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Vintage Bombshell Dress

Bombshell Mugler Dress Black Summer Evening Gown V-Neck Sexy
Bombshell Mugler Dress Black Summer Evening Gown V-Neck Sexy

Bombshell Mugler Dress Black Summer Evening Gown V-Neck Sexy

By Mugler

Located in Berlin, BE

BOMBSHELL! The perfect gown for an elegant sexy summer evening. Very sexy long maxi dress, bodycon

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1990s Vintage Bombshell Dress

Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Novelty Print Dress, Circa 1959
Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Novelty Print Dress, Circa 1959

Alfred Shaheen Hawaiian Novelty Print Dress, Circa 1959

By Alfred Shaheen

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage Alfred Shaheen bombshell wiggle dress signature Shaheen hand printed cotton red and cream

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Luis Estévez Black *Larger Size* Knotted Shoulder Plunge-Front Dress - M-L, 1957
Luis Estévez Black *Larger Size* Knotted Shoulder Plunge-Front Dress - M-L, 1957

Luis Estévez Black *Larger Size* Knotted Shoulder Plunge-Front Dress - M-L, 1957

By Luis Estévez

Located in Tucson, AZ

celebrated--and flaunted--the female figure. Immaculately tailored, this bombshell cocktail dress strongly

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Vintage Neiman Marcus Size 8 Hawaiian Flower Strapless Origami Wiggle Dress
Vintage Neiman Marcus Size 8 Hawaiian Flower Strapless Origami Wiggle Dress

Vintage Neiman Marcus Size 8 Hawaiian Flower Strapless Origami Wiggle Dress

By Neiman Marcus, A.J. Bari

Located in San Diego, CA

dress, with a bombshell 1950s feel. Looks amazing on, and can be worn alone, or belted. Perfect from day

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1990s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Recent Sales

1950s FERCIONI Italian Couture Silk Bombshell Cocktail Bride Dress
1950s FERCIONI Italian Couture Silk Bombshell Cocktail Bride Dress

1950s FERCIONI Italian Couture Silk Bombshell Cocktail Bride Dress

Located in Milan, Italy

This glamorous and sexy 1950s italian tailor Giovanni Fercioni cocktail dress is in fabulous cream

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1950s Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

50s Black Satin Bombshell Gown
50s Black Satin Bombshell Gown

50s Black Satin Bombshell Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Epitome of 1950s glamour! Black satin gown with spaghetti halter straps, ruched bust line and bustle flounce down back. The dark sister of Marilyn Monroe's 'Diamonds are A Girls Best...

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1970s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Sequined Bombshell Gown
1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Sequined Bombshell Gown

1950s Mr. Blackwell Black Sequined Bombshell Gown

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage gown from Mr. Blackwell dates to the 1950's through early 1960's and is fully covered in black and fuchsia sequins. Fitted throughout. Squared bustline with narrow shoulder...

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Vintage 1940s Black liquid satin bombshell dress, Evening gown
Vintage 1940s Black liquid satin bombshell dress, Evening gown

Vintage 1940s Black liquid satin bombshell dress, Evening gown

Located in NEWARK, GB

gorgeous vintage bombshell dress, designed to be shown off and will certainly turn some heads, very

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Mid-20th Century British Vintage Bombshell Dress

S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Light Orange Yellow Flare Strapless Dress

S/S 1995 Gianni Versace Couture Light Orange Yellow Flare Strapless Dress

By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture

Located in West Hollywood, CA

collection, this bombshell dress is constructed entirely of a light orange satin that is fashioned to

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1990s French Vintage Bombshell Dress

Emma Domb Blue and Green Party Dress, 1950s
Emma Domb Blue and Green Party Dress, 1950s

Emma Domb Blue and Green Party Dress, 1950s

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Size: Unmarked (Best Fits Size 2-4)

Emma Domb Blue and Green Party Dress, 1950s

By Emma Domb

Located in Atlanta, GA

Emma Domb is the bomb! This 1950’s bombshell dress is worthy of an houglass figure and a stylish

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Early 1960s Beaded Gold Fringe Bombshell Mermaid Dress
Early 1960s Beaded Gold Fringe Bombshell Mermaid Dress

Early 1960s Beaded Gold Fringe Bombshell Mermaid Dress

Located in New York, NY

Early 1960s Beaded Gold Fringe Bombshell Mermaid Dress. There are some minor areas of loose beads

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Star of Siam 50s Sari Inspired Bombshell Cocktail Dress
Star of Siam 50s Sari Inspired Bombshell Cocktail Dress

Star of Siam 50s Sari Inspired Bombshell Cocktail Dress

Located in Gresham, OR

A wonderful 1950s Hollywood inspired cocktail dress from Star of Siam from pure handwoven silk

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1950s Thai Vintage Bombshell Dress

