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Vintage MOSCHINO Neckties Bustier Silk Dress
Vintage MOSCHINO Neckties Bustier Silk Dress

Vintage MOSCHINO Neckties Bustier Silk Dress

By Moschino Couture

Located in Kingersheim, Alsace

Vintage MOSCHINO Neckties Bustier Silk Dress Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust, waist and hips: Bust: 16 inches Waist: 13.5 inches Hips: 18 inches Length: 28.5 inches...

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1920's Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Bow Dress UK 12 US 8
Vintage 1920's Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Bow Dress UK 12 US 8

Vintage 1920's Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Bow Dress UK 12 US 8

Located in Nashville, TN

Full of opulent original details, rendered in the most luxurious fashion, this rare 1920's piece is a beauty to behold. On a base of black silk chiffon and embellished with glass bea...

Category

1920s European Cocktail Dresses

Louis Feraud Vintage Black Velvet Silk Dress Size FR 40, 1990s
Louis Feraud Vintage Black Velvet Silk Dress Size FR 40, 1990s

Louis Feraud Vintage Black Velvet Silk Dress Size FR 40, 1990s

By Louis Feraud

Located in Capri, IT

Louis Féraud black dress black velvet and silk dress totally made in germany in size fr 40, it 44

Category

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Drawstrings & Plunging Neckline 2000'S
Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Drawstrings & Plunging Neckline 2000'S

Versace Black Silk Mini Dress with Drawstrings & Plunging Neckline 2000'S

By Versace

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a Versace black silk day dress featuring a v-neckline with drawstrings, long sleeves with drawstrings, a back zipper, and an easy, sexy silh...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Vintage 2003 Black Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Bra
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Vintage 2003 Black Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Bra

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Vintage 2003 Black Silk Jersey Dress with Leather Bra

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Woodland Hills, CA

From the archives of Alexander McQueen, this rare 2003 runway-era dress is a masterclass in contrast—fusing sleek leather detailing with fluid jersey draping for a silhouette that’s ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses

Bill Blass Spring 1991 Vintage Black Silk Lace Cocktail Dress Rare Vintage
Bill Blass Spring 1991 Vintage Black Silk Lace Cocktail Dress Rare Vintage

Bill Blass Spring 1991 Vintage Black Silk Lace Cocktail Dress Rare Vintage

By Bill Blass

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Authentic, preowned Bill Blass black silk and lace cocktail dress from the designer's celebrated Spring 1991 Ready-to-Wear collection, presented on the runway on October 29, 1990.

Category

1990s American Cocktail Dresses

CHANEL Vintage 2008 Cruise Size S Black Silk Pleated Sleeveless Knee Length Cocktail Dress
CHANEL Vintage 2008 Cruise Size S Black Silk Pleated Sleeveless Knee Length Cocktail Dress

CHANEL Vintage 2008 Cruise Size S Black Silk Pleated Sleeveless Knee Length Cocktail Dress

By Chanel

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage CHANEL 2008 Cruise/Resort Collection cocktail dress in a black silk featuring a sleeveless style, pleated design, and back zipper closure with buttons.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses

DOLCE & GABBANA 90's Vintage Silk Black Floral Bustier Dress
DOLCE & GABBANA 90's Vintage Silk Black Floral Bustier Dress

DOLCE & GABBANA 90's Vintage Silk Black Floral Bustier Dress

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Dolce & Gabbana 1990's Vintage Pristine 60% silk blend IT44 (maybe could also fit an IT46) Requires a D or larger breast cup Measurements in inches laying flat: length of dress 3...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Missoni Vintage 1980s Women's Black Silk Cotton Dress, Size 42, Italy
Missoni Vintage 1980s Women's Black Silk Cotton Dress, Size 42, Italy

Missoni Vintage 1980s Women's Black Silk Cotton Dress, Size 42, Italy

By Missoni

Located in Capri, IT

M by Missoni Black Dress Black dress by Missoni totally made in italy in italian size range 42 Composition: Cotton nylon wool External: silk Lining Acetate

Category

1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1920s Black White Silk Dot Magenta Pom Pom Draped Dress
Vintage 1920s Black White Silk Dot Magenta Pom Pom Draped Dress

Vintage 1920s Black White Silk Dot Magenta Pom Pom Draped Dress

Located in Boca Raton, FL

An insert of beige silk lifts the neckline, which works seamlessly with the other elements of the dress and offers a nice contrast to the black silk and chiffon.

