Late 20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

This luxurious caftan was made in Morocco during the1970s, but is origins date back thousands of years and span the globe. The history of the caftan is a bit uncertain. It is believed to have originated from Turkish culture but appears in many others. In Morocco, it was first worn by men but was eventually adopted by women, as well. The loose tunics are historically adorned with ornate trims, like the pink passementerie on this black silk caftan. The narrow silken braid is twisted into the intricate flowing design that borders every edge of this caftan and down its front. The traditional garment was adopted by several countries in Europe and then eventually made its way to the United States - where it was especially popular during the 1970s. The caftan served as inspiration for some of the eras most iconic designers, like the innovative Rudi Gernreich. His avant-garde, unisex caftans debuted at the 1970 World Fair Expo in Osaka, Japan. Garments like the caftan and its intricate embellishments were also reimagined by Yves Saint Laurent in his multicultural designs. As seen in this Moroccan version, the caftan manages to seamlessly integrate stunning details like embroidery into a garment that is still very comfortable to wear. The caftan’s simple but chic silhouette can be worn while lounging at home or dressed up with dramatic accessories for a night on the town. With such versatility, it’s easy to see why the caftan’s appeal has endured for so long. Size estimate: S/M Measurements: Shoulders: 17 inches Sleeves: 18 inches Bust: 38 inches Waist: 36 inches Hips: 40 inches Length: 56 inches This 1970s Moroccan black silk caftan has pink passementerie embroidery. The label reads, 'De Velasco...

Black velvet and wool cocktail dress.Shoulder pads. Zip on the cuffs. Bow on the top middle front. Rayon lining. Size 42 / L

Black, asymmetrical one shoulder dress with wrap around pleated skirt designed by Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garcons dating to 1989. Size 'M'. Approximate measurement at interior of ...

This halterneck gown from Paco Rabanne's Spring/Summer 2000 collection is made of glossy light blue satin. It's a strikingly sensual dress, boasting a plunging neckline and an expose...

Beautiful sailor midi dress from Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil with s6 raw cutted 100% silk flowers applique on the front. Closure: full clips on the front! Fabric is nicely stretch and...

1998 Issey Miyake and Tim Hawkinson 'Guest Artist Series No. 3' Pleats Please pleated eyeball motif sleeveless midi dress. A spectacular piece of wearable art, this dress is in a neu...

Yellow metal suit by Thierry Mugler! With shoulder pads. Wondeful silhouette! Wasp Waist, it emphasizes the waist. Metal rhinestone decorations at the waist and on the sleeves. VER...

Dior is synonymous with excellence. The importance of the house’s history and cultural legacy invests a Dior garment with fashion that tells a story. Femininity, simplicity and good...

Dress with floral patterns and black polka dots on a white background. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm ...

Highly coveted and collectible early 1970s rare Missoni caftan dress. Done in a beautiful lightweight metallic lurex fabric with an all-over captivating...

Chain dress by Jean Paul Gaultier! 2-piece dress! You can adjust the length by the chains. The NBA star Dwyane Wade`s wife, Gabrielle Union worn the...

Autumn Winter 1978 France Precious evening ensemble, dress and Kimono jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dating from the 1978 ready-to-wear collection. Straight, minimalist, ...

Purple silk bustier cocktail dress with bow and pleated skirt. Orange silk lining and petticoat. Draped on the bust. Boned. Zip and hook&eye closure in the middle back. SIZE XS

Here is a marvellous opportunity to purchase a very rare and bespoke piece of vintage fashion from the 1980s from America's designer the amazing Whiting & Davis. This spectacular pie...

1990S CARMEN MARC VALVO Chocolate Brown & Black Rayon Silk Burnout Velvet Backless Bias Gown

Incredible 1970s ROBERTA LYNN of California paisley print caftan maxi dress ! The silkiest fabric tat looks fantastic on. Simple wrap style with single snap at top left inside should...

Circa 1970 France Anonymous haute couture evening dress in chiffon and cream silk crepe from the 1970s. Probably from Jean Dessès or Carven designer house(?). An empire-inspired, hi...

Black velvet bustier evening dress with furs around the waist. No fabric tag composition but the lining is probably in rayon and the fur is fox. Zip and hook&eye in the middle back....

Ossie Clark was one of Britain's most influential fashion designers of the 1960s and 1970s. Clark defined the spirit of London during the period between Mary Quant’s go-go mini-skirt...

Renato Balestra - Balestra Roma - Couture Black Sheer Beaded Evening Gown Size 42IT

Joaquin Perez Valette grey-blue sequin and feather A-line dress with gold metallic appliques

Incredibly rare vintage Patrick Kelly "Barcode" dress! Black and white barcode print throughout. Stunning shape, that is very flattering on the b...

Geoffrey Beene sheer black silk lacquered jacquard tie neck blouse and coordinating high wide waist mid weight silk & wool maxi skirt from the 1970s. This beautiful set is perfect fo...

Silver paisley suit by Thierry Mugler! With shoulder pads. Wondeful silhouette! Wasp Waist, it emphasizes the waist. VERY GOOD condition! JAKCET Small. Marked size: FR36. Length: 4...

In the 1980s, Christian Dior experienced a resurgence in popularity and influence under the creative direction of designer Marc Bohan, who helmed the fashion house from 1960 to 1989....

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier black mesh dress featuring solid sleeves, a sheer bodice with button front, lace waist detail, and gathered skir...