Vintage 1950's Metallic Gold Beaded Rhinestone Evening Dress
Vintage 1950's Metallic Gold Beaded Rhinestone Evening Dress

Vintage 1950's Metallic Gold Beaded Rhinestone Evening Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

An absolutely stunning bombshell evening dress from the 1950's! We are in love with the hourglass

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Red Silver Lamé Cocktail Wiggle Dress, 1950's
Red Silver Lamé Cocktail Wiggle Dress, 1950's

Red Silver Lamé Cocktail Wiggle Dress, 1950's

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Size: Unmarked (Best Fits Size 2-4)

Red Silver Lamé Cocktail Wiggle Dress, 1950's

Located in Atlanta, GA

Bombshell beauty! 1950's wiggle dress in a slinky red silver lamé fabric with a bow accent at the

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1970s Stan Hicks for Hawaiian Casuals Exotic Tropical Print Dress
1970s Stan Hicks for Hawaiian Casuals Exotic Tropical Print Dress

1970s Stan Hicks for Hawaiian Casuals Exotic Tropical Print Dress

Located in Atlanta, GA

Aloha! Welcome to the island of bombshell dresses! This fun polished cotton dress by Stan Hicks

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1970s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950s Vintage Bombshell Blue Chantilly Lace Silk Cocktail Dress
1950s Vintage Bombshell Blue Chantilly Lace Silk Cocktail Dress

1950s Vintage Bombshell Blue Chantilly Lace Silk Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Gorgeous silk-lined chantilly lace cocktail dress with a scalloped hem and hourglass silhouette

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Philip Hulitar Vintage 1950's Floral Silk Bombshell Wiggle Dress
Philip Hulitar Vintage 1950's Floral Silk Bombshell Wiggle Dress

Philip Hulitar Vintage 1950's Floral Silk Bombshell Wiggle Dress

By Philip Hulitar

Located in Sparks, NV

Creamy floral 100% silk wiggle dress from the 1950's- early 60's by upscale designer Philip Hulitar

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Bombshell Vintage Victor Costa Silk Satin Strapless Origami Bow Black Gown
Bombshell Vintage Victor Costa Silk Satin Strapless Origami Bow Black Gown

Bombshell Vintage Victor Costa Silk Satin Strapless Origami Bow Black Gown

By Victor Costa

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful strapless Victor Costa black silk satin gown! Origami/bow detail at waist, with a sexy slit at front hem. Extremely flattering fit, that is the perfect, classic black gown!...

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1980s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Early 1960s Demi Couture Light Pink Silk Bombshell 60s Vintage Gown and Gloves
Early 1960s Demi Couture Light Pink Silk Bombshell 60s Vintage Gown and Gloves

Early 1960s Demi Couture Light Pink Silk Bombshell 60s Vintage Gown and Gloves

Located in San Diego, CA

Simply stunning early 1960s demi couture light pale pink silk gown! Words cannot even begin to express the mere beauty of this ensemble! Fine luxurious silk is lightweight, yet so in...

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1960s Vintage Bombshell Dress

Rare 1950s Charles Cooper for Neiman Marcus Tan Linen Striped Wiggle Dress
Rare 1950s Charles Cooper for Neiman Marcus Tan Linen Striped Wiggle Dress

Rare 1950s Charles Cooper for Neiman Marcus Tan Linen Striped Wiggle Dress

By Neiman Marcus, Charles Cooper

Located in San Diego, CA

Insanely chic and rare CHARLES COOPER for NEIMAN MARCUS 1950s / 50s tan linen wiggle dress

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

Norma Kamali vintage 80's Black Lace Bombshell dress 4
Norma Kamali vintage 80's Black Lace Bombshell dress 4

Norma Kamali vintage 80's Black Lace Bombshell dress 4

By Norma Kamali

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Norma Kamali vintage 80's Black Lace Bombshell dress Sz 4 Bust 35" Waist 28

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1980s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950s Red White Polka Dots Bombshell Dress
1950s Red White Polka Dots Bombshell Dress

1950s Red White Polka Dots Bombshell Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * white acetate with red polka dot print * bow tie accent * bodice stays

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950's Ceil Chapman Black Red Silk Floral Bombshell Dress
1950's Ceil Chapman Black Red Silk Floral Bombshell Dress

1950's Ceil Chapman Black Red Silk Floral Bombshell Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

Gorgeous 1950's Ceil Chapman floral print silk dress. Acetate lining, signature Ceil draping at

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Black Ruche Jersey Bombshell Dress
Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Black Ruche Jersey Bombshell Dress

Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman Black Ruche Jersey Bombshell Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

vintage 1950's dress * black knit jersey * signature Ceil draping * swagged hem skirt