Category

1920s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Donald Campbell Green Silk Dress
Vintage Donald Campbell Green Silk Dress

Vintage Donald Campbell Green Silk Dress

Located in London, GB

A chic silk dinner dress by Donald Campbell. The dress has a v neckline with pleats under the bust. It has a self fabric button opening at the back with a hidden zip opening at the...

Category

1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chic Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley 1990s Brown Black Zebra Print Silk Dress
Chic Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley 1990s Brown Black Zebra Print Silk Dress

Chic Vintage Escada by Margaretha Ley 1990s Brown Black Zebra Print Silk Dress

By Margaretha Ley, Escada

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage ESCADA by MARGARETHA LEY early 90s long sleeve silk animal print dress! Faux wrap style, with a buttoned flap at the left side of the waist. Long dolman sleeves can acco...

Category

1990s German Cocktail Dresses

Rare Vintage Versace Black Silk Macrame Long Dress Gown 42 - 6
Rare Vintage Versace Black Silk Macrame Long Dress Gown 42 - 6

Rare Vintage Versace Black Silk Macrame Long Dress Gown 42 - 6

By Versace

Located in Montgomery, TX

VINTAGE VERSACE GOWN. Early 2000-s The chic design, clean lines and seductive macrame top - ensure a stunning silhouette. Content: 100% silk IT Size 42 or US 6 Armpit to armpit: u...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Gowns

Vintage Chiara Boni 1970s Black Dress Size 44 Italian Silk Blend
Vintage Chiara Boni 1970s Black Dress Size 44 Italian Silk Blend

Vintage Chiara Boni 1970s Black Dress Size 44 Italian Silk Blend

By Chiara Boni

Located in Capri, IT

1970s Chiara Boni black dress in italian size range 44 Composition: 1st textile 100% Polyester 2nd textile 80% Nylon 20% Elastane 3rd textile 63% Viscose 37% CUpro silk

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1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Emilio Pucci embroidered and crystal embellished black silk dress
Vintage Emilio Pucci embroidered and crystal embellished black silk dress

Vintage Emilio Pucci embroidered and crystal embellished black silk dress

By Emilio Pucci

Located in Montgomery, TX

Vintage Emilio Pucci embroidered and crystal embellished black silk dress 100% Chiffon Silk, fully lined.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Bruce Oldfield Silk Dress
Vintage Bruce Oldfield Silk Dress

Vintage Bruce Oldfield Silk Dress

By Bruce Oldfield

Located in London, GB

A chic vintage silk dress by Bruce Oldfield. The dress has a gathered bodice is rooching and a v neckline. The skirt has an attractive spade design, and it has a side zip opening.

Category

1980s British Cocktail Dresses

Vintage Yellow and Black Silk Cocktail Dress with Train
Vintage Yellow and Black Silk Cocktail Dress with Train

Vintage Yellow and Black Silk Cocktail Dress with Train

Located in London, GB

A charming vintage cocktail dress with cape/train. The dress is in a yellow silk, with attractive black print.

Category

1960s British Cocktail Dresses

Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S
Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S

Donna Karan 1990s Vintage Black Silk Knit Sequin Cocktail Dress Size S

By Donna Karan

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Crafted from a stretch silk knit and entirely embellished in jet black sequins, the dress shimmers subtly in low light and glows under evening illumination — a quintessential little ...

Category

1990s Hong Kong Evening Dresses

Halston Vintage Black Silk Halter Wrap Dress with Angel Capelet Sleeves 1970s
Halston Vintage Black Silk Halter Wrap Dress with Angel Capelet Sleeves 1970s

Halston Vintage Black Silk Halter Wrap Dress with Angel Capelet Sleeves 1970s

By Halston

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Crafted in the USA from luxurious black silk, this elegant little black dress features a halter neckline with an attached flowing capelet, creating graceful movement and dramatic dra...

