 black Medusa buckle strap cold shoulder mini dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C01788
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT38 XS Brand: Versace Designer
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer blue print starfish belt dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00898
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer Medusa bustier harness sheath dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer Medusa bustier harness sheath dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer Medusa bustier harness sheath dress IT40 S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer Medusa bustier harness sheath dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer gold Medusa bustier harness dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01769
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01847
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS/C01849
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/C01848
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00279
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS Reference: TGAS/D00278
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS Reference: TGAS/D00271
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00275
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/D00277
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00273
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT40 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT40 M Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT44 L
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Tresor De La Mer green blue starfish print casual dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS
VERSACE 2021 Tresor de la Mer Runway black layered bra U neck dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Tresor de la Mer Runway black orange layered bra U neck dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/D00276 Brand
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00952
2021 Versace Runway Embellished crepe Bustier Black White mini dress IT 38
By Versace
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
Dress Crepe Embellished Contrasting trims Plissé trims Fully lined Fluted hem Concealed hook and
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT36 XXS Reference: TGAS/D00271
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00953
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/C00953
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT42 M
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer pink Medusa flared dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/D00280
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer green Medusa flared dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/D00272
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT42 M
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT40 S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT40 S
By Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway Tresor De La Mer blue starfish frill plisse dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT40 S
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Runway green Tresor De La Mer starfish plisse slip dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS
new VERSACE 2021 Medusa safety pin crystal charm satin midi gown IT38 XS
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new VERSACE 2021 Medusa safety pin crystal charm satin midi gown IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/C01799
S/S 2021 New VERSACE GREEN SEASHELL MINI DRESS 38 - 2
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection 2021 Green silk mini dress Gold-tone hardware on straps The necklace and
S/S 2021 L# 60 VERSACE TRESOR De La Mer WHITE MEDUSA RUFFLE DRESS IT 38
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection Spring/Summer 2021 Look # 60 Closure: Zip Made in: Italy IT Size 38
S/S 2021 L# 70 New VERSACE TRESOR De La Mer MEDUSA RUFFLE DRESS 42 - 6
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection 2021 Look # 70 Black wool crepe upper. White padded pleated satin bustier bra
S/S 2021 L# 24 VERSACE TRESOR DE LA MER BLUE STARFISH FRILL PLISSE Dress IT 42
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection Spring/Summer 2021 look # 24 Blue plisse dress Gold-tone hardware with
S/S 2021 L# 24 VERSACE TRESOR DE LA MER BLUE STARFISH FRILL PLISSE Dress IT 40
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection Spring/Summer 2021 look # 24 Blue plisse dress Gold-tone hardware with
S/S 2021 L# 24 VERSACE TRESOR DE LA MER BLUE STARFISH FRILL PLISSE Dress IT 40
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Collection Spring/Summer 2021 look # 24 Blue plisse dress Gold-tone hardware with
1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Feraud 1970s haute couture light brown lace dress in a 1920s style drop waist silhouette. Amazing embroidered lace and hand finished seam allowances. Small buttons conceal a ba...
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Naples, FL
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Fitted Plunged Décolleté Mini Dress Size Small Alaïa mini bodycon dress with sweetheart neck and rib knit accent panels throughout. All Eyes on Alaï...
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta brown pencil dress with raw edged ruffle trim. Grosgrain trim circles the bodice. Boned at bodice for shape. Back zip and hook and eye. Seen in another color in L...
1980's Brown Mink Lightweight Reversible Coat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chic 1980's unmarked Canadian brown mink reversible long coat. One side is brown leather patchwork pattern with a fur collar and cuffs. The textured pattern is created by piecing the...
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and highly collectible museum quality vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white plunging runway cut-out gown ! Features a soft crepe blend fabric that hugs the ...
S/S 2007 Versace by Donatella Rhinestone Medusa Black Halter Flare Mini Dress
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous little black Versace halter-neck dress, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, this beautiful dress features a plunging neckline...
$275
Size: Fits IT 40, US 4 see measurement
Dolce & Gabbana Lime Green Flared Pencil Skirt with Yellow Lace Accents
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Dolce and Gabbana lime green fit and flare pencil skirt with yellow lace godet panels at bottom. Vertical seam detail at one side. Back zip and hook and eye. 100% viscose (linen-loo...
Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress by Alexander McQueen. It is fitted with a scoop neckline, one short sleeve and a circular nude mesh cut out at one side covered with rows of drapi...
