Black Cat Vintage Evening Dresses and Gowns

Achingly similar to Sharon Stone’s nude Bob Mackie gown in “Casino,” this illusion gown covers all the naughty bits with a solid crust of rose gold sequins, silver beads and rhinesto...

Created by the same designer who made Grace Kelly's wedding gown, this ball gown is instantly recognizable as a vintage masterpiece in the style of Charles James. The ballooning rear...

Navy blue Elizabethan style gown with long sleeves, close-fitting bodice and full skirt. Bodice features low scooping neckline with 3” antique white scalloped organza eyelet ruffle ...

Exquisitely simple, this statuesque floor length gown pairs a minimalistic column silhouette with dazzling black aurora borealis bugle beads so the wearer—and not her dress—does the ...

Worn by a well-to-do young Parisian at her debutante ball, which included a pre-party on a Seine-docked yacht. The convertible halter neck adds real-world practicality, but the jaw-dropping changeante color and Elizabethan-style skirt elevate this gown to the realm of myth. Vintage halter neck...

New, unworn and right off Bottega Veneta’s 2012 runway comes this incomparable illusion dress whose nude shoulders make the dress appear to float unattached on the body. Painstakingly crafted, each piece of the laser-cut silk velvet pattern is sewn individually and perfectly matched to create perfect vertical symmetry on the left and right sides of the dress. Halfway between a Rorschach pattern and branch coral, the dress is a marvel and a walking piece of art. Sleeveless illusion dress with nude net...

One look at this dress’s multidirectional bodice draping and it’s easy to see why seven of Chapman’s designs are featured in the Met’s permanent collection; the 35 feet of skirt just...

One of the most cryptic designers of the 20th century, Tarquin Ebker was a disciple of Charles James and designed for Hattie Carnegie in the mid-century. Few of his early pieces exis...

Fully restored, this breathtaking dress recalls the ethereal evening gowns designed by Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel in the late 1920s. Using a skin-tight nude net...

Simple but dramatic, this electrifying gown is perfect for the woman who isn't comfortable without a sleeve but also appreciates a touch of allure. Floating chiffon bell sleeves are cut from underarm to wrist to create an angel wing effect, while a double row of rhinestones trims the deep bust and back lines for even more drama. Made from the most luxurious, heavyweight silk crêpe imaginable. Full-length princess gown...

While Hanae Mori was always known for her bold prints, this riotous Pop Art pattern may be her strongest ever. Though its easy kaftan-style silhouette wears as comfortably as pajamas...

Able to be worn as a gown or a full-length princess coat, this versatile dress is made from super-heavyweight silk faille sturdy enough to stand upright on its own. Sculpted princess seams and elbow sleeves deliver charm in buckets, while the massive portrait collar—dripping with glass beads and passementerie—may be turned upward for a dramatic Elizabethan effect. Fit-and-flare coat...

A gown worthy of a dance number with Fred Astaire, this dress has drama by the handful. Yards of swirling chiffon and feathers provide nonstop movement, while the rich ombré tye dye...

Your "go-to" formal event gown, guaranteed to bring Rita Hayworth-level glamour every time. This one has everything: basic black color, heavyweight (and figure-friendly) slipper sati...

Like his contemporaries Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana and Azzedine Alaïa, Paul-Louis Orrier pushed trends to their furthest interpretation, using exaggerated shapes and angles in hi...

Dignified and statuesque, this gown combines the modesty and rigor of a kimono with the body conscious glamour of the 1930s. The high cut asymmetrical bodice and inset obi waist detail keep it demure, but the fluttering batwing sleeves—dripping with tambour beading and Austrian crystals—are the real show-stoppers. Deep brown silk crêpe kimono gown...

A gown that would be right at home sledding through the steppes or attending the Mariinsky Theater, this regal dress literally drips with understated glamo...

Eye catching for its liquid draping, open back and dramatic train, this gown is an unmistakable reminder of Hollywood’s Golden Age, when decency laws left designers scrambling for wa...

While the rich color, poured-on bias draping and jewel button sleeves will elicit gasps, the real star of this gown is the back: two diamond cutouts linked by pave jeweled hoops make this dress a showstopper worthy of the Silver Screen. Hollywood Regency gown...

With its cascading ruffle back skirt, puffed sleeves and sweetheart neckline, this gown is like a page out of Walter Plunkett’s designs for “Gone with ...

A power gown that goes "all in" on 1980s details, from wide shoulder pads to a trumpet skirt to a drop waist in between. It even has beaded fringe that keeps moving long after you st...

Worn on the shoulder this gown is the epitome of 1940s innocence, but off shoulder it suggests an Andalusian flamenco dress thanks to its 22 ½ foot skirt and sequined ruffles. Access...

