Mid-20th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

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...

An important and ultra glamourous 'Elizabeth the First' Bob Mackie debut label sheer black beaded nude-illusion cape gown dating back to 1969. This rare label is from a very short-lived Beverly Hills boutique that he started with partners Ray Aghayan and costume designer Elizabeth Courtney...

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,...

A magnificent Bonwit Teller & Co couture black lace bias-cut gown from the 1930's 'Old Hollywood' era of glamour. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; French floral motif black scalloped lace that has been draped to perfection. We added many pictures of the lace so you can see how beautiful it is. Definitely looks like a dress that inspired John Galliano while he was at Christian Dior. The bodice has the prettiest velvet floral appliqué straps and built-in sash waist. The bias-cut skirting is added in pointed inset seamed pieces typical of the time period and insanely hard to do with sheer lace. This figure flattering garment accentuates the bust, skims the hip and falls to the floor effortlessly. It is impeccably seamed and on the level of modern day couture. Here is a gown with attitude and elegance. Measurements Bust: 30-32 inches Waist: 24-26 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Total Length: 60 inches This rare 1930's Bonwit Teller Couture lace gown...

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...

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...

Known as the Dior of Dublin, couturier Sybil Connolly is revered for her high caliber designs and artisanal technique. A raving success since her first fashion show in 1953 which lan...

An absolutely stunning and incredibly rare metallic wood-patterned ivory crepe lamé bias-cut trained gown dating back to the 1930's 'Old Hollywood' era of glamour. So Jean Harlow! Th...

An incredibly gorgeous, unbelievably rare Jeanne Lanvin haute couture sculpted liquid silk-satin hourglass archival gown dating back to fall-winter 1949. Lanvin was recognized for he...

Undiminished by time, this epic 1930's ivory crème couture bias-cut gown still casts its magical spell. This exceptional French beauty is a rare deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum...

Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Haute Couture Black Velvet Halter Dress Vintage; circa 1960s Black Velvet Round gathered halter neckline with hook and eye fastening Fitted bodice Maxi le...

An adorable black dress from Eloise Curtis. It is a scoop neck sleeveless shift with 2 rows of 12" fabric panels emanating from a band just under the bust line and a row of 14" pane...

Balenciaga 1967 Haute Couture Black Chantilly Lace Pantalettes Dress Vintage; 1967 haute couture by Balenciaga Eisa label Black/Pink Strapless necklin...

An absolutely breathtaking and ultra rare La Mendola Italian couture vibrant yellow pleated silk jersey beaded glamour gown dating back to their 1968 spring/summer collection. Though...

Vintage 1960s profils du monde Yellow silk chiffon gown adorned with red , silver sequins and pearls. Timeless and chic old hollywood glamour style. F...

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

A highly coveted and truly breathtaking Christian Dior haute couture museum-quality chartreuse silk feathered glamour gown dating back to spring/summer 1968. This incredible work of ...

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

Ethereal late 1940's Saks Fifth Avenue creme goddess gown from the Old Hollywood era of glamour. This stunning silk-chiffon garment has so much couture detail, you can tell it was made with expert devotion. The boned sweetheart plunge bodice is hand-pleated and hand-stitched into place with a unique asymmetric one-shoulder draped train. As pictured, there are a few different ways you can style the sash. Sparkling white glass-beads and sequins, in a gorgeous vine motif, cascade down the front. I love the hourglass nipped-waist which flows into a beautiful full sweep. Truly, this gown would have taken days to finish. A pure work of art and a study in dressmaking technique which reminds me of the famous Jean Desses. Breathtaking and timeless; I totally imagine this gliding down the red carpet! Measurements Bust: 35-36 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: Swing Sweep Total Length: 57 inches This vintage Saks Fifth Avenue designer gown...

1940S Champagne Rayon & Silk Silver Lamé Jacquard Quilted Gown With Appliqué Bodice

White Tulle With Comb Veil

A truly iconic and well-documented Betsey Johnson for Paraphernalia black and ivory sequin stripe mini mod dress dating back to her first 1966 collection with the boutique. Almost immediately after graduating from college, Betsey Johnson made her first splash in the New York fashion industry by winning Mademoiselle magazine's Guest Editor Contest. Only one year later, Johnson landed a job as a designer at Paraphernalia, an offbeat New York clothing boutique. Taking her cues from the more avant-garde London fashion scene, Johnson—along with designer Mary Quant and artist Andy Warhol—helped pioneer what became known as the Youthquake movement in fashion, art and culture. We were thrilled to find a picture of this dress at the opening night of her runway collection where a young Andy Warhol can...

