East Asian Evening Dresses and Gowns

For his design mentor Rei Kawakubo's Japanese brand Comme des Garcons, Junya Wantanabe made this inimitable semi-transparent white taffeta floaty ruffled-V-neck sleeveless pullover dress with distinct parachute elements, cutwork, and adjustable ruching and draping as "Look 1 and 2" (see photos) for the Parisian fashion show debut of his Spring/Summer 2003 collection. The stunning combination of contrasts range from romantic-to-combat themes, gathered-to-flowing construction, raw-to-finely-finished edges, soft-to-hard materials, and gossamer-to-dense textural fabrics. Secured on the exterior of the dress with bold silver-tone metallic hardware, the parachute-like 100%-cotton grosgrain straps are mostly enclosed within multiple diagonal and vertical ruched channels to enable symmetrical or asymmetrical draping and lengthening of the thin synthetic fabric into multiple swags. Strap ends can freely hang from the functional hardware on the front of the dress and below its sides--as if they could be yanked to release the fabric into a drifty parachute sail. With the potential to be a stunning formal overlay if worn with a minimalist wedding gown or long skirt, the reverse side of the voluminous dress is equally remarkable for its ruffled diamond-shaped cutout at the lower back, where it is intersected by a trio of linked thick straps that are secured to a looped ruched channel. This creates an elongated bustle with a dramatic central 19-inch slit between the two swags that each extend 43 inches below the outer shoulder hem. This premiere-catwalk dress is distinguished from others in Wantanabe's "Parachute Jumper" collection by the complexity of its top. Two ruched straps form an X-shape via silver hardware at the upper back, extending to the front over the shoulders to form an adjustable face-flattering ruched V-neck with silver-hardware-linked narrow straps. The soft folds of the neckline contribute to the raised ruffle collar, as well as flow to the shoulder seams. The hand-cut hem was designed unfinished and meant to fray, although it has not given its minimal wear and very good condition consistent with only age and storage. See our photos of the care/material tags. All tags remain, including from the Italian concept-store 10 Corso Como, where it was purchased in Milan. The "Made in Japan" size is a large-running "S" due to the pullover and adjustable style of the dress, which is equivalent to an Italian-size 44 or U.S.-size 6. Beyond a convertible dress...

Rare diaphanous lace cotton tunic dress designed in 1987 by Rei Kawakubo (Japanese, born 1942) for her avant garde Comme des Garcons design house. One of the same dresses is also p...

Herve Leger "Candice" Lip Stick Red Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress XS. Tags attached (MSRP: $1,150). Tight, sturdy and durable construction, built to showcase your curves...

Cream silk, dress with floral detail designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garcons dating to the 2012 Spring/Summer collection. Size 'M'. Would be spectacular as a wedding dress. Ap...

Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme circa 1990's. Dress features a military-style color palette in camouflage print. A vintage camo print similar t...

PROENZA SCHOULER SS18 black red floral jacquard hook eye ruffle dress US4 Reference: TGAS/A04847 Brand: Proenza Schouler Model: Ruffle jacquard dress Collection: Spring Summer 2018 M...

Stunning mid/late 1950s DYNASTY for I. MAGNIN raspberry red and gold silk satin sleeveless demi couture dress! Not quite red, and not quite pink, this beautiful gem features gold emb...

Chic 1960s Kelly green 100% Virgin wool knit short sleeve shift dress! Super soft virgin wool feels luxurious against the skin! Flattering shift shape, with a slight A-line. Mod butt...

A vintage midcentury red color silk brocade collectable Japanese ceremonial wedding kimono. One of a kind handcrafted . Fabulous museum quality ceremonial piece in pure silk with in...

Breathtaking 1950s black wool knit couture fully sequined and paillete full length evening wiggle dress! This gem was made in Hong Kong, with the sough...

Black sequin evening dress with open back. Main fabric: 100% polyester. Shoulder pad. Zip closure on the middle back + hook&loop behind the neck. Split on the middle back on the bott...

Sensational vintage 60s VICTORIA ROYAL Couture Kelly green full length evening gown! Fitted bodice features thousands of hand-sewn sequins and...

Phenomenal early 60s GENE SHELLY’S International Boutique International gold sequined full length dress ! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins on a soft stretchy wool. Keyhole ope...

Amazing 1960s CEIL CHAPMAN burnt orange and gold metallic silk brocade full length maxi dress and long sleeve tunic top ! Dress features a solid orange silk bodice, with a paisley pr...

Jean Lutece vintage 1960s black silk double breasted coat (or coat dress) with black rhinestone and seed bead embellishment at collar and cuffs. Raw silk features natural slubbing th...

