20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

Paul-Louis Orrier Black Velvet Gown with Pink Silk Flower. Couture designer Paul-Louis Orrier, who became widely recognized in the 1970s, was celebrated for dressing the boldest and most audacious figures of his time, including Liza Minnelli. This stunning dress...

A truly sensational and highly coveted Bob Mackie couture ruby-red beaded silk high-low waterfall hem mini dress dating back to his iconic 1984 fall/winter documented collection. As shown, this well documented runway micro-mini was also the choice look for Lee Remick in Stephen Sondheim's Follies! Bob Mackie will definitely go down in history as one of the great American designers. He began his career as a Hollywood costuming sketch...

A/W 1991 Vivienne Westwood pearl white and gold 'Boulle' print gown. Long white stretch gown with gold pressed Andre-Charles Boulle neoclassical print. Concealed back zip closure. Fa...

This timeless quintessential corseted, shirred, ruched and topstitched "little black dress" produced by Victor Costa in the 1980s was made for the high standards of New York's trendsetting Bergdorf Goodman when it was the first U.S. luxury department store to order exclusive special-occasion dresses from this Texas designer and subsequently to give him a namesake in-store boutique. He soon became associated with the feminine glamorous gowns worn by "PYT" (Costa-speak for pretty young things) on the Dallas-based television-series "Dynasty", which idealized a status-conscious Texas woman mostly via fashion. With a strapless curvaceous sweetheart neckline (spared from '80s shoulder pads!), narrow sinuous folds of crepe silk-blend jersey cross diagonally below the decollete, while contrasting vertical ruching defines the seven bones of the invisible corset structure that is fully lined on the interior. Under the bust in front below the empire-like peaked high waist, the fitted tucked underlay of the cocktail dress wraps around the back to end as an overlay in front, where the opening on the left side extends to the bodice like a discreet slit. The freely hanging bias-cut overlay in front is gathered underneath each breast for a forgiving central drape that adds additional curves to make the wearer's torso underneath appear in sleek condition despite a potentially less than ideal figure. The dress closes with a concealed zipper in the center of the back, with exterior hook-and-eye fastening to narrow the waist. There is a second concealed hook-and-eye fastener at the top of the zipper. Although the only remaining tag is the Costa/Bergdorf label, it is a contemporary U.S.-size 8, which will also suit a large-busted size 6 or a svelte size 10. Now 88 years old, Victor Costa (b.1935) became widely known by the 1980s in The States for perfecting affordable luxurious gowns that could be mistaken for one-of-a-kind flamboyant designs by foreign couturiers Christian Lacroix, Arnold Scaasi, Oscar de la Renta or Valentino Garavani. Early on, the avid female sketcher...

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...

An absolutely breathtaking and incredibly rare Galindo Couture "Where Angels Rest" metallic amber devoré silk-velvet trained gown dating back to fall/winter 1999. This custom couture dress was made for Melanie Griffith who wore this incredible look while attending the Producers Guild Awards with Antonio Banderas. The fabric used to create this gown is sensational; shimmering metallic amber devoré silk-velvet in the prettiest large-scale rose garden motif. I love the front plunge and very low-cut sides which work flawlessly with the incredible double layered draped cowl back. The flattering trained bias-cut is such a beautiful nod to 1930's fashion which was made very popular during this time due to John Galliano's vintage inspired collections...

Make an unforgettable entrance wearing this stunning Lillie Rubin sheer black ballgown. The gown has beautiful details. Embellished with a play of textures: gorgeous floral black lace at the bodice, sheer sleeves & neckline and an ethereal black-on-black polka dot, soft tulle floor-length full skirt. This designer evening gown...

Classically elegant Ralph Lauren Bias Silk Velvet Slip Dress from the late 1990s. Bias cut in the typical 1930's style with silk cord straps. Luxurio...

Gianni Versace F/W 1996 Vintage Floral Lace and Leather Blue Mini Dress IT 38 Blue Gianni Versace leather mini dress with lace overlaying the leat...

Mob Wife dress if there ever was one! 1980s Escada evening dress which is full glam. The top half is draped silk done in a wrap top effect. On the crepe silk of multiple layers th...

Bill Blass Hot Pink Silk taffeta strapless gown with attached shawl. Vintage from the 1980s. Features back zipper, pleated waist, full skirt and structured strapless bodice with a wr...

ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1999 Vtg Grey Silver Sequin Beaded Lace Embellished Cutout Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 1999 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Sleeveles...

A fabulous black silk dress by Thierry Mugler. It is a semi fitted dress with an asymmetric jagged edge neckline outlined in black velvet and a straight skirt. It is fully lined in s...

Amazing 1970s EMMBA DOMB bubblegum pink short sleeve cotton empire waist maxi dress! Vibrant pink color looks great on any skin tone. Fitted bodice with a full skirt. Chic bell sleev...

An accomplished designer, Mary McFadden studied in New York and Paris, worked at Dior, and served as the editor of Vogue South Africa among other positions and awards. She started he...

