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Vintage Illusion Dress

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1983 AZZEDINE ALAIA deep brown semi sheer knit illusion dress
1983 AZZEDINE ALAIA deep brown semi sheer knit illusion dress

1983 AZZEDINE ALAIA deep brown semi sheer knit illusion dress

By Azzedine Alaïa

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Rare 1983 Azzedine Alaïa Semi-Sheer Knit Illusion Dress Exceptionally rare deep brown knit dress

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Illusion Dress

1990s Gianfranco Black Knit Illusion Dress
1990s Gianfranco Black Knit Illusion Dress

1990s Gianfranco Black Knit Illusion Dress

By Gianfranco Ferré

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 1990s Gianfranco Ferre black knit dress with sheer sleeve. Size 6 / Medium All Sales is

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Illusion Dress

James Galanos Grey Boucle Illusion Dress With Black Lace
James Galanos Grey Boucle Illusion Dress With Black Lace

James Galanos Grey Boucle Illusion Dress With Black Lace

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection is excited to present a vintage Galanos speckled grey boucle cocktail dress featuring

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1980s North American Vintage Illusion Dress

James Galanos Black Velvet Illusion Dress With Lace Cutouts
James Galanos Black Velvet Illusion Dress With Lace Cutouts

James Galanos Black Velvet Illusion Dress With Lace Cutouts

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection is excited to present a vintage Galanos fancy black illusion lace cocktail dress

Category

1980s North American Vintage Illusion Dress

Versace Black Dress with Illusion Detail
Versace Black Dress with Illusion Detail

Versace Black Dress with Illusion Detail

By Gianni Versace

Located in Alford, MA

wool, this square-neck, short-sleeve dress is a classic.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Vintage Illusion Dress

Patricia Saunders Custom Vintage Silk + Nude Illusion Lace Dress
Patricia Saunders Custom Vintage Silk + Nude Illusion Lace Dress

Patricia Saunders Custom Vintage Silk + Nude Illusion Lace Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Absolutely stunning custom made formal dress with a Spanish flare by Patricia Saunders. Couture

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Late 20th Century American Vintage Illusion Dress

1960s Vintage Black Nude Illusion Beaded Cocktail Dress
1960s Vintage Black Nude Illusion Beaded Cocktail Dress

1960s Vintage Black Nude Illusion Beaded Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage black nude illusion cocktail dress with jet black beadwork along the bust. Details

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1960s American Vintage Illusion Dress

Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown
Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown

Vicky Tiel Draped Illusion and Matte Jersey Gown

By Vicky Tiel

Located in New York, NY

Vicky Tiel's chic and sexy draped stretch illusion gown on a matte jersey base. The illusion is

Category

1980s French Vintage Illusion Dress

1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve
1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve

1950's Mollie Parnis Black Gown with Illusion Beaded Sleeve

By Mollie Parnis

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1950's Mollie Parnis black rayon and chiffon long sleeve gown with unique asymmetrical shear chiffon and beading shoulder. The intricate beaded pattern, made up of rhinestones and bu...

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1950s American Vintage Illusion Dress

Bill Blass Red & Black Satin Evening Gown w/Illusion Top & Velvet Band
Bill Blass Red & Black Satin Evening Gown w/Illusion Top & Velvet Band

Bill Blass Red & Black Satin Evening Gown w/Illusion Top & Velvet Band

By Bill Blass

Located in Studio City, CA

Vintage Bill Blass evening gown with black long sleeved illusion bodice, black velvet modesty band

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Late 20th Century American Vintage Illusion Dress

Patrick Kelly Cherry Red Knit Wrap Style Dress, 1980s
Patrick Kelly Cherry Red Knit Wrap Style Dress, 1980s

Patrick Kelly Cherry Red Knit Wrap Style Dress, 1980s

By Patrick Kelly

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sexy, body conscious illusion wrap dress from cult favorite designer, Patrick Kelly. Vivid cherry

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20th Century Vintage Illusion Dress

1970's Plum Suede and Rayon Crepe Dress
1970's Plum Suede and Rayon Crepe Dress

1970's Plum Suede and Rayon Crepe Dress

Located in Toronto, Ontario

dress gives the illusion of wearing a dolman sleeve blouse underneath a suede jumper with buttons down

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1970s Unknown Vintage Illusion Dress

1960s Roberta di Camerino Trompe L'oeil Ultrasuede Dress
1960s Roberta di Camerino Trompe L'oeil Ultrasuede Dress

1960s Roberta di Camerino Trompe L'oeil Ultrasuede Dress

By Roberta Di Camerino

Located in Toronto, Ontario

. This unique style of using a realistic image on a dress to give the illusion of wearing something

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1970s Italian Vintage Illusion Dress

1980's Never Worn Jean Louis Scherrer Lace and Satin Cocktail Dress
1980's Never Worn Jean Louis Scherrer Lace and Satin Cocktail Dress

1980's Never Worn Jean Louis Scherrer Lace and Satin Cocktail Dress

By Jean-Louis Scherrer

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1980's unworn silver lace and taupe satin cocktail dress with illusion neckline by Jean Louis

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1980s French Vintage Illusion Dress