Balmain - (Made in France) Long patterned dress. 44FR size indicated but it fits more a 40FR/42FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 48 cm - ...

Silver cocktail dress . Fabric composition: 91% triacetate, 9% polyamide. SIZE M

Stunning vintage ALBERTA FERRETTI silk chiffon dress ensemble! Grecian inspired, from the Terra-Cotta color, to the pleated bodice, to the layers and layers of paperweight thin chiff...

An ultra seductive and instantly recognizable Dolce & Gabbana floral print stretch velvet bustier bra-strap slip dress dating back to their 1997 spring-summer collection. This design...

Exceptional, vivid, printed silk jersey spaghetti strap dress from Emilio Pucci dating to the late 1960’s, early 1970's. Labeled a size 6 however this would best fit a modern size 2....

1970s Bill Blass Black Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown; Fitted Boned Bodice with Outsized Bow; Cascading Ostrich Feather Skirt.

1970s Bill Blass 4-Layer Color-Blocked Purple, Brown and Rust Silk Chiffon Goddess Gown w Tiered Scalloped Hem: Halter-styling with plunging low back. Hook and eye, zipper front closure and an included Judith Leiber gold stretch belt...

Bob Mackie black sequin embroidered lace evening gown with black silk shoulder ribbon bows, nude lining from the 1980s. Gorgeous evening dress with a low V neckline at the front & ba...

Very unusual, red floral printed silk dress with halter neck, flounce at bust and matching long sash from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the late 1970's. Halter neck can be tied at bac...

John Galliano London Red Silk Brocade Floral Runway Evening Gown Bias Dress with Scarf Stola, SS 1998 John Galliano red silk brocade evening dress/ gown with attached fringed scarf...

Gold and black damask bustier cocktail dress with black satin bow on the bust. The fabric composition tag has been cut but the lining is probably acetate. Petti-coat underneath make...

Shimmer and shine in this incredible Halston by Randolph Duke Fall/Winter 1997 runway dress. This ultra-chic knee-length dress features a plunging cowl neckline and is amped up with ...

We always love finding vintage Issey Miyake avant garde pieces and this particular dress came from and estate of a woman who lived in Japan in the late 1990's and early 2000's and co...

A/W 1973 Halston Oil Slick sleeveless geometric point sequin gradient gown. Sleeveless scoop neck gown with extremely rare full subtly iridescent sequin throughout. Yellow-green uppe...

Black velvet cocktail dress with silver jersey inset and laced in the back with velvet ribbon. Draped on the hips. Zip middle back + boned on the side. SIZE 38 (Fr) S

Illuminate the night with this breathtaking evening gown from the illustrious American designer, Bob Mackie. Known for his iconic 'barely there' beaded creations adored by luminaries...

Christian Lacroix - (Made in France) Short cotton printed dress with silvery metal rings ornamented with rhinestones. Size 36FR. It is designed with a black muslin veil. Additional ...

Dramatic, ruched, teal silk brocade, demi-couture dress with hidden corset from Jean-Louis Scherrer dating to the late 1970's. Labeled a French size 36. Dress measures approximately ...

Jean Paul Gaultier bank note printed dress, in fabric and mesh. Size XS (wide wearability). Condition: Excellent.

Vivid yellow silk jersey dress with whimsical archery print and hand stitched and hand pleated detail designed by Emilio Pucci dating to the 1970's. Fits a US 4 or 6. Approximate mea...

We always love finding vintage Odicini Couture pieces and this is such a fabulous dress! The Italian designer, Andrea Odicini sold his clothes in Paris, Geneva, Rome, Dallas, and in ...

Bob Mackie for Amen Wardy Fully Embellished Evening Dress 1980's Collection Dress was presented in Los Angeles County Museum of Art ( LACMA ). Spectacular cocktail dress is made of p...

Stunning 1990s 90s Pamela Dennis Couture dress gown Gunmetal grey mesh fabric over grey silk lining Unusual shiny dark grey/black paillettes sewn on throughout Thin shoulder straps B...

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...

Black wool bustier cocktail dress with rhinestone neckline. Boned satin lining inside the bust. Zip middle back and hook&eye. Hook&eye behind the neck as well. Raw-cut edge. SIZE 40

Authentic, preowned and vintage Bill Blass Black Cocktail Dress with sculptural floral appliqué, likely made in the late 70s. A chic little black dress with a twist! It features an...

Circa 1980 France A long evening dress in Burgundy velvet by Pierre Cardin Haute Couture dating from the 1980s. Sheath dress with boat neckline and long sleeves zipped at the cuffs...

A pretty maxi dress from Giorgio Sant'Angelo with pansies and other assorted flowers on a red and black background. It has a slit at the neck with a covered button and loop below th...

1999 Jean Paul Gaultier gown pleating drop waist condition: Excellent 36" bust, 35" waist, 34" hips, 80" length sz M/ US 8 / IT44

This fabulous black long sleeve ankle length dress was designed by Manfred Mugler for his Fall/Winter 1993 collection. A piece of Mugler's runway history, this ultra chic ankle lengt...

Valentino - (Made in Italy) Set composed of a semi-transparent skirt with flounces in black Swiss dot tulle and a bustier top with thin straps in black velvet and Swiss dot tulle. No...

Bias cut dress with a single swathe of darkest brown jersey forming a hooded bodice dating to 1984. Well documented piece. Very flattering seams. 'Hood' can be draped for a more conv...