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Givenchy Haute Couture dress
Givenchy Haute Couture dress

Givenchy Haute Couture dress

By Givenchy

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE - (Made in France) Red silk and black velvet bustier dress. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 43 cm -...

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses

MADAME GRES HAUTE COUTURE Betsy Bloomingdale 1960's Yellow Asymmetrical Gown
MADAME GRES HAUTE COUTURE Betsy Bloomingdale 1960's Yellow Asymmetrical Gown

MADAME GRES HAUTE COUTURE Betsy Bloomingdale 1960's Yellow Asymmetrical Gown

By Madame Gres

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This gown is composed of a yellow silk crepe. Features an asymmetrical design with snap closures. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for p...

Category

20th Century French Evening Gowns

Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown
Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown

Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Crystal Embellished Cutout Train Gown

By Atelier Versace

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Atelier Versace Haute Couture F/W 1998 Swarovski Crystal Embellished Cutout Open Back Long Train Black Evening Dress Gown Size IT 42

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1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk trained evening gown with cape, fw 2003
Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk trained evening gown with cape, fw 2003

Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk trained evening gown with cape, fw 2003

By Givenchy

Located in London, GB

▪ Givenchy Haute Couture mauve silk evening gown ▪ Designed by Julien Macdonald ▪ Form-hugging torso with asymmetric draping ▪ Cut-out at hip edged with hand-rolled silk ▪ Asymmet...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1980S GIVENCHY Electric Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown
1980S GIVENCHY Electric Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown

1980S GIVENCHY Electric Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown

By Givenchy

Located in New York, NY

in near perfect condition, few very slight areas of abrasion to the satin. 1980S GIVENCHY Electric Blue Haute Couture Silk Double Faced Satin Sleeved Gown With Slit & Sash

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1980s Formal Gowns

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue & Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless Gown
1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue & Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless Gown

1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue & Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless Gown

Located in New York, NY

In the collection of The Metropolitain Museum of Art NYC as well as the Musee de Yves Saint Laurent Paris. 1980S YVES SAINT LAURENT Blue & Green Haute Couture Silk Chiffon Strapless ...

Category

1980s Formal Gowns

Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Evening Gown No.173.195
Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Evening Gown No.173.195

Vintage Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Black Silk Chiffon Evening Gown No.173.195

By Pierre Balmain

Located in Studio City, CA

Vintage Pierre Balmain haute couture No. 173.195 black silk chiffon halter neck evening gown with ties at the back neck, a high-low ruffled hemline, an interior silk bustier w/boning...

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20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Haute Couture Women's Beige Strapless Maxi Gown with Tulle Detail
Christian Dior Haute Couture Women's Beige Strapless Maxi Gown with Tulle Detail

Christian Dior Haute Couture Women's Beige Strapless Maxi Gown with Tulle Detail

By Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

Beige/powder Strapless Fitted waist silhouette Maxi dress Tulle detailing Excellent condition Size 36 Please kindly note all items have been previously used and present some signs o...

Category

2010s European Evening Dresses and Gowns

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lesage Paris Betsy Bloomingdale Beaded 1960s Gown Size 2
GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lesage Paris Betsy Bloomingdale Beaded 1960s Gown Size 2

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE Lesage Paris Betsy Bloomingdale Beaded 1960s Gown Size 2

By Givenchy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Givenchy Couture ensemble is composed of a strapless nude gown with draped bow detail and a Lesage Hand beaded blouse. The blouse features hook and eye closures. The gown featu...

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20th Century French Evening Gowns

Valens Haute Couture Black Dress
Valens Haute Couture Black Dress

Valens Haute Couture Black Dress

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Valens Haute Couture - Black dress embroidered with velvet and tulle. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimens...

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1980s Evening Gowns

Claude Riha 1980s Robe FR36 Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress Gown UK8 US6
Claude Riha 1980s Robe FR36 Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress Gown UK8 US6

Claude Riha 1980s Robe FR36 Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress Gown UK8 US6

Located in PARIS, FR

Claude Riha Haute Couture dress from the 1980s, the top in silk velvet embroidered with mobile black glass beads around the wide boat neck and at the waist, 2/3 sleeves, the skirt in...

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown
1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown

1970's Guy Laroche Haute Couture Cream Silk Beaded Gown

By Guy Laroche

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Amazing 1970's Guy Laroche couture cream silk gown. High neckline, billowing sleeves and empire waist. Simple almost religious lines, this elegant piece appears highly influence by B...