Valentino Yellow & White Cap Sleeve w/ Leaf Print - 8
Valentino Yellow & White Cap Sleeve w/ Leaf Print - 8

Valentino Yellow & White Cap Sleeve w/ Leaf Print - 8

By Valentino

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

. It has the illusion of a wrap around dress. It has a double skirt and cap sleeves. There is a side

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1980s Italian Vintage Illusion Dress

Christian Lacroix Midnight Sparkle Runway Gown FW 98/99
Christian Lacroix Midnight Sparkle Runway Gown FW 98/99

Christian Lacroix Midnight Sparkle Runway Gown FW 98/99

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Boca Raton, FL

to hip, creating the illusion of a wrap dress. An off-center thigh high slit at the front of the

Category

1990s French Vintage Illusion Dress

Vintage 1950s Gold Lurex Illusion Dress
Vintage 1950s Gold Lurex Illusion Dress

Vintage 1950s Gold Lurex Illusion Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * gold lurex with tulle bodice * linen lining * back bowtie accent

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1950s Vintage Illusion Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress
Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Black Illusion Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black rayon crepe * nude nylon lining * black floral lace accents

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1940s Vintage Illusion Dress

Tadashi black 80s bodycon sheer illusion dress
Tadashi black 80s bodycon sheer illusion dress

Tadashi black 80s bodycon sheer illusion dress

By Tadashi Shoji

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage 80s dress by Tadashi. Black stretch with sheer net and rhinestones. Excellent condition

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1980s Vintage Illusion Dress

Vintage 1950s Black Embroidered Silk Crepe Illusion Dress
Vintage 1950s Black Embroidered Silk Crepe Illusion Dress

Vintage 1950s Black Embroidered Silk Crepe Illusion Dress

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1950s dress * black silk crepe illusion bodice * acetate lining * heavy floral

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1950s Vintage Illusion Dress

1970s Zandra Rhodes Hand Painted Black Silk Dress
1970s Zandra Rhodes Hand Painted Black Silk Dress

1970s Zandra Rhodes Hand Painted Black Silk Dress

By Zandra Rhodes

Located in Houston, TX

This gorgeous black silk illusion dress features a large hand painted hand stenciled abstract

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1990s British Vintage Illusion Dress

60s Green Lace Illusion Cocktail Dress
60s Green Lace Illusion Cocktail Dress

60s Green Lace Illusion Cocktail Dress

By Mardi Gras

Located in San Francisco, CA

60s green lace illusion cocktail dress with long sleeves. Metal zipper.

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1960s Vintage Illusion Dress

MR BLACKWELL  Sheer Illusion Jeweled Black Dress
MR BLACKWELL  Sheer Illusion Jeweled Black Dress

MR BLACKWELL Sheer Illusion Jeweled Black Dress

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

rhinestones, sequins & beads on a sheer illusion bodice. * It's lined & closes with a zipper down the back

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1960s American Vintage Illusion Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress
Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress

Vintage 1940s Peggy Hunt Illusion Cocktail Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Hudson on the Saint Croix, WI

➳ vintage 1940s dress * black rayon crepe * nude acetate lining * black floral lace bodice

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1940s Vintage Illusion Dress

NINA RICCI HAUTE Couture Blk Illusion Chantilly Lace Dress
NINA RICCI HAUTE Couture Blk Illusion Chantilly Lace Dress

NINA RICCI HAUTE Couture Blk Illusion Chantilly Lace Dress

By Nina Ricci

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Here is this Nina Ricci Haute Couture black cocktail dress. * It has beautiful chantilly lace

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1970s French Vintage Illusion Dress

1990's GEOFFREY BEENE Black stripe-illusion cocktail dress
1990's GEOFFREY BEENE Black stripe-illusion cocktail dress

1990's GEOFFREY BEENE Black stripe-illusion cocktail dress

By Geoffrey Beene

Located in Newport Beach, CA

striped, illusion repeat. *MEASUREMENTS* There is no size label attached. We estimate the dress to

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1990s American Vintage Illusion Dress

Victor Costa Black Lace Illusion Formal Ball Gown Dress
Victor Costa Black Lace Illusion Formal Ball Gown Dress

Victor Costa Black Lace Illusion Formal Ball Gown Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in San Francisco, CA

Figure flattering Victor Costa Black Lace Illusion formal ball gown dress with ever so slight

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Late 20th Century American Vintage Illusion Dress

Jean-Louis Scherrer Black Cocktail Dress with Illusion Top
Jean-Louis Scherrer Black Cocktail Dress with Illusion Top

Jean-Louis Scherrer Black Cocktail Dress with Illusion Top

By Jean-Louis Scherrer

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a classic and sophisticated black cocktail dress designed by Jean-Louis Scherrer for his

Category

1980s French Vintage Illusion Dress

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Vintage Illusion Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage or contemporary vintage illusion 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 Brown, Beige and more options on these pages. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage illusion dress among the distinctive accessories we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. An accessory like this designed by Peggy Hunt, Bob Mackie and Geoffrey Beene — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured item — is worth considering. Finding a vintage illusion dress for sale for women should be easy, but there are 5 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a Vintage Illusion Dress?

The price for a vintage illusion dress starts at $225 and tops out at $4,200, and on average, selling for $850.

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 Illusion 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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