1960S Dark Teal Cotton / Rayon Lace Dress

An exceptionally chic and totally timeless Pauline Trigère cocktail dress dating back to the mid 1960's. During this time period, Pauline Trigère's name was part of the glamorous exc...

An absolutely breathtaking and incredibly rare candlelight liquid silk satin trained custom couture gown dating back to the 1930's Old Hollywood era of glamour. So Jean Harlow! The f...

Beautiful vintage black silk boned bustier dress by Courreges Lined, Courrèges size 0 Measurements are taken flat Ua to Ua 15inch/38cm(x2) - Waist 12inch/30,5cm(x2) - Hip17inch/43cm...

Stunning jet-black, silk jersey gown with fluted box pleated bodice from James Galanos dating to the 1970's. Dress has a very strong silhouette with a very u...

Very rare, black ‘film noir’ dress with billowy silk chiffon overlay designed by Irene Lentz dating to the late 1940's. Fabulous cut including a corset with peaks at sides, billowy b...

Jet-black, moss crepe, maxi dress with cut-out shoulders keyhole neckline, ruffles and red satin trim designed by Ossie Clark for Radley dating to 1968. Dress size is not marked, alt...

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...

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...

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...

Donald Brooks, paisley pattern, copper lurex, dress and harem pant ensemble. Dress has a high neckline, with long sleeves and a gathered self belted waist. Oversize copper paillettes...

Very rare, rust-brown sequined demi-couture dress trimmed in velvet designed by Pierre Cardin dating to the 1960's. Dress best fits a US 2 or 4 and possibly a slim hipped size 6. Mea...

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

Jet-black wool, haute couture dress with pleated bodice, embellished shoulder detail and peplum waist designed by the House of Worth dating to the 1940's. Best fits a US 4-6. Approxi...

Very rare, haute couture, silk velvet dress with rhinestones from Pierre Balmain dating to the 1960's. Fabric is a cut silk velvet with an interesting diamond shaped pattern througho...

1940s Marge Riley Hand Embroidered Western Suit

Madame Grès 1960s Black Sleeveless Scarf Dress Vintage; circa 1960s Black Sleeveless Wraparound scarf extending from left side Sweetheart neckline Pleated bodice woven to form Gat...

An ultra chic André Courrèges Paris vibrant black minimalist gown dating back to the late 1960's. Andre Courreges launched his unique space-age collection in 1964. The shapes of his ...

Black crepe silk mini dress with marabou feather trim and satin bow designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to the late 1970's. Labeled a French size 38. Approximate measurements: shou...

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...

Late 1930s to early 1940s White Cotton embroidered summer wedding dress. Dress has horse hair crinoline to give fullness. Size: 4 - Small Bust: 36” / Waist: 26” / Hip 40” / Dress l...

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 ...

Ethereal Harry Cooper designer ivory-crème gown dating back to the 1940's Old Hollywood era of glamour. Definitely something Lana Turner or Veronica Lake ...

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...

An incredibly chic and ultra rare Helen Rose couture vibrant orange semi-sheer silk chiffon hourglass gown ensemble dating back to the mid 1960's. H...

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

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...

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...

1960s custom made sleeveless shift cocktail dress in multi color sunflowers embroidered in gold metallic floral netting overlay. Perfect for mother of the bride or wedding . Color ...

Mid-1960's Pierre Balmain haute couture No.155782 gown with a high waist and featuring a brown gathered jersey bodice, a claret colored velvet waistband and an ivory ziberline A-line...

1960s James Galanos from Amelia Gray Boutique Creme silk crinkle long sleeve dress embellished in green rhinestones and white beads. Dress has some issues on the arm pit . ( see imag...

Early 1960's Pierre Balmain No. 158143 haute couture silk organza floral print gown with multi-layered ruffle trim at the neckline and hem. There a double layer of silk lining at the...

We are in love with this dress from the 1930s which is obviously Lanvin inspired however it is quite similar to today's Gucci don't you think? The net of the dress is in near flawles...

Balenciaga 1960s Black Chiffon and Lace Babydoll Dress Description Chiffon and Lace Babydoll Dress by Cristobal Balenciaga 1960s Haute Couture original; vintage Black/Nude Spanis...

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...