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1970s French Empire Waist Dresses

Louis Feraud Haute Couture Silk Dress
Louis Feraud Haute Couture Silk Dress

Louis Feraud Haute Couture Silk Dress

By Louis Feraud

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Louis Féraud -Haute Couture silk dress made by the workshops Jean-Guy Vermont. Embroidery by Louis Feraud. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR. Fall/Winter 1988/1989 collection. Addit...

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1980s French Evening Dresses

Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture 1988
Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture 1988

Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture 1988

By Louis Feraud

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

LOUIS FERAUD - (Made in France) Long-sleeved dress embroidered with a leaf pattern made of white sequins, black tubular pearls, and with pastel-tone flowers. Straps enhanced with bla...

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1980s French Evening Dresses

Christian Lacroix dress Haute Couture
Christian Lacroix dress Haute Couture

Christian Lacroix dress Haute Couture

By Christian Lacroix

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Guipure and silk dress in pink and orange tones. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection under the artist...

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1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Patou dress Haute Couture
Jean Patou dress Haute Couture

Jean Patou dress Haute Couture

By Jean Patou

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

JEAN PATOU - (Made in France) Yellow-tone ziberline evening set. Bustier dress top with a high-waist effect, overlaid with a loose-fitting blouse embroidered with translucent pearls....

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Red lace and silk taffeta dress. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR/40FR. A Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Chest: 38 c...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Louis Scherrer haute couture black polka dots sheer evening gown, f/w 2005
Jean Louis Scherrer haute couture black polka dots sheer evening gown, f/w 2005

Jean Louis Scherrer haute couture black polka dots sheer evening gown, f/w 2005

By Jean-Louis Scherrer

Located in London, GB

Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture Autum / Winter 2005 - Sheer polka dots silk chiffon with black velvet covered buttons on bust and sleeves - Victorian poet slee...

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Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Balmain dress Haute Couture 1985s
Balmain dress Haute Couture 1985s

Balmain dress Haute Couture 1985s

By Balmain

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

BALMAIN - (Made in France) Green silk satin evening dress sewn with rhinestones. A Haute Couture Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Erik Mortensen. Composition and...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

HAUTE COUTURE 1950s Black Sequin Ball Gown Evening Theater Opera Party Dress
HAUTE COUTURE 1950s Black Sequin Ball Gown Evening Theater Opera Party Dress

HAUTE COUTURE 1950s Black Sequin Ball Gown Evening Theater Opera Party Dress

Located in Thiensville, WI

Amazing vintage ball gown custom made for 1950s opera singer Alberta Hopkins. Net overdress is heavily embellished with glossy and textured black sequins. Strapless bodice is boned a...

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1950s Ball Gowns

Emmanuel Ungaro dress Haute Couture
Emmanuel Ungaro dress Haute Couture

Emmanuel Ungaro dress Haute Couture

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

UNGARO - (Made in France) Silk taffeta bustier dress with purple-tone checkered print. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR. 1991/1992 Fall-Winter Haute Couture Collec...

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1990s French Ball Gowns

Lanvin Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Halter
Lanvin Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Halter

Lanvin Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Halter

By Lanvin Paris

Located in New York, NY

Lanvin Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Halter. Simple and flattering halter neckline is held by a wide band of black silk velvet trimmed with bright green satin ribbon. The motif is repea...

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Paul-Louis Orrier Haute Couture Black Red Leg-o-Mutton Gown - XS, 1980s
Paul-Louis Orrier Haute Couture Black Red Leg-o-Mutton Gown - XS, 1980s

Paul-Louis Orrier Haute Couture Black Red Leg-o-Mutton Gown - XS, 1980s

By Paul-Louis Orrier

Located in Tucson, AZ

Like his contemporaries Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana and Azzedine Alaïa, Paul-Louis Orrier pushed trends to their furthest interpretation by using exaggerated shapes and angles in ...

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1980s French Ball Gowns

Torrente Haute Couture Embroidered Dress, Size 36FR
Torrente Haute Couture Embroidered Dress, Size 36FR

Torrente Haute Couture Embroidered Dress, Size 36FR

By TORRENTE

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Torrente Haute Couture - Dress embroidered with flowers, beads, and sequins. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1991 Collection Additional ...

