Skip to main content

Vintage Backless Dress

Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown
Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown

Gianni Versace F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown

By Gianni Versace

Located in Naples, FL

GIANNI VERSACE F/W 2001 Vintage Plunged Backless Dress Gown IT 42 Gianni Versace sleeveless maxi

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress
HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Pink Backless Mini Dress

By Herve Léger

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Herve Leger 1990's Vintage Watermelon/Raspberry pink Pullover Bows Size small Excellent Condition

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Indulge in Timeless Elegance with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black Backless Evening Dress

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress
Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress

Reinhard Luthier Custom Purple 1970's Backless Sequin Dress

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This rare 1970s custom dress by Reinhard Luthier—renowned for his role in French haute couture and

Category

1970s Evening Dresses

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown
JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

$2,500

Size: please refer to measurements

JENNY PACKHAM 1990's Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown

By Jenny Packham

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Jenny Packham '90s Vintage Jet black opaque Long sleeves Missing size and comp tag, but definitely

Category

1990s Evening Gowns

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket
Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

By MM6 Maison Margiela

Located in London, GB

. Mens Large, converted to a women's size 14. Styled with our 'Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Category

2010s French Coats and Outerwear

Maison Margiela  F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket
Maison Margiela  F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

Maison Margiela F/W 2016 Runway Leather Jacket

By Maison Martin Margiela

Located in London, GB

. Mens Large, converted to a women's size 14. Styled with our 'Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Category

2010s French Jackets

Recent Sales

Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress
Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress

Sweet and Romantic Ungaro Backless Dress

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in New York, NY

Sweet and romantic ivory silk floral damask print dress with cap sleeves and backless. 1970s

Category

1970s French Sheath Dresses

Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress
Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress

Bill Blass Backless Silk Cocktail Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Amazing Bill Blass backless black silk cocktail dress. Dress appears demure in the front but has

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes
70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes

70s Estevez Backless Noir Jersey Gown with Sashes

By Estevez

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Jersey... Bodice Lined With Dress Fabric And The Skirt Is Lined With A Free Flowing Underskirt Of Such A

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress
Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress

Backless Re-built Edwardian Cotton Lace Tea Dress

Located in New York, NY

This unique antique dress has been rebuilt in the bodice to fit a more contemporary taste. The

Category

Early 20th Century American Vintage Bridal Gowns

Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress
Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

Gucci Vintage Black Backless Mini Dress

By Gucci

Located in London, GB

Tom Ford for Gucci black mini dress. Features asymmetric open back and side, thick one shoulder

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress
A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress

A vintage Celia Birtwell Silk wrap backless summer Dress

Located in London, GB

A pretty silk dress in a Celia Birtwell print for Top Shop , limited edition. The dress is in a

Category

2010s Unknown Day Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size L Alaïa fitted halter black dress

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size Small Alaïa fitted halter black

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress
Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Backless Jersey Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage 1990s Dolce & Gabbana black matte jersey backless dress featuring long sleeves, form

Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage Red Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Y Yigal by Yigal Azrouel Vintage Red Backless Pullover Stretchy Size 4 aka Large NWT's, one pinhole

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

DANES Vintage Green Asymmetrical Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Danes Vintage Green Super unique silhouette From every angle this dress is a work of art Pullover

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress
PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

PAMELA DENNIS 2001 Vintage Black Backless Evening Gown Maxi Dress

By Pamela Dennis

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Pamela Dennis Evenings 2001 Vintage Jet black opaque Very stretchy and incredibly soft fabric Extra

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress
Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress

Yohji Yamamoto Black Backless Buckle Dress

By Yohji Yamamoto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Yohji Yamamoto black below the knee dress featuring cap sleeves, a curved hem, a built in

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress
Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Naples, FL

Gianni Versace S/S 2001 Runway Vintage Backless Plunged White Dress IT 38 Look 2 from the Spring

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress
BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress

BOB MACKIE Vintage Anthracite Heavy Beaded Backless Mini Dress

By Bob Mackie

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Bob Mackie Vintage This is so much more than a dress! It looks 500% better on a real body Black and

Category

20th Century Cocktail Dresses

Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt
Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt

Vintage F/W 1996 Runway Backless Black Dress with Gold Belt

By Gucci

Located in London, GB

Tom Ford for Gucci Fall Winter 1996 black dress, runway look 46. Comes with the iconic gold belt

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Backless Drape Dress

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier nude and black stripe nylon long sleeve dress featuring a black band at

Category

1990s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows
HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows

HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Backless Mini Dress Pullover with Bows

By Herve Léger

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Herve Leger 1990's Vintage Jet black Pullover Bows Size small can fit up to a Medium Flawless

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded
PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded

PAMELA DENNIS 2000 Vintage Gold Sequin Midi Dress Halter Backless Beaded

By PAMELA DENNIS COUTURE

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Pamela Dennis Couture 2000 Vintage Oscillates between warm and neutral tones Asymmetrical beaded

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical
YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical

YIGAL AZROUEL 90's/00 Vintage Black Backless Long Dress Halter Asymmetrical

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Yigal Azrouel Vintage Late 90's to early 00's Jet black opaque Pullover Stretchy Adjustable halter

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal

BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Floral Khaki Unique Evening Gown Backless Crystal

By Badgley Mischka

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Badgley Mischka Vintage Khaki color Unique backless design Lined in nude silk so some parts look

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set
YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

Sold

Size: please refer to measurements

YIGAL AZROUEL Vintage 2 Piece Backless Skirt Set

By Yigal Azrouël

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Yigal Azrouel Late 90's to early 00's Vintage 2 pieces skirt (side zip) and camisole (pullover) Jet

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown
Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown

Yves Saint Laurent Backless Jersey Gown

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent dark brown jersey gown with open back and halter style neckline with

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997
Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997

Giorgio Armani Brown Backless Gown SS 1997

By Giorgio Armani

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Giorgio Armani gown featuring spaghetti straps

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress
Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress

Lilly Pulitzer 1970s Vintage Printed Sheer Nylon Backless Maxi Dress

By Lilly Pulitzer

Located in KENT, GB

Product Details: Lilly Pulitzer - Floaty Cap Sleeve - Deep Back V - Printed Maxi Dress Label: Lilly

Category

1970s American Maxi Dress

FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress
FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress

FUZZI Vintage mesh stretch halter backless midi dress

By Fuzzi

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Fuzzi Vintage NWT’s, Pristine IT40 fits like a small can also fit a medium 49" length Perfect for

Category

Early 2000s Casual Dresses

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress
Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Naples, FL

Azzedine Alaia Vintage Bodycon Halter Backless Black Dress Size L Alaïa fitted halter black dress

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

People Also Browsed

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl
Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS Couture navy blue silk satin strapless mermaid gown and matching shawl. Strapless bodice features a super soft silk velvet in navy. Interior support holds ...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

Pretty 90s Rozae Nichols Floral 3 - D ' Autumn Harvest ' Silk Dress w/ Appliqué
Pretty 90s Rozae Nichols Floral 3 - D ' Autumn Harvest ' Silk Dress w/ Appliqué

Pretty 90s Rozae Nichols Floral 3 - D ' Autumn Harvest ' Silk Dress w/ Appliqué

By Rozae Nichols

Located in San Diego, CA

Pretty 1990s silk dress, by Rozae Nichols! Gorgeous neutral hues, with a unique floral print throughout. Flattering silhouette, with silk floral puff appliqués at left shoulder. Asym...

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003
Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003

Celine Brown Cut out Back Dress with Bead Trim S/S 2003

By Michael Kors, Celine

Located in Water Mill, NY

A very chic brown jersey dress by Michael Kors for Celine. It has rows of brown wooden bead adorned fine straps emanating from the front neckline which extend over the shoulders cros...

Category

Early 2000s French Day Dresses

Christian Dior by Galliano Gun Metal Grey Silver pointed Crocodile Kitten Heels
Christian Dior by Galliano Gun Metal Grey Silver pointed Crocodile Kitten Heels

Christian Dior by Galliano Gun Metal Grey Silver pointed Crocodile Kitten Heels

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in Sheffield, GB

Fabulous 2000’s Christian Dior by John Galliano Kitten Heels featuring riveted Dior Buckles, crocodile texture leather and 3” Kitten Heels. Size; UK 4.5 / EU 36.5 Heel Height; 2.5” i...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Low Heels

Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag
Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag

Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag

By Chanel

Located in Miami, FL

Chanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières

New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Runway Coat Jacket Sz 36
New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Runway Coat Jacket Sz 36

New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Runway Coat Jacket Sz 36

By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Conroe, TX

Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Fall / Winter 2001 Brand New A Rare Find Size: FR 36 $2450 100% Virgin Wool Black Virgin Wool Jacket With Ruffle Trim Shown at the 2001 Fall Runway ...

