1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns

An important and absolutely magnificent Emilio Schuberth Italian couture ocean aquatic motif ivory satin gown dating back to 1951. Our breathtaking dr...

A gorgeous black silk dress from Marberl. It has long sleeves with fine metal zippers at the wrists, a princess seamed bodice for a great fit and a deep V cut...

An important and truly breathtaking one-of-a-kind dress ensemble custom made for Yma Sumac, dating back to the mid 1950's. Yma Sumac (1922–2008) was a noted Peruvian soprano and the ...

Dress comes with a separate petticoat so it can be worn less full. Very small waist. 1950S Blush Pink Rayon & Nylon Tulle Draped Strapless Gown In The Style Of Dior Jean Dessés

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...

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...

In this gorgeous early 1950's Bergdorf Goodman ivory-white gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern haute-cou...

This vintage Phillip Hulitar 1950s, ivory silk chiffon and black velvet cocktail dress is the perfect party dress or great for wedding. Gown has intricate black velvet, ivory silk chiffon, pearl encrusted, leaf-motif bodice and its double-layer, silk chiffon ballroom skirt...

A gorgeous wool jersey and taffeta dress from the 1950s. The bateau neckline bodice is wool jersey with 3/4 length sleeves is attached to the full taffeta skirts with pointed seams. ...

1958 Christian Dior London gown by Marc Bohan. Stunning and very rare crumb catcher gown with fitted waist and full skirt, with built-in corset w...

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...

Ethereal 1950's Anne Verdi designer champagne lace hourglass cocktail dress from the Old Hollywood era of glamour! The fabric itself is a masterpiece; high-...

1950s Emma Domb Black and Pink Tulle Party Dress. Ruffled tulle bodice embellished with pearls. Ribbon embellishments. Two layers of black tulle ov...

Simply gorgeous 1950's Ceil Chapman black velvet off-the-shoulder gown! Ceil Chapman was one of Marilyn Monroe's favorite designers (last image depicts Marilyn dressed in an off-shou...

The House of Dior has been an enduring icon of Haute-Couture. While the House of Dior is still a thriving business today, Dior's untimely death in 1957 left the fashion world without...

In this gorgeous 1950's ivory crème silk-faille gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern couture. This captivating custom made garment looks identical to the one actress June Havoc wore. Sparkling prong-set rhinestones mixed with elaborate glass beadwork give the garment so much depth and texture. This workmanship alone must have taken weeks. The bodice has a flattering duel thin-strap sculpted sweetheart nipped-waist framed by large dangling pearls. I love the dramatic three-dimensional back bow which really makes a statement. The flattering front ruched wiggle skirting finishes this showstopper in a perfect "Old Hollywood" style. As pictured, though we do not have written authentication, we believe this gown belonged to Joan Havoc. The documentation, source and measurements point in this direction. A beautiful one-of-a-kind garment that would definitely make an unforgettable bridal or red carpet look. Measurements Bust: 35-36 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Total Length:58 inches This 1950's custom couture gown...

In this gorgeous 1950's hand-painted shimmering copper gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will f...

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...

Fashioned from rich olive-green light weight silk-organza, this 1950's creation has everything a woman wants. The boned bodice has a gorgeous pleated texture shelf-bust design. I ado...

An absolutely stunning Ceil Chapman designer vibrant pink silk-chiffon floral appliqué dress dating back to the late 1950's. Totally looks like...

Exquisite and very rare Christian Dior by Yves Saint Laurent dress from 1958 . This dress is made out of a luxurious thick black s...

Very rare vintage Christian Dior evening gown. The dress is made of embroidered trimmed multi-lair weightless tulle. This dress d...

