1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns

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 absolutely breathtaking, well-documented Jean Dessès attributed pale pink ruched silk-chiffon goddess gown dating back to his 1958 spring/summer collection. This incredible dress was sold at Gandini which acted as a couture retailer authorized to sell Paris haute couture for clients who couldn't travel to Paris for multiple fittings. Along side Christian Dior and Chanel, Jean Dessès is one of the most important designers of the 20th century and was a designated Haute Couture house under the official Chambre Syndicale de la Couture. Fashioned from exquisite pale pink silk chiffon, this beauty has everything you look for when searching for this designer. The one-shoulder nipped waist bodice has fully boned corsetry with intricate hand pleating. The hourglass nipped waist flows into yards and yards of additional hand-pleating. This work must have taken weeks to complete. My favorite design element is the asymmetric draped backside. So glamourous! The craftsmanship is simply amazing; the concept reads so modern and looks sensational when you walk. A gorgeous one-of-a-kind custom couture gown that would definitely make an unforgettable bridal or red carpet look. Measurements Bust: 32-33 inches Waist: 24 inches Hips: up to 36 inches This incredibly rare Jean Dessès haute couture...

A/W 1956 Jeanne Lanvin by Antonio Castillo Haute Couture black and gold embroidered velvet dress. Sleeveless below-knee ballgown-style dress with fitted bodice and full flared skirt,...

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...

Fashioned from vibrant sapphire blue mid weight silk-organza, this 1950's Beaumelle creation has everything a woman wants. The bodice has a gorgeous ruched asymmetric one-shoulder shelf bust design. I adore the sparkling metallic threaded lace detail which is so playful and elegant at the same time. The alluring full pleated circle-skirt finishes this beauty off with a perfect Christian Dior New Look...

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...

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...

1950s Red taffeta party dress featuring a ruffled and paneled bubble hem. The bodice is adorned with folded and gathered details, interior boning for structure, and a pipped waist. ...

1950s black nude illusion strapless party dress featuring pleated ribbon sous-tache in a whimsical curl pattern through out the entirety of the dress. The sous-tache is applied to a ...

c. 1959 Jean Patou by Karl Lagerfeld Couture strapless blue satin evening sheath gown. Matching oversized fabric buttons and large bow at back. Subtle wrap-like effect at back with c...

1950s Pewter/lavender floral lace party dress. The fitted bodice features a sheer boat neckline matching the sheer tree-quarter length gathered cuff sleeves and a pipped waistline ge...

1950s "Mignon" Cream colored silk sheath dress featuring a boat neckline, short cap sleeves, a fitted bodice. The bust-line down is constructed of matching in-set strips of silk The ...

A pretty rose silk dress by Charles Cooper. It is sleeveless with applique flowers around the neckline and low back. It has a straight skirt, small piped belt, back zipper and it i...

This is a stunning late 1950's Karen Stark for Harvey Berin wiggle dress with a pink satin lining under a lace overlay. The cream lace is embellished with rhinestones and a similar s...

Fred Perlberg Dance Originals 1950s black taffeta scoop bodice quilted full circle skirt cocktail dress. Open scoop neckline sleeveless dress with pleated straps that hug the shoulde...

1950s Ivory Sequin Halterneck Gown. Gathered sweetheart neckline, nips in at natural waist. Full length flared skirt serves ultimate glamour, the entir...

1950S Off White Rayon & Silk Lace Chiffon Fitted Little Cocktail Dress

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

1950s Dorothy McNab Gold Lame & White Silk Sari-Inspired Gown w Draped Attached Waterfall Back, and Incredible Princess Seamed Bodice. Gold lame woven p...

An important and absolutely magnificent Emilio Schuberth Italian couture ocean aquatic motif ivory satin gown dating back to 1951. A Met Gala worthy l...

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...

1950s Helena Barbieri Original Cream Silk Flocked Beaded Strapless Gown: A sensual original design features a floral motif beaded and jeweled bodice in a subtle and appealing style a...

A simply stunning and incredibly timeless Gigliola Curiel Italian couture heavy pleated royal purple silk chiffon gown dating back to the mid 1950's. Curiel is an important Italian h...

Very rare, jet black, silk-jersey, haute couture dress with asymmetrical cut and draping from Pedro Rodriguez dating to the 1950's. Best fits a US 2. Approximate measurements: bust 3...

1950s Christian Dior Little Black Sheath Dress w Tucked Bustline and Fitted Waist: Matte black silk faille in a medium weight. Back kick pleat. Back zipper. Fully lined in silk organ...

An incredibly ethereal and ultra rare Irene Lentz custom couture vibrant teal green silk chiffon goddess gown dating back to her 1958 collection. Irene Lentz stunned the world in th...

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...

Elegant Mr. Blackwell 50s Floral Column w/ Structured Peplum and Matching Stole: A fantastic example of Mr. Blackwell's 1950s style with a fitted column silhouette and beautiful str...

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...

Vintage 1960s floral brocade cocktail dress with a drop waist by Richilene. Unlined with rear metal zip and hook closure. Fits like a modern siz...

A great black dress by Jane Andre in a cotton linen blend. It has cap sleeves, a drop waist and full skirt. There is fine band around the crew neckline and ...

An absolutely magnificent and ultra rare Emilio Schuberth custom couture black and ivory heavily embroidered tiered ballerina-length satin dress datin...

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 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...

Stunning 1950s vintage lipstick red DEMI COUTURE silk brocade dress! Floral brocade throughout with a wonderful chiffon overlay skirt. Mostly hand sewn. ...

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...

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 ...

An absolutely stunning and ultra rare Ceil Chapman designer vibrant pink silk-chiffon floral appliqué dress dating back to the late 1950's. Tot...

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...

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...

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...

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 fabulous dress from Betty Carol in light weight black wool and silk taffeta. It has a V neckline front and back with fabulous princess seaming creating a fitted silhouette through...

1950s White Jacquard Cocktail Dress. Interesting origami bodice design. Ties at waist at back. Built in tulle petticoat.

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.

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...

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...

A great black dress with a bateau neckline, short sleeves and small vertical straps draping in the bodice back. It has a straight skirt with a back vent and an attached belt. The dre...

Remember Audrey Hepburn's iconic black dinner dress in "Sabrina?" This charming piece is a near perfect facsimile from the same era with one important difference: instead of a single...

1950s Red Lace Cocktail Dress B 30 W 26 H 40 L 45

50s Magenta Rose Jacquard Gown. Metal back zip. Skirt lined in 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...

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...

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

Beautiful 1950s LILLI DIAMOND ivory French lace wiggle dress! Wonderful fit hugs the body in all the right places, and was constructed to really fl...

In this gorgeous, highly coveted archival 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...

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...