Herve Leger "Belina" black asymmetric fringe metal eyelet strapless bandage mini dress. New with tags (MSRP: $1,990). Tight, sturdy and durable construction, built to showcase your c...

Night blue officier leather dress with gold "miltary" snaps and larges shoulder-pads. Rayon lining. Gold passementerie piping along the cuffs and on the shoulders. SIZE S

A gorgeous lavender silk dress made in 1960s British Hon Kong. It is sleeveless with a V neckline elaborately detailed in loops of piping highligh...

Sensational vintage 1970s DYNASTY for I MAGNIN Chinese inspired colorful cotton maxi dress! Features prints in blues, greens, terra cotta, orange and burnt orange. Fitted bodice, wit...

A vintage Mid-Century ivory color silk brocade collectable Japanese ceremonial kimono. One of a kind hand crafted. Fabulous museum quality ceremonial piece in pure silk with intricat...

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG black silk bead embellished wrap maxi dress US0 XS Reference: JACG/A00033 Brand: Diane von Furstenberg Material: Silk, Blend Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure...

Black and pink sequin cocktail dress with beadwork on black lace base. . Shell composition : 25% nylon, 25% acetate, 25% rayon, 25% cotton. Lining: 100% rayon + tulle inside the skir...

What a showstopper! Modern, slim looking evening dress from St John Couture. Celebrity owned. Worn once. The dress has a v-neck and beautifully cut to ...

Gold coated rayon knit bustier dress. Silicone band on the top edge inside. Zip and hook&eye in the middle back. SIZE S (L on the tag but more likely S)

Rare Limited Edition brand new with tags COMME DES GARCONS NOIR KEI NINOMIYA black sleeveless Avant Garde cotton dress! Features a ...

Amazing DIANE FREIS brightly colored tropical print beaded silk chiffon midi dress and sash ! Vibrant colors of green, blue, purple, red, black...

ZIMMERMANN Dancer Blush Garden pink floral print ruched waist puff sleeves dress Sz2 M Reference: TGAS/E00177 Brand: Zimmermann Model: Dancer Material: Viscose Color: Pink Pattern: F...

1960s Contessa evening dress in a lovely cream silk, with an embroidered geometric waistband. The dress features a high neck with floor length A-line skirt. The gazar silk has a wonderful thickness and structure to it, and flows beautifully from the waist. The band is heavily embroidered with pale and cerise pink threads, outlined in gold, complete with gold and pink gemstone detail. The high, rounded neckline is both flattering and classic, with the original zip closure going all the way down the back of the dress. Silk gazar was much used in bridal and evening fashion due to its ability to hold its shape. This is a high-end, well made dress and was certainly inspired by the work of Christobal Balenciaga...

Black and white knit rayon cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 90% rayon, 9% nylon, 1% spandex. Zip on the left side + 3 hook&eye. Size M on the tag but fit more likely XS

COMME DES GARCONS Vintage nude black sheer overlay A-line dress S Cindy Sherman Reference: PYCN/A00098 Brand: Comme Des Garcons As seen on: Cindy Sherman Material: Cotton, Blend Colo...

▪ Brand: Comme Des Garçons ▪ Creative Director: Rei Kawakubo ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1984 ▪ Fabric: 65% Rayon, 35% Silk ▪ Details: Large asymmetric drapes and tucks sewn with a wh...

Vintage 1960s Intricate White and Green beaded sequin floral pattern on white lace mini cocktail dress. Dress is lined in silk but sleeve in unline...

Black sleeveless jersey cocktail dress with embellishment. Embroideries : 100% acrylic ( rhinestone) and metallic trimmings: brass SIZE S

YOHJI YAMAMOTO rare 1995 shibori dyed green black deconstructed dress S Reference: PYCN/A00062 Brand: Yohji Yamamoto Designer: Yohji Yamamoto Collection: 1995 Material: Cotton Color:...

S/S 1997 Comme des Garcons Robe de chambre ‘Lumps and Bumps’ / Body Meets Dress blue and white gingham dress. Iconic. In excellent condition.

Night blue officier style leather dress. Rayon lining. Large shoulder-pads. Gold metal " military" style snap. Cut-work. Gold piping. SIZE XS

A rare example of a red and gold thread kimono with a design of multicoloured iris. .The meaning of flowers is called Hanakotoba in Japan, this is linked to the Buddhist teaching of ...

Junya Watanabe 2002 Denim Runway Dress This exceptional Junya Watanabe runway dress, labeled for Comme des Garçons, epitomizes avant-garde design ...

Amazing long sleeve black Victoria Royal Ltd. full length gown with gold bead embellishment at bodice and sleeves. Gold ribbon trim at hem and tiny gold tassels adorn the bottom. Bac...