Circa 1958 France A yellow banana ottoman silk faille ball-gown or ceremonial long dress. Boned bodice with large plunge neckline and cream oblique pleated shape faille on the chest adorned with a side knot. High waist effect obtained by a high bust from the waist widening in the bottom of the skirt. Skillful bodice work with included bra, grosgrain waistband and sheath on the hips with garters. Skirt highly structured by a white cotton lining, two petticoats of rigid tulle and a cream silk under-skirt lined with tarlatane. Cream woven satin label, black graphics Pierre Balmain Paris. Numbered 83213 under the label. Very clean and undamaged dress, little or not worn. Very good condition of colour and conservation. Collector's dress exhibited and catalogued at Villa Rosemaine...

This is such a seductive and skillfully made structural look by the famous 'Old Hollywood' couturier, Philip Hulitar. Perfect for any upcoming event; you can't help but feel feminine in this beauty! "The star of a gifted designer has risen recently on the fashion horizon," The New York Times reported after Philip Hulitar opened his own firm in 1949 and I can definitely see why. This luxurious garment is fashioned in the highest quality silk velvet for the bodice and expertly draped light...

Autumn Winter 1952 Paris Dress with large halter neckline in black silk ottoman, called Sonnet from the Profilée line - Christian Dior Haure Couture. Whalebone bustier with back zip,...

Rendered in the most delightful shades of lilac set against a dove grey background, this original 1950's floral water silk dress is just the piece to add to ...

This charming 1950s silk chiffon evening dress in cobalt blue has been beautifully constructed to haute couture standard and is in pristine vintage condition. The chiffon overlay is ...

Vintage 1950s gold and yellow cocktail dress by Arnold Scaasi. Fully lined with rear zip and hook closure. Fits like a modern XS. The bust measures 37", waist 23", hips 50" and the t...

This 1950s Mainbocher black silk and lace evening dress is of exceptional quality with some really elegant details. The bodice is fully lined and the bust has slight padding to add s...

Night blue taffetas evening dress. Draped on the bust and waist. 2 taffetas bow on the back with a drag in the same fabric. Snap, hook&eye and snap ( covered with fabric) to close th...

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...

Very 1950s tulle formal dress with a poofy tiered skirt and halter neckline. Details: Fully Lined Side Metal Zip Snap and Hook Closure Marked Size: Not Marked Estimated Size: Smal...

Vibrant fuchsia pink cocktail dress from the 1950s. Full sweep and scalloped edges. Details: Partially Lined Side Metal Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: Not Marked Estimated Size:...

This beautiful 1950s Lancel haute couture dress has a beaded waist and is made in a luxurious wool. The dress doesn't have a lining, as it was common to wear a separate lingerie dre...

Silk satin ivory evening gown pleated on the front and stole. The dress's name is " Soirée à la Cour" .Organza lining. Hand-made finishing. Tulle b...

This spellbinding 1950s black lace halter neck gown with satin pleated inserts is unlabelled, although we believe it to be American in origin. It is of excellent quality and has exce...

Beautiful 1950s House of Nine demi couture black silk chiffon bombshell halter dress ! Tailored bodice with three strands of rhinestones under the bust that leads into the back. Full...

This unusual mid-century lingerie-style black semi-transparent mini dress that conjures a historic pinup-girl like Bettie Page is suitable as a cocktail dress as part of an evening ensemble. It was probably meant by its New York designer to be paired with slim cropped pants, which became popular in The States after worn by Hollywood-movie actresses Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The A-line dress was most likely made by the former ready-to-wear fashion company following the revolutionary debut by French Christian Dior of his couture cinched-waist-voluminous-skirt "New Look" collection, whereafter German Sonja de Lennart introduced "Capris" in 1949, and American Hugh Hefner launched Playboy magazine in 1953. The complex hourglass-shaped garment features a double v-neck four-seamed ruched lined bodice in a crepe silky woven fabric. Its defined gathered bust extends from the chest seams at two angles to form short dolman sleeves only in the front, while there are arm seams in back. The gathered see-through black faux-lace organza flared skirt reveals a black velvet-textured scalloped floral pattern with a net underlayer. With beige lining, the self-trim band at the waist enables the folded scalloped-lace pattern to continue to stand out on the opaque black torso. The edges of the peplum and sleeves are further cut in a scallop shape to resemble more delicate eyelash-lace trim. The brand label of the obsolete line is the only interior tag that remains. Camouflaging the midsection, the flattering dress will best suit a U.S.-size 6. It can also be worn by larger sizes with a relatively slim waist and small or large bust as there is no restriction at the hips or wide armholes. At the waistline, a hook and looped cord fasten over the bypass zipper to better conceal it. Notably, the steel-tab-and-teeth zipper is an original U.S-made Murlen model, which was used in new clothes from the 1940s to 1960s and helps to date the mid-century dress.