An exquisite and ultra rare Moschino Couture black and red silk 'heartbreaker' novelty print silk dress dating back to his documented 1994 spring/summer runway collection. Moschino c...

Presenting a fabulous chartreuse Oscar de la Renta strapless gown. From the Fall/Winter 1989 collection, this dazzling gown debuted o...

Own a major slice of celebrity and film history. Madonna wore this extraordinary ivory beaded couture gown for her portrayal of Eva Perón in the unforgettable 1996 film "Evita". Madonna campaigned to play the role of Evita and used her popstar status to acquire it. Many other actresses were considered to play the role such as Elaine Paige, Liza Minnelli, Cher and Meryl Streep. The film was a huge success for Madonna, who up until this time had not fared well in her acting exploits. Madonna even won a Best Actress Golden Globe Award for her performance as the First Lady of Argentina. Madonna wears this gorgeous gown in the scenes at the Inaugural Ball as she dances and movingly sings the song, "High Flying, Adored." The fabric itself is a masterpiece; high quality silk satin that has been heavily adorned with hand set red jewels, pearls, rhinestones and glass beads. I love the chic cut-out neckline which rests on the collarbone and scoops low in the back. The gown flows into an hourglass nipped waist where it breaks into a unique zig-zag design. The piece work to create the skirting in particular is extraordinary. The yard and yards of luxurious silk satin personify the feminine ideal in clothing. We photographed the garment with and without a petticoat so you can see the true fullness. Not only was this gown an iconic look for the character but Madonna was also featured in the October 1996 issue of Vogue magazine wearing this gown. The gown was originally made for the actress Carol Lawrence and then worn by actress Daryl Hannah while accompanying John F. Kennedy, Jr. to meet the Queen of England. We were thrilled to find a picture of this meeting as well. With Madonna worn garments fetching extremely high prices at auction (her 'Desperately Seeking Susan...

Stephen Burrows bright kelly green rayon matte jersey dress. Vintage 1970's haute disco. Features a deep V neck, ruched gathering sash on left hip above an asymmetrical side opening. Clothing by Stephen Burrows is rare to find on the resale market and is museum collected. Made in the USA. Designer size S. Stephen Burrows is an American designer known for using graphic bold color and matte jersey fabric. He became one of the first Black fashion designers...

Super cute Dolce & Gabbana black mini dress from the early 90s with crystal panels on each sides. The dress is made out of a beautiful velvet and stretchy panels. The shape is body c...

Embroidered mostly silver beads in a Chinoise design, on a semi transparent black ground.

1920S Gold Lamé Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress With Large Orange & Blue Flowers

Vintage 80's Bob Mackie Fully Beaded Evening Dress Gown Size Label Missing - Please check Measurements Turtleneck evening dress fully beaded in burgundy and red glass beads over the ...

From the Spring/Summer 1998 collection, this dress features a silver satin base and a sheer taupe mesh exterior. The strapless silver inner layer is visible through the mesh, giving ...

A rare 1994 F/W Gianni Versace Couture gold metal Oroton chainmail top and skirt ensemble - seen on the model Amber Valetta in listing photo #4 - an editorial photo of the collection...

This Vintage 1930s Cream Silk Embroidered Gown is a timeless and elegant piece of wearable art. Its luxurious satin silk construction adorned with intricate embroidered detail and sn...

This stunningly sensual black haute couture evening gown was designed by one of the true masters of 20th century couture, Yves Saint Laurent. Designed by YSL for his Fall/Winter 198...

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...

Worn on the shoulder this gown is the epitome of 1940s innocence, but off shoulder it suggests an Andalusian flamenco dress thanks to its 22 ½ foot skirt and sequined ruffles. Access...

Floral, silk-brocade mini dress with side slit from Atelier Versace dating to Fall of 1998 which sadly was Gianni Versace's last runway show. Impeccable detailing. Everything you wou...

Bob Mackie 1980s Brown Silk Chiffon Gown Description Silk Chiffon Gown by Bob Mackie Circa 1980s Iridescent brown Gathered bustier bodice Double spaghetti straps; split to form a t...

Pauline Trigere Crystal Chevron Wool Crepe Swing Dress from the 1970's. Simple Swing line cut with hand embellished crystal and smoke rhinestones in a chevron pattern on front and ba...

Murray Arbeid Early 1990’s Black Tulle with blue and silver metallic detail through the Gown - Size 8 This late 1980’s or Early 1990’s gown is made of multi layers of tulle and a Bla...

Genny by Versace Draped Lurex Velvet Cocktail Dress from the 1980's. Oversized shoulders and deep plunge accented with a gold lame textile rose. Dress...

This is a beautiful black velvet vintage Christian Dior evening dress with a full skirt. The dress has buttons and a zipper that starts at the waist in the back. The cross over bod...

An ultra seductive and well-documented Dolce & Gabbana silver studded black leather mini dress dating back to their 1991 spring/summer collect...