Futuristic designer Issey Miyake has mastered the technique of creating sculptural works of art in cloth. His innovative pattern cutting and signature use of micro pleating give his garments a unique form. As one of the earliest designers to take on this style of fashion, Miyake is held in high regard as a pioneer of these creative, out-of-this-world fashions. From the Pleats Please line, this rare collector’s dress is done in a pleated fabric in shades of midnight blue, electric purple, red, magenta, cerulean, chartreuse, brown, sage, and neon green. The bright colors have a prismatic quality that makes the dress pop visually, giving the eye something new to appreciate from each angle while elevating this garment to a work of art. The dress begins with a high straight neckline and long sleeves that reach the wrists. The front of the dress is fitted throughout, creating an elegant sheath that falls to a maxi length several inches above the ankles. The body of the dress is done in midnight blue pleats with a section of purple at the bust and a section of neon green near the hem that draws the eye. Thigh-high slits at each side of the dress allow for greater ease of movement while introducing a welcome risqué element that helps balance the volume of material on display. Size: Small Measurements: Bust: 32 inches Waist: 30 inches Length: 50 inches An incredible panel at the back of the dress is made up of a vivid patchwork of color-blocked fabric, adding extra depth and gravitas to this Avant Garde masterpiece. The top of the panel can be folded over the front of the shoulders to create a curving, cocoon-like shawl, or folded together at the back like wings at rest. The panel spans the entire length of the dress and is slightly higher at the neck, adding volume and a delightful sculptural element to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the dress. An unforgettable addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion, and is sure to turn heads for many years to come. This vintage Issey Miyake dress...

1960s evening dress by Malcolm Starr in pale pink satin with beaded emellishment throughout. This consists of primarily silver beads in various shapes and sizes, the body covered wit...

Diane Von Furstenberg Tamara full length gown from Fall 2014 Dark blue with gold star print Wrap style dress with plunging neckline and short puff sleeves Ties at the back or the front Consists of three sheer layers...

Beautiful vintage 60s ROYAL LYNNE gold and purple metallic lurex A-line dress! Features gold and regal purple geometric shapes throughout the front and bac...

ROMANCE WAS BORN Ken Done pink multicolor illustration print babydoll dress S Reference: AAWC/A01360 Brand: Romance Was Born Collection: Ken Done As s...

Black Suede and leather backless cocktail dress. Cut-work. Main fabric composition: genuine leather/ suede. Lining: Rayon. Zip middle back and...

Stunning vintage Hanae Mori dress!!! 100% lined silk. Inside hook-and-eye closures. Great for the office, or a cocktail party! Fully lined. In great condition. Approximately Size Med...

Black summer-weight wool dress with asymmetrical, embroidered lace neckline and hemline designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons as seen on the spring 1991 runway. The shape on...

HERVE LEGER red cut out tiered ruffle hem bandage fit flared dress XS Reference: LACG/A00386 Brand: Herve Leger Material: Rayon, Blend Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra De...

Extremely Issey Miyake Beautifully "Work of Art" Draped Deconstruct Black "balloon pockets" optional jacket/dress has a single button in front. What makes this piece a work of art...

The subtlest of inventive details makes this day dress a refined standout from Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garçons. The tank top bodice inverts at the front and back, creating layer...

Chic 1960s DYNASTY paisley bright colorful silk sleeveless shift dress ! Features a tailored bodice, with hidden metal zipper up the back and hook-and-eye closure. POCKETS at each si...

Black silk bustier evening dress with bow in the front. Silk lining and bra inside the bust. Hook&eye on the left side. Zip on the left side. SIZE...

Superb Lee Young Hee Hanbok Dress (Circa 1995) crafted from Charcoal Black hand dyed and finely textured silk organza layered over a woven jade and gold thre...

Spectacular 1960s CEIL CHAPMAN gold metallic and raspberry pink silk brocade flowers and swirls printed full length evening dress! Features pink flowers and swirls throughout. Elegan...

Chic vintage 1960s SEATON ENTERPRISES LTD. Couture canary yellow beaded and rhinestone A-Line dress! Textured yellow cotton rayon blend, with th...

▪ Yohji Yamamoto evening dress ▪ Spring-Summer 1998 ▪ Constructed from black polyester; twisted and draped around the bodice ▪ Rare runway piece ▪ Size Small ▪ Made in Japan All ph...

Gorgeous vintage early 1970s VICTORIA ROYAL Couture light mint blue / green rhinestone beaded jersey gown! Features a beautiful mint blue color that is perfect for any skin tone. Sof...

Lace dress with black ruban stitched on top