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...

A superb 1950s couture sheath dress from Worth London, in a striking combination of pale pink satin silk and brown lace. The slip underlay is designed in a luxurious soft rose pink s...

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...

Jean Patou Haute Couture dress in guipure, satin and tulle. No label of composition or size, it fits a size 36FR. Haute Couture Collection Spr...

Exceptional late 1950s evening gown by high-end British fashion house Frank Usher, crafted in a striking shade of azure blue, complete with iridescent metallic jacquard detail. The bodice has a squared off neckline and thick straps, with a slight V shaped plunge to the rear. The dress fastens down the back with an original blue metal zip, concealed with a placket, and is topped off with a hook and eye closure. The skirt features a large bow detail to the front middle section, with the second tier gathered slightly to add volume to the lower portion. The front of the skirt is shorter than at the rear, allowing for movement and showcasing the wearer’s chosen heels! The inside of the top section of the dress is lined in a coordinating acetate colour, with the lower portion lined in a stiff blue mesh to create volume and structure. The dress fabric is the real star of the show with a sheen when it catches the light, finished off in a champagne toned iridescent jacquard pattern, reminiscent of winter trees or more abstract branch...

An absolutely sensational Emma Domb red roses floral tulle full-skirt party dress dating back to the mid 1950's. This figure flattering silhouette was inspired by Christian Dior's 'n...

Jeanne Lanvin By Castillo - Yellow lace dress with a yellow silk belt. Circa 1950s. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulders: ...

This incredible little black dress is an early Pauline Trigere piece, dating to the 1950s. Made from a supple black silk fabric, it features a draped shawl collar with a black silk...

An stunning Christian Dior Original from the late 1950s in two color coral and fuschia floral brocade. Features a wrap style blouson bodice and gathered full skirt. The belt is shape...

1950's BallRoom Dress. Designer Max Cory Rudolf NYC Boutique. Tulle Slip attached to skirt. Bow in front below waist. Zipper in back. Appx USA 6

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...

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...

This mid 1950s Hardy Amies demi-couture occasion dress is made from a sumptuous material in a deep orange paisley brocade with pink and golds accents. It has a sweetheart neckline, p...

c. 1959 Jean Patou by Karl Lagerfeld Couture strapless blue satin evening gown. Matching oversized fabric buttons and bow at back. Built-in cor...

Mignon Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress from the 1950's. Silk taffeta is tucked through the waist which opens into a full bouffant bubble skirt supported inside with tulle. Dress...

This iconic 1950's dress, rendered in layers of pink tulle, with delicate circular satin details, is just the piece for that special occasion. The strapless cut of the dress, featu...

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...

An exceptionally beautiful, museum worthy Pauline Trigère designer dress dating back to the early 1950's. These early examples of her work are hard to come by. During this time period, Pauline Trigère's name was part of the glamorous excess in Hollywood fashion. Her exquisite tailoring and feminine fitting clothing were highly desired by the wealthy and famous. Trigère designs commanded some of the highest prices...

1950s Royal blue taffeta ball gown featuring a sweetheart neckline layered on a pleated tulle modesty panel and adorned with rhinestone flowers appliqués. The full length skirt is hi...

Stunning 1950s FRED PERLBERG white and Robin’s egg blue rhinestone encrusted strapless gown ! Boned bodice. Hundreds of rhinestones really make this dress sparkle. Features layers of...