Circa Vintage Evening Dresses and Gowns

This lovely 1960s silk satin shift dress in pale pink is an early piece from American designer Victor Costa and maintains a beautiful balance of style and formality for which its des...

This is a beautiful example of Madame Gres's work during a pivotal moment in the fashion House's history when she expanded her design repertoire for couture evening dresses and the fluid Greco - Roman Goddess draping she was so famous for. It is certainly a graceful and early 1970s design and is made from the most beautiful silk embroidered tulle that overlays a fine black silk shift dress. The dress has an empire line bodice and a low scoop cut neckline, ruffle edged in a double layer of the tulle. The long sleeves are sheer with a ruffle cuff collar that echoes the neckline. The dress is Princess seemed and fastens to the rear with the original metal zip whilst the tulle overlay has popper closures. The haute couture label is located on the right hand side of the dress just under the arm. The dress is entirely handmade and in absolutely beautiful vintage condition. There are no issues of any note and it looks barely worn. We estimate this dress would suit around a UK 8-10, US 4-6. Haute couture dresses of this calibre are rare to market, especially in wearable condition and we doubt we will ever see another. Madame Grès - was the name of the French haute couture fashion house established in the 1940s and lasting through until the 1980s. Madame was Germaine Émilie Krebs who in her early years also created designs under the Alix label. She was renowned for her attention to detail and minimalistic draping techniques fashioning fluid silk jersey straight onto the wearer. Her pieces can fetch well over five figure sums and are held in every major museum collection worldwide. She was one of the most revered couturiers of the 20th century and died short...

This charming circa 1969 cotton dress by Ossie Clark for Radley boasts a pretty 'bubble' print by celebrated textile designer Celia Birtwell. This piece is pretty and gamine with pu...

This late 1980s or early 1990s black velvet polka dot dress by Caroline Charles would make the perfect seasonal party piece! It features a wide boat neckline with purple silk contras...

Documented Chanel dress from the Fall 2005 Ready-to-Wear collection, where it was worn by model Carmen Kass as an incredible layering piece, with knee high boots and a bardot sweater...

Superb example of an early 1960s day dress but could just as easily be worn in more formal settings or as a cocktail dress. Cut in a beautifully iridescent teal blue silk feel fabric...

Original 1960s black sequinned dress which would make the perfect occasion dress. It features a heavily sequinned bodice with a double satin spaghetti strap and curved chest seams to...

This mid to late 1960s cocktail or party dress is composed of three tiers and a lace ruffle panelling at the bottom of the dress. Panels are made of a transparent black floral lace and black satin. The satin fabric appears to have a grain, and is lined in black polyester. The solid panels are cleverly placed to cover the bust and crotch area. The collar is a scoop neck and two bust darts can be found on the front. This dress is in excellent vintage condition save for a couple of very small pulls which are unnoticeable when the dress is being worn. Labeled a UK size 12, this runs smaller than modern sizing. Our model is a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and this fits her well. Gerald McCann...

Black velvet and silk 1930s dress with a V-neck crossover front and frilled mesh trim finished with delicate beading. The dress has silk georgette fluted sleeves...

This is mid to late1980s midi dress by Louis Feraud is perfect for an occasion or summer party. It has a fitted ruched bodice and a sweetheart neckline, with lovely pleated shaping t...

This 1950s black taffeta ball dress by quality British brand Blanes, is perfect for a black or white tie event. It has ribbon work appliqué around the folded square neckline and bott...

This incredible Victorian inspired evening gown by British couture designer, Jacques Azagury, is an absolute show stopping piece designed to turn heads...

This is a really well made 1970s navy embroidered maxi dress by Brenner Couture. It's a smart shirt-waister style with a crossover V neck with two butt...

This lovely Heiress 1950s fine crepe occasion dress in dusky pink is pretty, gamine and features some gorgeous design details. The classic hourglass silhoue...