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950's Robert Martin Peach Lace Swagged Skirt Bombshell Dress
1950's Robert Martin Peach Lace Swagged Skirt Bombshell Dress

1950's Robert Martin Peach Lace Swagged Skirt Bombshell Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

Amazing 1950's dress from Robert-Martin. Gorgeous ivory lace over peach/nude net backing and peach

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950's Faux Fur Leopard Print Bombshell Wiggle Dress
1950's Faux Fur Leopard Print Bombshell Wiggle Dress

1950's Faux Fur Leopard Print Bombshell Wiggle Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

vintage 1950's dress * faux fur leopard print * black acetate lining * sleeveless * metal

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1960's Violet Floral Bombshell Gown with Chiffon Swag
1960's Violet Floral Bombshell Gown with Chiffon Swag

1960's Violet Floral Bombshell Gown with Chiffon Swag

Located in Los Angeles, CA

rose print. This bombshell gown is draped with radiating asymmetrical pleats from the waist which

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1960s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1940's Black Velvet Asymmetric One-Shoulder Bombshell Gown
1940's Black Velvet Asymmetric One-Shoulder Bombshell Gown

1940's Black Velvet Asymmetric One-Shoulder Bombshell Gown

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

In this gorgeous 1940's "Madeleine et Cie" designer gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern haute-couture. T...

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1940s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1970's Halston Asymmetric Sequin Silk-Jersey Bombshell Hourglass Evening Gown
1970's Halston Asymmetric Sequin Silk-Jersey Bombshell Hourglass Evening Gown

1970's Halston Asymmetric Sequin Silk-Jersey Bombshell Hourglass Evening Gown

By Halston

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Halston started his own business in 1968. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the glamour, as well as the decadence of the era, becoming a central figure in the nightlife ...

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1970s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950's Helga Couture Emerald-Green Beaded Satin Strapless Bombshell Evening Gown
1950's Helga Couture Emerald-Green Beaded Satin Strapless Bombshell Evening Gown

1950's Helga Couture Emerald-Green Beaded Satin Strapless Bombshell Evening Gown

By Helga

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

In this gorgeous 1950's Helga designer gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern couture. Helga was establishe...

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1950s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950s Ceil Chapman Floral Wiggle Dress
1950s Ceil Chapman Floral Wiggle Dress

1950s Ceil Chapman Floral Wiggle Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Rockwood, ON

bombshell! The dress really showcases Chapman's attention to detail and love of gathering and stitching the

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1980s Carolyne Roehm Fitted Red Dress
1980s Carolyne Roehm Fitted Red Dress

1980s Carolyne Roehm Fitted Red Dress

By Carolyne Roehm

Located in Rockwood, ON

Chic, fitted bombshell cocktail dress by Carolyne Roehm. She worked at Oscar de la Renta and you

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1980s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1980s Plunged Vicky Tiel Mini Dress
1980s Plunged Vicky Tiel Mini Dress

1980s Plunged Vicky Tiel Mini Dress

Located in Rockwood, ON

This is an absolute bombshell of a dress and it will give any girl who wears it instant curves

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1980s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950s Pin Up Sequin Lilli Diamond Dress
1950s Pin Up Sequin Lilli Diamond Dress

1950s Pin Up Sequin Lilli Diamond Dress

By Lilli Diamond

Located in Rockwood, ON

Absolutely exquisite strapless bombshell pin up dress from Lilli Diamond! Its the perfect little

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1940s Amazing Full Sequin Pin Up Dress
1940s Amazing Full Sequin Pin Up Dress

1940s Amazing Full Sequin Pin Up Dress

Located in Rockwood, ON

Absolutely exquisite early bombshell pin up dress that just had to be owned by the most fabulous of

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1940s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1990s Herve Leger Couture Black and White Bandage Long Dress
1990s Herve Leger Couture Black and White Bandage Long Dress

1990s Herve Leger Couture Black and White Bandage Long Dress

By Herve Léger

Located in Milan, Italy

This bombshell Herve Leger long dress is in black and white asymmetric bandage and jersey fabric

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1980s French Vintage Bombshell Dress

Vintage Gene Shelly Gold Sequined Cocktail Dress
Vintage Gene Shelly Gold Sequined Cocktail Dress

Vintage Gene Shelly Gold Sequined Cocktail Dress

By Gene Shelly

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage bombshell cocktail dress from Gene Shelly dates to the 1950's through 1960's. It is made

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1950's Ceil Chapman Pink Organza Chantilly Lace Dress
1950's Ceil Chapman Pink Organza Chantilly Lace Dress

1950's Ceil Chapman Pink Organza Chantilly Lace Dress

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

1950's Ceil Chapman bombshell wiggle dress. Coral pink shirred strapless bodice with stays. Black

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1950s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1940's Chantilly-Lace Illusion One Shoulder Cocktail Wiggle Dress
1940's Chantilly-Lace Illusion One Shoulder Cocktail Wiggle Dress

1940's Chantilly-Lace Illusion One Shoulder Cocktail Wiggle Dress

By Beaumelle

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Exquisite late 1940's bombshell cocktail dress by the famous "Beaumelle" label. The bodice is an

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1940s American Vintage Bombshell Dress

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Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress
Azzedine Alaia S/S 1990 Vintage Bodycon Mini Dress

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...