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

1950s Vintage Couture Silk Satin + Creamy Silk Chiffon Formal Dress
1950s Vintage Couture Silk Satin + Creamy Silk Chiffon Formal Dress

1950s Vintage Couture Silk Satin + Creamy Silk Chiffon Formal Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

Stunning couture formal dress in the most gorgeous silk chiffon we have ever seen. The silk is paper thin and so soft and creamy. Full sweep with yards and yards of silk fabric. Bodi...

Category

1950s American Evening Gowns

Vintage Silk and Feather Dress
Vintage Silk and Feather Dress

Vintage Silk and Feather Dress

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Organza and feather dress. No size or composition label, it fits a size 42FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 40 cm - Chest: 54 cm...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Vivienne Westwood Vintage SS 1999 Asymmetrical Silk Wrap Dress Polka Dot
Vivienne Westwood Vintage SS 1999 Asymmetrical Silk Wrap Dress Polka Dot

Vivienne Westwood Vintage SS 1999 Asymmetrical Silk Wrap Dress Polka Dot

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Morongo Valley, CA

This striking dress by Vivienne Westwood is a commercial variation of a runway piece from the Spring/Summer 1999 collection. Crafted in luxurious silk, it features an asymmetrical dr...

Category

1990s English Day Dresses

Roberto Cavalli Vintage F/W 2000’s Black Silk Dress
Roberto Cavalli Vintage F/W 2000’s Black Silk Dress

Roberto Cavalli Vintage F/W 2000’s Black Silk Dress

By Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli

Located in London, GB

We are excited to present this 2000’s Just Cavalli Fall Winter black silk dress. Features metallic thread detail, adjustable and removable straps and midi length.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

1950s Ben Reig Black Silk Ribbon Dress
1950s Ben Reig Black Silk Ribbon Dress

1950s Ben Reig Black Silk Ribbon Dress

By Ben Reig

Located in London, GB

This beautiful early 1950s black silk dress is likely to be by Omar Kiam for designer Ben Reig, a brand renowned during this era for its simple, elegant lines and luxurious quality o...

Category

1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chanel Vintage Fall/Winter 1992 Black Lesage Ribbon Silk Bodycon Midi Dress
Chanel Vintage Fall/Winter 1992 Black Lesage Ribbon Silk Bodycon Midi Dress

Chanel Vintage Fall/Winter 1992 Black Lesage Ribbon Silk Bodycon Midi Dress

By Chanel

Located in Jersey City, NJ

The Chanel Vintage Fall 1992 black silk bodycon midi dress is a piece of fashion history, famously seen on supermodel Eva Herzigová as she graced the runway.

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Vintage Silk Dress - Black + White Piping Detail + Floral Buttons -One-Off
1980s Vintage Silk Dress - Black + White Piping Detail + Floral Buttons -One-Off

1980s Vintage Silk Dress - Black + White Piping Detail + Floral Buttons -One-Off

Located in KENT, United Kingdom

Product Details: 1980s Vintage Black Silk Dress + White Piping Detail - x 6 Black & White Floral Buttons / Front Dress - Structured Collar Detail - 3/4 Length Wide Sleeve Detail...

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1980s British Evening Dresses

VINTAGE 90's Black Silk Satin Floral Embroidered Handkerchief Asymmetrical Dress
VINTAGE 90's Black Silk Satin Floral Embroidered Handkerchief Asymmetrical Dress

VINTAGE 90's Black Silk Satin Floral Embroidered Handkerchief Asymmetrical Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Purchased from Les Habitudes Vintage 1990's Jet black Black floral embroidery Black beading Pullover Missing brand, size, and comp tag, but definitely 100% silk Excellent vintage con...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

Rare Vintage Adam Beall Black + Red Strapless Silk ' Pouf ' Dress
Rare Vintage Adam Beall Black + Red Strapless Silk ' Pouf ' Dress

Rare Vintage Adam Beall Black + Red Strapless Silk ' Pouf ' Dress

By Adam Beall

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing and RARE! Vintage mid 1980s Adam Beall dress! Black silk , with red silk peek-a-boo bits at back skirt, and hem.

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Silk Floral Brocade Little Black Slip Dress
JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Silk Floral Brocade Little Black Slip Dress

JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Silk Floral Brocade Little Black Slip Dress

By John Galliano

Located in Leonardo, NJ

John Galliano Vintage AW99 Jet black floral textured brocade pattern 100% silk Pullover Cute signature buttons in the front There is room to let the straps out an inch Size F40 fits...