Category

Early 2000s French Coats and Outerwear

1990s Vintage Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Yellow Chiffon Angel Blouse w/ Rhinestones
1990s Vintage Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Yellow Chiffon Angel Blouse w/ Rhinestones

1990s Vintage Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld Yellow Chiffon Angel Blouse w/ Rhinestones

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous vintage Chloe blouse, designed by Karl Lagerfeld! Butter yellow color, on scrumptious silk chiffon. Angel-like bell sleeves, with rhinestones encrusted around collar, and at...

Category

1990s Italian Blousons

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Japanese Print Mesh Top Size S
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Japanese Print Mesh Top Size S

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Vintage Japanese Print Mesh Top Size S

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage sheer mesh nylon top featuring a colorful Japanese print embellished with sequins and flocked ideograms/symbols. Label reads JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Maille Mad...

Category

20th Century Italian T-Shirts

EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Button Front Signature Geometric SS Silk Day Dress
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Button Front Signature Geometric SS Silk Day Dress

EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Button Front Signature Geometric SS Silk Day Dress

By Emilio Pucci

Located in Thiensville, WI

EMILIO PUCCI c.1960’s Button Front Signature Geometric SS Silk Day Dress Circa: 1960’s Label(s): Emilio Pucci; Made in Italy for Lord & Taylor Designer: Emilio Pucci Style: Day dress...

Category

1960s Italian Shift Dresses

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit
Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit

Azzedine Alaia F/W 1986 Jacket Skirt and Pants Suit

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in Water Mill, NY

An amazing iconic fine black wool 3 piece skirt, pant and jacket suit from Azzedine Alaia as displayed in SCAD Fashion Museum in Atlanta. The spectacular front wrapping jacket is a...

Category

1980s French Trouser Pant Suits

Alexander McQueen FW 2002 Black Silk Blouse Top Jacket
Alexander McQueen FW 2002 Black Silk Blouse Top Jacket

Alexander McQueen FW 2002 Black Silk Blouse Top Jacket

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Berlin, BE

In the captivating language of Alexander McQueen's FW 2002 "Supercalifragilistic" Collection, this jacket or blouse is a poetic embodiment of elegance and drama. Its sleek black Silk...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Blouses

ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Pink Denim Structured Fit Midi Flared Pencil Skirt
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Pink Denim Structured Fit Midi Flared Pencil Skirt

ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Pink Denim Structured Fit Midi Flared Pencil Skirt

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Pink Denim Structured Fit Midi Flared Pencil Skirt Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen / Gibo Co Spa Circa: 1996 Label(s): Alexander McQueen Designer: A...

Category

1990s Italian Pencil Skirts

1970's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Velvet Russian Collection Jacket w/Silk Ties
1970's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Velvet Russian Collection Jacket w/Silk Ties

1970's Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Velvet Russian Collection Jacket w/Silk Ties

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Studio City, CA

1970's Yves Saint Laurent Russian collection black velvet jacket with Pierrot collar and black silk cord neck ties. In excellent condition - size tag 40.

Category

1970s French Jackets

1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top
1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top

1990s Moschino Cheap & Chic Animal Print Vintage 90s Silk Short Sleeve Top

By Moschino

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage MOSCHINO Cheap & Chic silk animal print blouse! Features leopard, zebra, cheetah, and tiger prints throughout. Warm colors of brown, ivory, trimmed with black lace....

Category

1990s Italian Crop Tops

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Black Evening Dress Gown
Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Black Evening Dress Gown

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Black Evening Dress Gown

By Gucci

Located in Naples, FL

Gucci by Tom Ford S/S 1998 Vintage Leather Straps Evening Dress Gown IT 42 Black Gucci vintage maxi dress featuring leather straps with metal logo buckles, square neckline, zip clos...

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970s Coral Pink Silk Chiffon Halter Sheer Caplet Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown
1970s Coral Pink Silk Chiffon Halter Sheer Caplet Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown

1970s Coral Pink Silk Chiffon Halter Sheer Caplet Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1970s coral pink halter maxi dress / gown with attached sheer caplet! Features a halter neck with two spaghetti straps in the back to offer additional support. Self tied sa...

Category

1970s American Evening Gowns

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Backless Dress", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Backless Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary vintage backless dress you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Beige, Red and more options on these pages. If you’re looking for a vintage backless dress from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Making an accessory such as this has likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Azzedine Alaïa, Gianni Versace and Morphew are consistently popular. 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 Vintage Backless Dress?

The price for a vintage backless dress starts at $206 and tops out at $8,500, and on average, selling for $1,800.

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.

Read More

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.

A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet

From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.