1960s John Cavanagh Black Lace and Velvet Couture Cocktail Dress

This is a brilliant example of Ceil Chapman's early work from the late 1940s to early 1950s and the black taffeta silk design is exquisite. Its the first thing you notice about this dress which has the most unusual construction. The skirt's textured element from a distance looks like a floral design but its actually a large number of circular pleated stitched designs. The way the fabric is pulled and stitched creates an almost 3D effect. We have never seen this work before but it would have taken a very skilled seamstress and an incredible amount of time to do it. The dress style is a classic shirtwaister design with three taffeta covered buttons to fasten the bodice which is beautifully shaped and Princess seamed. The sleeves are three quarter length and feature a folded cuff...

This exceptional 1950s Mollie Parnis black wool evening dress with pleated ribbon inserts is a superb example of the glamorous lines and exquisite design features synonymous with its designer. An iconic favourite for a number of figurative members of American society during the 50s, 60s and 70s, Parnis famously dressed First Ladies namely Mrs.Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter...

This striking 1970s ribbed wool blend jersey maxi dress is by celebrated British designer Frank Usher and has a wonderfully contemporary feel. The simple line of the dress is guarant...

This arresting Fred Perlberg late 1940s or early 1950s black chiffon evening dress with matching gloves is designed to turn heads on the dance floor. Part of its 'creator's lovingly titled range of party and dance dresses "Dance Originals", the emphasis on movement and show stopping glamour is evident in this piece. Thin spaghetti straps support a dramatic horizontal neckline , which is softened by chiffon arranged attractively over the bust line in a cross-over fashion. The bodice is corseted to accentuate the fairytale waistline, which details a simple piped seam before falling away dramatically into the floor sweeping skirt. The high-waisted skirt is fully lined, with a full-circle chiffon overlay. The fabric features a panel of gold sequin embellishment that comes into play just above the knee and runs parallel to the hem. There is a concealed zip fastening to the left of the bodice with a hook and eye closure. The sheer chiffon gloves...

This sensational 1970s black sequinned evening gown is by Morty Sussman for Mollie Parnis Boutique and is in truly excellent vintage condition. The dress is elegant, with a modest V ...

This seductive 1950s black silk satin cocktail dress is of superb quality and construction and in superb vintage condition. The dress features a sweetheart neckline in soft black netting with a nude satin underlay and lace ruffle embellishment over the bust. There are spaghetti straps, princess seams along the bodice and a slightly dropped, curved waistline atop of a classic 50s full skirt...

Adolfo strapless dress with bold green, indigo and white tropical floral print. Wonderfully tailored, with fitted bodice and draped open tulip front slit above the knee for movement...

Luxurious Valentino Boutique black silk evening gown with tiered ruffles, sweeping hemline and hand beaded and embroidered bodice. Two ruffles at bodice are hand beaded with tiny jet...

Badgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...

The perfect little black vintage dress by Chanel. This classic beauty is a 1990s piece designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This elegant Chanel dress is an incredible classic that will truly...

Incredible Alexander McQueen textured leather dress with the most amazing dramatic silhouette. This high-quality dress has the most incredible round silhouette - It is made from a textured leather and features a round neckline with beautiful seam-line details, large round puff...

The most incredible leather mini-dress by Saint Laurent from 2014, designed by Hedi Slimane. This exceptional sleeveless mini dress is made from a soft lamb leather and features gor...