With multiple textures, hanging beadwork and a riot of ¼” stripes, this gown has a lot going on but manages to get all of it just right. Best on a statuesque figure with sculpted shoulders, this gown reminds us of a piece that might be worn on a gondola during Carnevale, or at one of Truman Capote’s Black and White Balls. Sleeveless column gown with silk velvet mock t-neck bodice and striped satin skirt. Bodice features front princess seams and passementerie cording with hanging black beads at waist; gathered straight skirt with 10” velvet band and matching beaded passementerie at hem. Decorative 10” fixed bow with hidden snap at center back. Rear zipper closure with hook and eye at rear neck; fully lined in black acetate. fabric: silk velvet, nylon satin, acetate noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: secured loose hook...

With snug bodices and wired hip panniers, Robes de Style struck a happy medium between the highly-ornamented gowns of the Victorian era and the slinkier ...

Exceptional in every way, from its unheard-of larger size to the intricacy of its beadwork. The tying tabard-style skirt offers adjustability, while the deep navy color differentiates it from your favorite little black dress. A remarkable piece of fashion history in astonishing condition. Sleeveless flapper dress with drop waist and round front and rear neckline; straight skirt with extra back panel featuring adjustable tabard-style ties at each hip. Front and rear bodice fully beaded with navy and black Czech glass beads...

From its rare beads to its scalloped hem to its wearable size, this Jazz Age gem is a “unicorn” among flapper dresses. Quite literally dripping with silver-plate hollow beads and cry...

A dress that went around the world in 1924, this unusual frock features metal eyelets that gently chime when the wearer moves. An exotic masterpiece worthy of Callot Soeurs or Paquin...

From the estate of department store heiress Estela Jácome, this exceptional early 20s dress is the epitome of alluring modesty. Despite its sensual hip roset...

A transformative dress with a fetching shirred cummerbund that cups the tush and 2-foot fringe that never stops moving. Begs for a headpiece, garter flask and dance partner. Sleeve...

Clearly inspired by Poiret’s Irudrée gown of 1923 (pictured), this dress features the same dropped rouleau waist and emphasis on metallic lamé, but also incorporates aspects of his other work. The exotic mustards, blues and pinks of his 1002nd Night dress and the printed silks and velvets of his Orientalist capes are reflected in the luxurious hues and textures of this unique piece. Square neck dress...

A rare larger size for a Jazz Age garment, this incredible dress offers the comfort of a shift with the elegance of formalwear thanks to its lustrous glass beads. We love how the flo...

In true Hollywood Regency style, this gown technically covers the body but would leave little to the imagination if it weren't for the slip worn underneath. Despite having yards of f...

Though his work has only recently begun to be appreciated, Lebanese designer Jacques Cassia was a familiar face among the haute monde in the 1960s and 70s. His best-known work was a ...

Though his work has only recently begun to be appreciated, Lebanese designer Jacques Cassia was a familiar face among the jet-setting haute monde in the 1960s and 70s. This dress fro...

Pure spun-sugar perfection, right down to the cotton candy colors. Visible beneath the silver lattice-embroidered top skirt, the ruffled attached petticoat provides volume enough to span nearly six feet. Not to be outdone, the massive center rear bow ensures sweetness both coming and going. Strapless prom dress...

Ethereally soft and feminine from its petal bust to its chevron ruffles, this exquisite dress even includes ribbon-tied bouquets of pink flowers around the skirt circumference. Very Paris circa 1952. Vintage strapless full-skirted party dress with ruched bodice, sweetheart petal bust and V-shaped front waistline; four flexible stays around full bodice circumference. Gathered waist skirt features two full length tulle underlayers and one shorter, scallop-edge top layer trimmed in black and white ruffle tulle; pink millinery...

Ideally suited for a gal with a long waist, this zinger of a party dress “poufs” abruptly where the skirt meets the bodice for a dramatic tabletop skirt effect. Endless yards of tulle make the dress look like lime cotton candy. Strapless prom dress with straight cut bodice and slightly curved dropped waist. Lace princess bodice features flexible boning around full circumference and fixed self rose at left front hip; full circle skirt with two taffeta underslips (one trimmed in crinoline) and double tulle outer skirt. Center back zipper closure with top hook and eye; hanging loops. Fully lined in lime taffeta. fabric: lace, taffeta, tulle noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: invisibly repaired one 1 ¾” loss in outer tulle skirt layer condition: very good with above repair measurements: bust: 31” underbust / rib cage: 28” waist: 26” bodice length: 11” – 13 ½” hips: free skirt length: 31” total length: 42” from underarm sweep: 180” (outer tulle layers), 140” (middle taffeta layer), 88” (taffeta lining) label: Jessica McClintock...

A candy colored confection smack dab between pink and lavender, this little trifle is similar to a Christian Dior Haute Couture gown that debuted at the 2011 Resort/Cruise show in Sh...

A honeymoon dress that was never worn (because the groom shipped out to Korea immediately after the wedding), this dress is the pinnacle of femininity....

Though his designs do not enjoy the name recognition as those of Dior or Balmain, Daniel Werlé created breathtaking clothing for Hollywood actresses like Barbara Stanwyk, Gloria Swanson and Loretta Young. His commitment to exacting details, unusual shapes and fine materials is reflected in this exquisite ballerina dress...

Reminiscent of the architectural designs popularized by Balenciaga, this unique party dress features a stand-away silhouette that appears to float independently from the body that we...