Black and white houndstooth dress with asymmetrical mesh bustier designed by Gianni Versace dating to 1998. Similar version seen on Naomi Campbell on the runway. Italian size 42. App...

Gene Shelly 1960s evening dress in mocha bouclé accented with metallic wine-colored seed beads and faux pearls! The seed beads form a jeweled collar and ...

A fabulous black taffeta dress from Victor Costa. It has a deep V back with an elaborate double drape layer decorated with black appliqued flowers...

This is an absolutely incredible Edwardian dress with silver sequins and beads covering the black lace outer layer and creating a firework starburst design on the front. The waist is...

Jet-black, wool dress with lace up back designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to the early 1990's. Dress has a slight A-line shape. Ties have shiny silver metal ends and can be worn ...

Elegant Pauline Trigere Crystal Wool Crepe Crystal Gown. 2 piece ensemble with hand set triangular crystal stone embellishment. Simple black crepe gown with side zip paired with separate over blouse studded with crystals. Blouse is bias cut with flare, which is longer at back with back slit. Beautifully made with zippers at wrists. Fully lined. Size 14 Vintage...

This is a dream of a dress, classically elegant with timeless style. Designed by famed couture designer Arnold Scaasi, who dressed many First Ladies as well as Oscar Awards ensembles...

Exceptional, deep-plum jersey gown with deep V neckline, billowy sleeves and wrap belt from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the late 1970's. Labeled a French size 36". Approximate measu...

Presenting a fabulous cranberry Oscar de la Renta gown. From the Fall/Winter 1989 collection, this incredible floor length dress debuted on the ...

Lanvin 1970’s Black Shutter Pleat Matte Jersey Strapless Long Dress-Size 40. This simple yet elegant Lanvin creation is from the 1970’s and is in good v...

Absolutely stunning Victor Costa vintage evening gown! The dress is a super-soft, deep navy velvet with contrasting-textured navy satin accents. The satin forms inset panels at the b...

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...

Bellville Sassoon Late 1980’s Black and White Point D’Esprit Gown - Size 8 This late 80’s early 90’s vintage gown is made of a black point d’esprit that is trimmed in white lace. Th...

Sparkle like a diamond in this vintage cocktail dress, made by Original Jr. Theme, most likely in the 1960s. Made from a fabulous metallic brocade fabric in gold and silver against...

S/S 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier 'Cyberbaba' Collection cyber print wrap dress. Upper portion features semi-sheer button-up silk collared long sleeve top with contrasting striped cyber pa...

1980s Victor Costa Watercolor Floral Strapless Dress with Ruffled Skirt A beautiful floral dress with a structured bodice with boning and stuff tulle lined ruffles.

This elegant Bill Blass designer vintage dress is from his 1985 collection and we think it's so fabulous! The long dress in in a stunning black and white abstract print...

From the Spring/Summer 1997 collection, this gown debuted on the season's runway as the finale look, modeled by Naomi Campbell. Constructed of light silk chiffon, this gown is covere...

An important, well-documented and highly coveted Vivienne Westwood black pinstripe light weight wool two-piece ensemble dating back to her iconic 1994 'Café Society' spring-summer collection. As shown Susie Cave walked the runway in this sensational skirt! Vivienne Westwood is one of the most influential and recognizable British designers of the past 40 years. She began designing clothes in 1971 with the opening of her first shop, Let It Rock, at 430 King's Road. In 1976, her then lover and business partner, Malcolm McLaren, guaranteed her status among the stars when he dressed the Sex Pistols, the British band he managed, in clothes from the boutique. She was named British Designer of the Year, both in 1990 and 1991. The following December, she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to British fashion and in 1998 she won the Queen's Export Award. This ultra chic ensemble from Vivienne Westwood’s sensational 1994 Café Society spring-summer collection is a clever play on traditional male suiting and a perfect example of her genius. Café Society is a retelling of how European history has shaped women's fashion. The central question of this show asked what does a woman free from restriction look like? Although this show is filled with historical fashion references, Westwood subverts them by placing it on a new canvas, a liberated woman. Made from a luxurious light-weight wool, the pinstripe reads masculine yet the cut has an ultra feminine allure. The blazer features a flattering curved petal cut waist and lean, long sleeves. The gold buttons are etched with the iconic Vivienne Westwood logo orb. The matching high-low trained skirt is a statement piece in it's own right. It could be styled with many other pieces like a corset or crop top for a totally different vibe. It is constructed to nip at the waist and cascade down in an incredible high-low waterfall trained hemline. I love how it almost resembles a deflated Victorian bustle...

1980s Bob Mackie Black Jersey Gown w Structured Corset & Beaded Straps: This jeweled tassel adorned plunging deep V neckline and low scooped back, make a daring evening gown in a va...

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...

This is a stunning Scaasi Boutique 1980's vintage blue silk taffeta one shoulder evening gown. The high low silhouette, bows and unique criss cross pleating make this dress an incred...