Statement 1980s silk jersey trapeze dress, complete with dramatic leather appliqué detail to each shoulder. It has a high, gently rounded neckline and fastens loosely at the rear with two diamanté style buttons with a keyhole opening. The fabric is an incredibly soft, lightweight black silk jersey, which feels luxurious and comfortable against the skin. The dress has wide batwing sleeves, each finished at the cuff with the same diamanté button detail. The shoulders feature a unique appliqué detail made of silver and black leather rosettes...

This is a truly elegant formal gown by renowned occasion wear designer Patricia Lester who has been designing costume and fashion with her husband Charles, for over 50 years. Made from an inky black and very finely hand pleated silk...

Bold and bright late 1980s silk jacquard dress by Louis Feraud. It has a high, rounded neckline and long sleeves which are padded at the shoulder to create a distinctly 80s structure...

Runway documented Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Fall 2010 collection black silk dress with faux fur hem. It features a sweetheart neckline with a fron...

This lovely vintage 1960s linen Mod dress in turquoise blue is smart and chic. The simple line and block colour is skilfully tailored but alas there is no maker's label present. Ther...

This is a fine Jean Muir 1960s dress and matching tassel scarf and is without question, the best ensemble from this designer we have ever had in our collection. Early in her career, Muir worked with Liberty fabric and this striking psychedelic silk print could certainly be a Liberty design. It features a riot of bright purple, blue, orange, pink and green tones in a stylised paisley print. Each of the designs, contained in long rows of bands, is slightly different. The dress is a high shirtwaister design with an empire line bust, a low scoop neck and it fastens at the front with 18 fabric buttons and loops. There is a little upturned ruffle on the waistband and the skirt is gently gathered. The sleeves have a gathered cuff and upturned ruffle that echoes the waistline. The dress bodice is not lined; however, the skirt is lined in a quality pink viscose. Labelled a UK size 12, this is small in today's sizing and probably a better fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6. The accompanying scarf is a double thickness triangular shape with a row of hand tied purple tassels down one side. It is doubled sided with one print matching the dress while the other side is the same design but in a different colourway, focusing on blues, turquoises and orange. It's an absolutely beautiful piece worn alone or could could be styled either side to compliment or contrast the dress colourway. A very rare set indeed to find in superb vintage condition and from the very earliest part of Jean Muir's career. One for the serious collector, wearer of fine boho...

Rare 1970s André Courrèges turquoise maxi dress complete with low back and bow strap detail. Courreges was already a fashion design superstar when his haute couture version of this...

This original 1970s red feather dress ensemble by Guy Laroche is a high-end boutique piece or demi couture order and the perfect statement piece for any event or party. The ensemble ...

This striking Louis Feraud late 1980s or early 1990s evening gown with embroidered silk overlay is of exceptional quality and construction. The classic silhouette is deeply feminine,...

1970s Janice Wainwright black evening dress that is unashamedly a tribute to the original party dresses of the 1920s. Wainwright's early work is highly sort after by collectors and museums alike. She founded her own company in 1970 after working for Simon Massey...

This fabulous 1960s silk cocktail dress with matching belt tie is by Mardi Gras of New York and is in very good to excellent vintage condition with no issue...

Late 1950s to 1960s Jacques Heim demi couture cocktail dress with a lovely and unusual velvet trim design. It has a wide boatneck and short sleeves, which feature a black velvet pane...

Exceptional Guy Laroche couture colour block evening gown which dates to between 1985 and 1991 and was most likely designed by Laroche himself prio...

This 1950s silk brocade two piece couture dress set has a stunning paisley pattern in pink and gold threads. The dress features a scalloped edge trim to the top of the bodice and thr...