Category

1990s Cocktail Dresses

NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress
NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress

NWT's THE DANES Vintage Black Silk Extra Long Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

The Danes Vintage Black 100% silk Extra long Pullover Sheer mesh back Size USA 8 NWT's, Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: length 66, pit to pit 16 to 18, smallest of waist...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Gowns

A Vintage 1980s abstract printed Silk day Dress by Donald Campbell
A Vintage 1980s abstract printed Silk day Dress by Donald Campbell

A Vintage 1980s abstract printed Silk day Dress by Donald Campbell

By Donald Campbell

Located in London, GB

A chic day dress by British designer Donald Campbell. The silk dress has a black background with bright multicolour print. It has a button opening nearly down to the hem, and short s...

Category

1980s British Day Dresses

Leonard Paris Vintage 100% Silk Crepe  Asian Print Long Sleeved Sheath Dress
Leonard Paris Vintage 100% Silk Crepe  Asian Print Long Sleeved Sheath Dress

Leonard Paris Vintage 100% Silk Crepe Asian Print Long Sleeved Sheath Dress

By Leonard

Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest

Leonard Paris, multi toned, silk crepe, long sleeved sheath dress with an Asian inspired print and matching signed belt This beautiful vintage Leonard Paris dress is made from 100% s...

Category

1970s French Day Dresses

James Galanos Vintage 1990s Black Silk Starfish Print Slip Gown 90s Maxi Dress
James Galanos Vintage 1990s Black Silk Starfish Print Slip Gown 90s Maxi Dress

James Galanos Vintage 1990s Black Silk Starfish Print Slip Gown 90s Maxi Dress

By Galanos, James Galanos

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage James Galanos, 1990s Galanos, James Galanos gown, James Galanos dress, vintage silk gown, black silk slip dress, silk evening gown, minimalist evening dress, old Hollywood gl...

Category

1990s American Evening Gowns

1980s Racine Black and White Checkerboard Silk Jersey Dress
1980s Racine Black and White Checkerboard Silk Jersey Dress

1980s Racine Black and White Checkerboard Silk Jersey Dress

By Racine Paris

Located in London, GB

This timeless monochrome checkerboard patterned dress was designed in the late 1970s to early 1980s by Racine. The style is so timeless, it could pass for designs from the mid 60s th...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress
LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress

LES HABITUDES 1996 Vintage Black Silk Crinkle Effect Evening Gown Maxi Dress

Located in Leonardo, NJ

Les Habitudes Vintage 1996 Jet black opaque Crinkle effect but chic Has panels so I lightened pics so you can see them Has an attached ribbon that you can tie however you like 2 butt...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Evening Gowns

Ann Demeulemeester Simple Black Sleeveless A-Line Silk Dress
Ann Demeulemeester Simple Black Sleeveless A-Line Silk Dress

Ann Demeulemeester Simple Black Sleeveless A-Line Silk Dress

By Ann Demeulemeester

Located in Oakland, CA

Ann Demeulemeester elegant simple black dress. U-neck and sleeveless. Two side ties on each side, can be tied or left loose.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Casual Dresses

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6
Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6

Vintage 1950's Black Silk Beaded Cocktail Dress Size 6

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 1950's cocktail dress is composed of beaded applique silk chiffon. Features a center back zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurement...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1940's Dress Black Crepe Silk Pastel Striped Bow Detail UK 10 US 6
Vintage 1940's Dress Black Crepe Silk Pastel Striped Bow Detail UK 10 US 6

Vintage 1940's Dress Black Crepe Silk Pastel Striped Bow Detail UK 10 US 6

Located in Nashville, TN

Rendered in the most figure flattering silhouette, this original vintage 1940's black crepe silk dress, accented by pastel striped taffeta silk in shades of pale blue, pastel pink, g...