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1990s Vintage Bombshell Dress

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

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...

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1970s French Vintage Bombshell Dress

Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s
Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s

Renato Balestra New with Tags Silk Dress 1990s

By Renato Balestra

Located in Water Mill, NY

A great black silk damask dress from Renato Balestra with a subtle pattern of tiny dots throughout. It has a square cut plunging neckline and a black band with a center front bow un...

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1990s Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress

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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

Prada fucsia purple tulle dress
Prada fucsia purple tulle dress

Prada fucsia purple tulle dress

By Prada

Located in Capri, IT

Prada's latest runway collection featured glowing fluorescents contrasted with tweed and construction-inspired vests, with this tulle dress making its way into multiple looks. Made i...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 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...

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2010s Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006
Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006

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...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in Nice, FR

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...

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20th Century Moroccan Vintage Bombshell Dress

JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress
JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress

JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress

By Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons

Located in New York, NY

JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS Linen Knee-Length Dress Bust: 46" Waist: 42" Hip: 38" Length: 37.5" Fabric: 100% Linen FINAL SALE

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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Vintage Bombshell Dress

Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top
Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top

Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top

By Issey Miyake

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous blue top, shirt from Issey Miyake. It overlapping at the front exposing the waist and buttons at the shoulder. The back is fuller and longer and the sleeves are open fro...

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1990s Japanese Vintage Bombshell Dress

Cartier Ear-Climber Diamond Earrings
Cartier Ear-Climber Diamond Earrings

Cartier Ear-Climber Diamond Earrings

By Cartier

Located in New York, NY

From the House of Cartier, these spectacular ear climber diamond earrings, circa 1940, are finely crafted in platinum and showcase 2 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately ...

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1940s French Vintage Bombshell Dress

Materials

Platinum

1990s Loris Azzaro Brown Sequin Strapless Cocktail Dress
1990s Loris Azzaro Brown Sequin Strapless Cocktail Dress

1990s Loris Azzaro Brown Sequin Strapless Cocktail Dress

By Loris Azzaro

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1990s Loris Azzaro brown sequin metallic strapless cocktail party dress. fit size 4

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1990s French Vintage Bombshell Dress

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch
UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

UNWORN Gucci by Tom Ford Black Dragon Pearl Jeweled Mink Fur Evening Bag Clutch

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Switzerland, CH

EXTREMELY RARE GUCCI BY TOM FORD GORGEOUS FUR EVENING BAG WITH STUNNING JEWELED DRAGON DETAIL DETAILS: A GUCCI signature piece that will last you for many years From one of GUCC...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage Bombshell Dress

1920s Peachy Pink and Silver Lame Coat with White Cuffs
1920s Peachy Pink and Silver Lame Coat with White Cuffs

1920s Peachy Pink and Silver Lame Coat with White Cuffs

Located in London, GB

This show stopping flapper coat was couture made in the mid 1920s. Truly a rare piece to find, especially in such flawless condition and it's one of the best we've handled for nearly...

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1920s British Vintage Bombshell Dress

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Vintage Bombshell Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary vintage bombshell dress you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Many people prefer Black, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Brown, Beige and more options on these pages. Finding the perfect vintage bombshell dress may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 20th Century, can also be found on the site. An accessory like this designed by Ceil Chapman, Mr. Blackwell and Stephen Sprouse — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering.

How Much is a Vintage Bombshell Dress?

The price for a vintage bombshell dress starts at $265 and tops out at $3,562, and on average, selling for $795.

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.

Questions About Vintage Bombshell Dress
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell if a dress is vintage, look at the labels inside. By researching the maker and looking at images of the brand's other designs, you may be able to estimate the age of your dress. The label may even have a date printed on it. Generally, clothing must be at least 20 years old to qualify as vintage. If you need assistance dating your clothing, a knowledgeable expert, such as an appraiser or vintage clothing reseller, can help. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
    To tell how old a vintage dress is, use trusted online resources to conduct research. Start by searching for labels that identify the maker. Then, consult online information and images to determine when the brand produced pieces similar to yours. If you run into any problems or would like assistance, consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of vintage dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    To be considered vintage, a wedding dress has to be at least 20 years old. Many brides opt for vintage wedding dresses due to their timeless style and unique details. Shop a range of vintage and designer wedding dresses from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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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.