This early 1950s Ceil Chapman taffeta and silk dress is a timeless and elegant party dress. It has a fitted ruched bodice, cut from soft black silk jersey, which hugs the body beautifully to create a feminine shape. The ruching is sewn in two vertical lines down the front of the dress and is also shaped around the bust. The skirt flares out from the bodice at around the low hip point and is made up of black taffeta which is pleated to create volume and movement. The material has a lovely thick, quality feel to it. The dress fastens down the back with the original metal zipper which is finished with a hook and eye closure to the top. Ceil Chapman was famously the favourite designer of Marilyn Monroe, and was renowned all over the world for creating glamorous cocktail dresses and party gowns...

This Carven haute couture 1960s midnight blue dress suit is beautifully crafted from a luxuriously soft velvet. The dress has a simple scoop neckl...

This classic black bandage dress by Herve Leger was purchased in early 2010 and was part of the permanent collection of signature pieces which has defined the brand since the 1980s, ...

A very high quality sequin mini dress by Dynasty of Hong Kong and cut in a classic 1960s shift shape. It falls to around knee length, with a high rounded neck and central back zipper with hook and eye closure at the top. The material is a fine cream silky feel fabric with chevron embroidered sequins in cream, champagne and silver tones, which gives the dress a lovely sparkle and sense of movement. It is lined with a pale cream fabric which is cool against the skin and comfortable to wear, and would look fab paired with statement earrings and heels or gogo boots...

This beautiful Zandra Rhodes couture dress and scarf ensemble is cut in really gorgeous shades of green silk chiffon. Her abstract, signature screen-printed fabric is worked by hand...

This Chanel black cotton dress is an amazing example of the fashion house's expert tailoring, and of the structured styles of the 1980s. It has a high rounded neckline, sloped, dropped seam shoulders and fastens down the back of the bodice with four concealed black buttons. The front of the bodice features gold 'Coco Chanel, Paris, France' buttons, on the front opening and two front breast pockets, which are both functional. The sleeves have a pie crust ruffle trim and are finished with the same gold button detail. The waistband of the dress is fitted and also features a peplum trim, which further accentuates the shape of the hip. The skirt is cut in a traditional pencil shape, finishing at around knee length. The back of the skirt fastens with a zip, and has two concealed hook and eye closures which connect the waistband to the rear. While the bodice is unlined, the skirt is lined with a luxurious and thick soft black silk. The inside label reads 'Chanel Boutique, Made in France'. This is the exact runway dress which featured in the 1986 Chanel ready to wear...

This is a magnificent purple sequin gown by Parisian Atelier Guy Laroche - the exact gown pictured from the Fall/Winter 2007 collection. It has a on...

This mid 1960s black column dress is chic, sophisticated and perfect for any formal occasion. It has a georgette fabric neckline which is slightly t...

1970s Janice Wainwright 1920s style flapper dress. This is a wonderful example of Janice Wainwright's early work which is highly sort after by collectors and museums alike. She founded her own company in 1970 after working for Simon Massey...

This mid to late 1970s navy and sequin detail Grecian dress is a show stopping unlabelled couture piece. It is skilled work and has mostly been mad...

This early 1960s red crepe fully beaded gown is truly exquisite, and has a lovely weight to it. It features a scoop neckline to both front and back, with capped sleeves, and an origi...

Original 1930s haute couture gold lame evening dress, in fabulous condition for its age. It features a crossover front with tie waist detail, and...

This dress is an extraordinary Parisian made example from the early days of the house of Christian Dior and we have been fortunate to handle this same dress twice in the last 20 year...

This incredible 1990s Mugler dress creates the most flattering and feminine silhouette for the wearer. Made from thick black velvet with indigo blue, almost purple fabric panelling, ...

Documented Rudi Gurniech red and purple "cross my heart" maxi dress circa 1969. The celebrated signer and actress, Barbara Streisand, owned many of Gurniech designs including this e...

This fabulous Christian Dior grey tweed dress is from the 2007 autumn / winter collection and right after a young John Galliano moved across from Givenchy t...

This 1970s French couture green and white dress in silk crepe features a striking floral fabric design. It has a softly rounded neckline and fast...