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...
S/S 2003 Dolce & Gabbana Runway Ad Lace-Up Satin Bodycon Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting the sexiest Dolce & Gabbana little black dress. From the Spring/Summer 2003 'Sex & Love' collection, this dress opened the season's runway as look 1, modeled by Gisele Bün...
1990's strapless blue silk feather and strass evening dress Versace Couture
By Atelier Versace
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Vintage strapless long strapless dress in quilted blue silk sewn with feather and rhinestone stripes, Atelier Versace label, side zip and deep neckline. Size: 36 French
Julien Macdonald Asymmetrical Sheer Lace Panels Black Dress
By Julien Macdonald
Located in Naples, FL
Julien Macdonald Asymmetrical Sheer Lace Panels Black Dress IT 40 Black Julien Macdonald strapless mini dress featuring sheer lace panels, structured bust, lace trim, asymmetrical h...
Roberto Cavalli Blue and Black Sleeveless Cotton Top - 42
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Roberto Cavalli Blue, Periwinkle, and Black Sleeveless Top with Black Outline along Hem, Arms, and Neck with Black Paillettes Around the Arms. Measurements: Bust: 36 " Waist: 30 "
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Cream Cotton & Lace High Swan Neck Blouse With Trim Sleeves Hand-Made Buttons
John Galliano black silk crepe bias cut shirt dress, fw 2000
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano black shirt dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2000 ▪ Constructed from bias-cut silk-crepe ▪ Armholes with shirt collars ▪ Button-up openings on the front and back ▪ High-low ruff...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN white RIBBED & OPEN KNIT PEPLUM Dress S
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen ribbed and open knit peplum dress in cream polyamide (43%), cotton (37%), viscose (11%), nylon (5%) and polyester (4%). Has short sleeves and a solid knit skirt. Ha...
Subversive, maximalist and unabashedly seductive, Gianni Versace’s (1946–97) designs infused high fashion with an entirely new ethos. “I don’t believe in good taste,” the legendary Italian couturier once explained. Instead, he had a sexy good time with fashion — as he did with life. Today, vintage Versace clothing, handbags and other accessories look astonishingly fresh and freshly relevant.
More than any designer before him, Versace mined celebrity, music and Pop art for inspiration. In fact, the New York Times noted in 1997 that the fashion industry “is now driven by contemporary culture because Mr. Versace made it that way.”
Insiders consider his 1991/1992 Autumn/Winter runway show — which featured supermodels Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista lip-synching George Michael’s “Freedom! '90” — the moment when the two worlds of fashion and pop culture became one, changing both forever.
Versace was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy. His mother was a successful dressmaker who employed more than 40 seamstresses. As a child, little Gianni marveled at her workshop, which would become a university of sorts, where he learned the exceptional construction techniques that were at the foundation of his creative expression.
In 1972, at age 25, Versace moved to Milan to work in fashion. He launched his first collection — and his label — in 1978, with his older brother Santo managing the business concerns. Soon, sister Donatella, whom Gianni dressed and took to discos when she was still a child, joined the family venture, where she had a creative role and managed enormously popular ready-to-wear lines such as Versus.
Vintage Versace — and Gianni Versace Couture, which debuted in 1989 — has become catnip for modern fashion enthusiasts who seek out the now-iconic house codes that originated in the designs of the 1980s and 1990s. His glamorous and seductive apparel — the clingy skirts and slender, strappy party dresses, as well as the erotic magazine ads that publicized them — looms large, but Versace’s art and historical influences were also vast.
Versace was an art collector, and he took on commissions to create costumes for theatrical performances during the 1980s and spoke of looking to numerous cultures for inspiration. This adventurous spirit of design resulted in his creating jewel-toned prints rooted in Grecian motifs, Etruscan symbols, the Italian Baroque and Andy Warholʼs Marilyn Monroe. There were slinky dresses in Oroton, his patented chain-mail textile that draped like satin, and leather bondage ensembles. Sex sold, for both women and men. Wrote the late curator Richard Martin, “[Versace] became the standard-bearer of gay men’s fashion because he eschewed decorum and designed for desire.”
Following Versace’s tragic murder in 1997, Donatella took over the role of artistic director and continued to evolve the house codes with a twist of her feminine and feminist perspective. Today, Santo Versace is chief executive officer of Versace and Donatella is its chief creative officer.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Versace evening dresses, handbags, day dresses, accessories and more on 1stDibs.
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.