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1990s French Evening Dresses

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Viscose Embroidered Dress
Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Viscose Embroidered Dress

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Viscose Embroidered Dress

By Pierre Balmain, Balmain

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture - Evening dress in viscose embroidered with pearly beads. No composition or size tag, it fits a size 36FR/38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: B...

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1980s French Evening Dresses

Ungaro tulle dress Haute Couture
Ungaro tulle dress Haute Couture

Ungaro tulle dress Haute Couture

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

UNGARO - (Made in France) Embroidered midnight-blue tulle dress. Piece from the mid-1980s. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimen...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

A chiffon ball gown by Jean Dessès Haute Couture Paris France Circa 1956
A chiffon ball gown by Jean Dessès Haute Couture Paris France Circa 1956

A chiffon ball gown by Jean Dessès Haute Couture Paris France Circa 1956

By Jean Dessès

Located in Toulon, FR

Circa 1956 France Long evening dress draped in pink and pale blue chiffon. Pleated bust with large halter neckline, ending in a sheath on the hips with crossed panels spread to the s...

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1950s French Ball Gowns

Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture
Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture

Louis Feraud dress Haute Couture

By Louis Feraud

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

LOUIS FERAUD - (Made in France) Brown silk taffeta bustier dress sewn with sequins. No size nor composition label, it fits a 36FR/38FR. Haute Couture piece. Condition: Very good con...

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1990s French Maxi Dress

Haute Couture Vintage Dress, 1965
Haute Couture Vintage Dress, 1965

Haute Couture Vintage Dress, 1965

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Vintage dress made of navy-blue tulle ribbons layering. The waist is enhanced with a mounted belt decorated with a bow. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. Additional information: Co...

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20th Century Cocktail Dresses

1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress
1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress

1940s Haute Couture Purple Satin Chiffon Dress

Located in London, GB

Original late 1930s or early 1940s purple satin and chiffon gown with matching waist sash. This beautiful unlabelled haute couture dress is of superb quality and construction and is ...

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1940s French Evening Dresses

Guy Laroche dress Haute Couture 1978s
Guy Laroche dress Haute Couture 1978s

Guy Laroche dress Haute Couture 1978s

By Guy Laroche

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

GUY LAROCHE - Yellow silk crepe dress with straps and topped with a pleated silk muslin. Edges decorated with pearl and golden lurex embroidery. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A ...

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1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Guy Laroche pearled dress Haute Couture
Guy Laroche pearled dress Haute Couture

Guy Laroche pearled dress Haute Couture

By Guy Laroche

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

GUY LAROCHE - (Made in France) Mauve silk dress, entirely pearled. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection. Condition: Very good condition D...

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1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Balmain dress Haute Couture summer 1985
Balmain dress Haute Couture summer 1985

Balmain dress Haute Couture summer 1985

By Pierre Balmain

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

BALMAIN - (Made in France) Ivory-color silk canvas evening dress with a low V-neck. Impressive flower embroidery in blue, pink, and golden tones. Long asymmetrical skirt enhanced wit...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Jean Desses dress Haute Couture 1948
Jean Desses dress Haute Couture 1948

Jean Desses dress Haute Couture 1948

By Jean Dessès

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

JEAN DESSES - Brown and black silk dress, chest embroidered with rhinestones and lurex threads. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1948 Winter Haute Couture Collection. To be me...

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1940s French Cocktail Dresses

Louis Feraud evening dress Haute Couture
Louis Feraud evening dress Haute Couture

Louis Feraud evening dress Haute Couture

By Louis Feraud

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

LOUIS FERAUD - (Made in France) Ivory-color muslin evening dress embroidered with pearls and sequins. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. A Haute Couture Collection ...

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1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel dress Haute Couture Winter 1956
Chanel dress Haute Couture Winter 1956

Chanel dress Haute Couture Winter 1956

By Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

CHANEL - Black lace dress with mid-length sleeves, a fitted waist and a flared skirt. Black silk slipdress edged with lace. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 1956 Fall-Winter H...

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1950s French Cocktail Dresses

Chanel evening dress Haute Couture 1979
Chanel evening dress Haute Couture 1979

Chanel evening dress Haute Couture 1979

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

CHANEL - (Made in France) Evening set composed of a dress and a cape. The bustier dress is embroidered with multicolored boteh pattern on muslin. Straps embroidered with pearls, and ...