Why not throw a little Hell-bent red into your virginal white dress? The silver filigree embroidery imparts a distinctly Nutcracker-Ballet-Snow-Fairy feeling, but the red implies pure “charm school dropout.” A lovely exercise in contradictions that would also make a precious tea-length wedding gown by simply removing the red fringe. Strapless sweetheart party dress with shelf bodice and split front triple-layer tulle skirt; flexible boning in front and back princess bodice seams. Silver metallic filigree embroidery around full circumference of shelf bodice and down skirt split, plus red tulle...

Wearable with a halter or strapless neckline, this romantic sundress would be the perfect ensemble for a breezy garden party or summer wedding. Ideal for larger busts, the ample shel...

An Audrey Hepburn style stunner, this Givenchy-inspired dress features handmade Spanish lace cut from an enormous mantilla and meticulously hand s...

A Rockabilly gem with all the polish of a full-skirted party dress AND a playful oversized gingham and floral print. Two dresses in one, the cap sleeves are fully detachable and conv...

A balance of masculine and feminine, this frothy party dress pairs tuxedo references like bib pleating and a wide cummerbund with an undeniably ladylike silhouette complete with a 25...

The combination of black and pink makes this dress simultaneously alluring and innocent. Cut with an asymmetrical "minarete silhouette" peplum made famous by Travis Banton, it also features an off-shoulder neckline made more wearable by the presence of spaghetti straps. Tea length short sleeve off-shoulder party dress of black taffeta with tulle overlay embellished with pink ribbon lace and embroidered flowers; lightly ruched sweetheart bust and spaghetti straps. Asymmetrical peplum from left hip to right ankle; black and pink tulle skirt...

A modern vintage masterpiece, this ladylike frock is loaded with charming extras (our favorite is the pocket detail: decorative AND practical) that keep its timeless silhouette from ...

A cocktail dress that stands apart not only for its nude hue but also for its architectural silhouette, this piece radiates mid-century chic. It reminds us of vintage beauty parlor dome hairdryers and Gaultier cone bras...

An unusual and discretely colorful party dress despite its dark hue, the dress features a silver ombré satin underskirt, which mellows to a pale lavender near the hemline. Even bette...

From the estate of a mid-century opera singer comes this New Look party dress, which looks like it might have stepped out of a Henry Clarke fashion shoot....

You would be forgiven for thinking this is an uptight wedding gown because of its age and sleeves. Of course we would direct your attention to the transparent lace insets that discourage the use of underwear, and to the bias-cut liquid satin...

The unusual combination of a drop waist and fit-and-flare silhouette impart a charm reminiscent of Givenchy's designs for Audrey Hepburn. Perfectly balanced by transparent lace cap sleeves and bateau neck, and punctuated with a half bow on the bodice. Ballet length ivory lace wedding gown...

If you don't have the luxury of changing clothes between the wedding and reception, consider this floor-length gown to fill both roles. Its shorter hemline and swirling skirt are ide...

An alluring, yet fully-covered gown for those brides who seek modesty without looking mousy, this wedding gown was custom-made for a 1951 bride who valued discretion and beauty in equal measure. Though this gown pre-dates Kelly's, it is strikingly similar to the Helen Rose gown Grace Kelly wore to her wedding to Prince Ranier in 1956. Ivory lace wedding dress with high neckline and narrow Peter Pan collar with 33 working covered buttons from navel to throat; illusion sleeves, upper back and upper chest with interior attached ivory camisole beneath. Pointed sleeves with 8 working covered buttons at each forearm; lightly puffed shoulders with petite interior shoulder pads. V-shaped front and rear waist seam with gentle gathers in back; free-hanging lace overlay skirt with cathedral train. Skirt fully lined in free-hanging ivory acetate with additional rear tulle lining for fullness. Matching Juliet cap...

A highly traditional gown with positively regal bearing, this full-skirted wedding dress covers all bases. Though it conceals and arms and neck for propriety, its Queen Anne neckline provides allure through its center plunge; it has a full train for the ceremony, but can be buttoned at the rear back for the reception and dancing; lace and pearl beading provide texture and interest, but ultra-heavyweight Duchess satin lend gravitas and modesty. Truly, fit for a Queen. Ivory wedding gown...

A wedding gown that takes modest fashion to new heights, this columnar maxi dress chastely covers every inch of skin but oozes stature, grace and regality thanks to Byzantine-era jew...

With Taylor’s neck and waistline, Hepburn’s sleeves and Kelly’s lace, this wedding gown has all the requisites of a 1950s heirloom. We love how the uneven, graduated hemline and der...

When wartime rationing abbreviated garment lengths, brides used intricate seams and sharp tailoring to create interest in favor of volume. This shimmering example incorporates a scalloped waist seam and military shoulders to create a simple but striking gown emblematic of its time. Ivory wedding...

A gown so Neoclassical it looks as if it came right off a Greek statue, with floating sash ties that permit endless styling variations. Neither pink nor peach, this gown is a flatter...