This is a late 1960s or early 1970s couture sequinned maxi gown by William Travilla whose name is synonymous with Marilyn Monroe for whom he worked as a costume designer from 1952. He designed, arguably, the most famous cinematic dress in history, the white pleated halterneck dress for 'The Seven Year Itch' and was Oscar nominated 5 times winning for 'The Adventures of Don Juan' where he designed costumes for Errol Flynn. He designed for his own label from 1957 and was widely acclaimed for his work on the television series The Thorn Birds and Dallas during the 1980s. The silk fabric in this gown is just beautiful and has an abstract almost painterly foliage print design; the vibrant greens and blues invoke a tropical vibe. Overlaying the silk from head to toe are tightly spaced clear sequins that have been joined together with a a silver thread giving an iridescence to the top layer of organza. The dress has a deep V-neck crossover empire line bodice with hidden covered popper buttons for modesty along the V-line. The gathered skirt is very full and is separately lined underneath in a fine quality silk crepe. A green velvet band with a neat bow completes the look. There's lots of hand finishing details on this dress and it is so well made that you could wear it either way around depending on whether you wanted slightly more coverage. The label inside the dress reads 'Haute Couture by Sally's and then the address is Palisades Park, New Jersey. Whilst not strictly, haute couture, this dress is as close to American designer royalty that you can get. A fellow vintage dealer I very much admire, Shrimpton...

This sophisticated Tom Ford black jersey and satin corset dress is a super flattering and sexy design, perfect for party season. It comprises a long...

This late 1980s Louis Feraud silk crepe creation is a fabulous statement dress and very elegant. It has a low slung waist with a fitted ruched bodic...

This Guy Laroche cocktail dress really epitomises the fun spirit and dynamic silhouette trends of the 1980s. Crafted from 100% fine, soft wool, the dress features a rounded neckline ...

A very early design from high end occasion wear specialist Jenny Packham; this 1980s black velvet and silk cocktail dress is perfect for the upcoming party season. The bodice is made...

1960s orange and black flock print dress by "Diana" is perfect for the up and coming party season. It features a flattering sweetheart neckline with ruching around the bust to create...

Neon hued dress suit by Gianni Versace Couture which featured in the Spring 1996 ready-to-wear collection, Look number 50. Both the jacket and the dress are made using a beautifully soft silk, in a striking abstract design against a yellow background. The design features brushstroke-like patterns in hot pink, orange, green, white and turquoise, and really epitomises the playful takes on colour which were so favoured by Versace during this period of his career. The dress is cut in a classic mini fit and flare shape - it has a double layered bodice and structured cups for extra support, with gathered detail where the straps meet. The straps themselves tie at the shoulder, and each side features a metal and acrylic Versace medallion...

This is an incredibly well preserved midnight blue silk dress, dating from the late 1910s to the early 1920s. It features a softly rounded neckline, with a crisscross silk ribbon tri...

This is a wonderful late 1950s French couture lemon yellow beaded blouson dress from Pouppone. We have sold this label before and the workmanship is extraordinary, certain akin to t...

Yves Saint Laurent rose print dress from the Autumn/Winter 1994/95 collection. Made in France, and with the 'Rive Gauche' ready to wear label, it fe...

This show-stopping 1950s floral strapless dress with fishtail hem is designed to turn heads. The rose print design is in a man-made sateen type fabric of electric blue, navy and dusk...

This pale seafoam green/blue dress is a very regal example of late 1960s haute couture evening wear. Cut in a classic and flattering A-line ...

This beautiful vintage 1940s black organza dress features a unique guipure lace under layer in soft cream which is visible beneath the sheer fabric of the skirt, a pretty sweetheart ...

This French couture 1960s A-line mini dress has a wonderful luminosity to it thanks to its floral lame fabric. The neckline is high and softly rounded, and the interior is lined with...

Runway documented Jeremy Scott novelty grandfather clock dress from his autumn / winter 2008 collection. Stretchy with unusual upturned shoulder pads, a keyhole opening in the turtle...