Category

1940s Casual Dresses

Amazing Vintage Holly's Harp 1970s Black + Blue Beaded Silk Jersey Flapper Dress
Amazing Vintage Holly's Harp 1970s Black + Blue Beaded Silk Jersey Flapper Dress

Amazing Vintage Holly's Harp 1970s Black + Blue Beaded Silk Jersey Flapper Dress

By Holly Harp

Located in San Diego, CA

Sensational 1970s HOLLY'S HARP black and royal blue silk jersey heavily beaded disco meets flapper dress! Features a double ply silk jersey that hugs the body in all the right places...

Category

1970s American Evening Dresses

Vintage MICHAEL NOVARESE Black and White Sequin Silk Evening Dress Size Small
Vintage MICHAEL NOVARESE Black and White Sequin Silk Evening Dress Size Small

Vintage MICHAEL NOVARESE Black and White Sequin Silk Evening Dress Size Small

By Michael Novarese

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage MICHAEL NOVARESE Black and White Sequin Silk Evening Dress Size Small Product detail: Black silk skirt Black mesh with white sequin Rear zip and hook closure Balloon short s...

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses

Vintage 1970s Valentino Silk Chiffon Dress with Quilted Bodice
Vintage 1970s Valentino Silk Chiffon Dress with Quilted Bodice

Vintage 1970s Valentino Silk Chiffon Dress with Quilted Bodice

By Valentino

Located in New York, NY

This vintage 1970s Valentino dress was made in Italy, under the Valentino "Night" label. The silk chiffon is such a beautiful quality— the handfeel and movement are just unparalleled...

Category

1970s American Mini Dresses

Stavropoulos 1970s Vintage Black Beaded Silk Lace Dress + Wrap 2-Piece Ensemble
Stavropoulos 1970s Vintage Black Beaded Silk Lace Dress + Wrap 2-Piece Ensemble

Stavropoulos 1970s Vintage Black Beaded Silk Lace Dress + Wrap 2-Piece Ensemble

By George Stavropoulos

Located in Sparks, NV

Beautiful delicate black silk strapless dress with beaded lace trim and matching wrap by George Stavropoulos. Flattering cut with asymmetric hemline. Details: Fully Lined in S...

Category

1970s Greek Evening Dresses and Gowns

2010 Vintage Stella McCartney Black Silk Crystal Embellished Dress 42 NWT
2010 Vintage Stella McCartney Black Silk Crystal Embellished Dress 42 NWT

2010 Vintage Stella McCartney Black Silk Crystal Embellished Dress 42 NWT

By Stella McCartney

Located in Montgomery, TX

Stella McCartney Vintage Silk & Crystal Dress, 2010 An exceptionally rare archival piece from Stella McCartney’s 2010 collection, this dress is crafted in 100% pure silk and finish...

Category

2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Chanel 2005 Vintage Black Silk Off-Shoulder Cocktail Dress Size 42
Chanel 2005 Vintage Black Silk Off-Shoulder Cocktail Dress Size 42

Chanel 2005 Vintage Black Silk Off-Shoulder Cocktail Dress Size 42

By Chanel Boutique, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

2005 Chanel Black Silk Knee Length Cocktail Dress . ( see runway image attached) size 42 measurement: Bust : 36” / Waist: 30” / Hip 38”/ Dress length : 33” - silk slip - off shoulder...

Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses

Maison Martin Margiela Black Asymmetrical Silk Dress 2000
Maison Martin Margiela Black Asymmetrical Silk Dress 2000

Maison Martin Margiela Black Asymmetrical Silk Dress 2000

By Maison Martin Margiela

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Maison Martin Margiela black asymmetrical silk dress from the 2000s, featuring exaggerated draping to the left side, uneven arm hol...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Black Silk Dress
1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Black Silk Dress

1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Strapless Black Silk Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in London, GB

The full skirt flares out from beneath the bodice in a series of soft but structured pleats and has a pleasing volume with no cause for additional petticoats. The dress is fully line...

Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

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Black Vintage Dress Silk For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage or contemporary black vintage dress silk you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. If you’re looking for an option in Black and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in Gray, Red and more. If you’re looking for a black vintage dress silk from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Geoffrey Beene are often thought to be among the most stylish. If you’re browsing our inventory for these accessories, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men and unisex.

How Much is a Black Vintage Dress Silk?

The price for a black vintage dress silk starts at $95 and tops out at $27,995, and on average, selling for $938.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

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