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1970s French Cocktail Dresses

GIVENCHY COUTURE ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1998 Black Sleeveless Tassel Mini Dress
GIVENCHY COUTURE ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1998 Black Sleeveless Tassel Mini Dress

GIVENCHY COUTURE ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 1998 Black Sleeveless Tassel Mini Dress

By Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture

Located in Thiensville, WI

Givenchy Couture Alexander McQueen S/S 1998 Black Sleeveless Tassel Mini Dress Brand / Manufacturer: Givenchy Couture Collection: S/S 1998 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Sleevel...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci bustier dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci bustier dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci bustier dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Gray ottoman bustier dress, corset-like bustier embroidered with pearls. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR. 1996-1997 Fall-Winter Haut...

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1990s French Ball Gowns

Yves saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Dress
Yves saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Dress

Yves saint Laurent Haute Couture Black Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture - Very nice dress in black wool crepe, fastening with a slanting snap closure that continues on to the wrap skirt. The waist is underlined with a ve...

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci golden dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci golden dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci golden dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Long damask silk lamé dress. V-Neck ending with a bow. Sun-ray pleats effect. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 36FR/38FR. 1989-1990 Fall-W...

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Givenchy dress Haute Couture circa 90
Givenchy dress Haute Couture circa 90

Givenchy dress Haute Couture circa 90

By Givenchy

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

GIVENCHY - Black velvet dress ornamented with sequins, and pearls with jet-black tassels. Size 38FR. Haute Couture Collection circa 1990. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions:...

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1990s French Ball Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent dress Haute Couture
Yves Saint Laurent dress Haute Couture

Yves Saint Laurent dress Haute Couture

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Long black dress made of silk and silk muslin. Size and composition labels missing, it fits a 36FR. Haute Couture Collection circa 1970. Condit...

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1970s French Cocktail Dresses

Christian Dior dress Haute Couture 1969
Christian Dior dress Haute Couture 1969

Christian Dior dress Haute Couture 1969

By Christian Dior

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

DIOR - (Made in France) Teal veil evening dress with golden lamé buta decoration, wide flounces with a tulle lining on the bottom. Golden lamé slipdress. No size indicated, it fits a...

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1960s French Cocktail Dresses

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Satin Embroidered Dress, 1991
Louis Féraud Haute Couture Satin Embroidered Dress, 1991

Louis Féraud Haute Couture Satin Embroidered Dress, 1991

By Louis Feraud

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

From the "Pretty Woman" Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1991 collection under the artistic direction of Louis Féraud.

Category

1990s French Evening Dresses

1980s Dior Attributed Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress
1980s Dior Attributed Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress

1980s Dior Attributed Haute Couture Black Velvet Dress

By Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

Bought alongside other labelled Dior haute couture pieces, we believe this elegant black velvet gown to also be a Christian Dior haute couture dress from the 1984 / 1985 fall winter ...

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1980s French Evening Dresses

Nina Ricci long dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci long dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci long dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Long black velvet and silk bustier dress, collar edged with fox fur. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Condition: Very good conditio...

Category

1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Nina Ricci silk dress Haute Couture
Nina Ricci silk dress Haute Couture

Nina Ricci silk dress Haute Couture

By Nina Ricci

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

NINA RICCI - (Made in France) Long crepe silk muslin evening dress with flounces. Heart collar and bare shoulders. Composition and size labels, it fits a 36FR. Condition: Very good ...

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1990s French Cocktail Dresses

Torrente Brown Ostrich Leather Bustier Dress Haute Couture
Torrente Brown Ostrich Leather Bustier Dress Haute Couture

Torrente Brown Ostrich Leather Bustier Dress Haute Couture

By TORRENTE

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Torrente - Brown ostrich leather bustier dress decorated with beige trimmings, golden pearls, and wooden tassels. No size indicated, it fits a 36FR. A Haute Couture Collection. Addi...

Category

Early 2000s Evening Dresses

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Haute Couture Gowns For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of haute couture gowns for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for black haute couture gowns and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in gray, beige and more. If you’re looking for accessories from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find some that date back to the 18th Century while other versions may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Haute couture gowns such as these have likely been a part of the legacy of many fashion designers, but those produced by Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Givenchy are consistently popular. There aren’t many items for unisex if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for men and women.

How Much are Haute Couture Gowns?

The prices for haute couture gowns start at $1 and top out at $110,000 with these items, on average, selling for $2,798.

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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Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer

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A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor

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The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.