American Evening Dresses and Gowns

This is a brilliant example of Ceil Chapman's early work from the late 1940s to early 1950s and the black taffeta silk design is exquisite. Its the first thing you notice about this dress which has the most unusual construction. The skirt's textured element from a distance looks like a floral design but its actually a large number of circular pleated stitched designs. The way the fabric is pulled and stitched creates an almost 3D effect. We have never seen this work before but it would have taken a very skilled seamstress and an incredible amount of time to do it. The dress style is a classic shirtwaister design with three taffeta covered buttons to fasten the bodice which is beautifully shaped and Princess seamed. The sleeves are three quarter length and feature a folded cuff...

Marchesa Red Silk Gown, length 54", bust 38", waist 36".

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...

A magical rainbow watercolor dotted floral print silk chiffon Stavropoulos Couture gown dating back to the late 1970's. George Stavropoulos was a New York fashion designer best known for his innovatively draped dresses and evening gowns that seemed to float in air. Many of his designs were influenced by the grace of classic Greek sculpture...

Black cocktail jersey dress with beadwork. Same jersey as lining. Shoulder-pads.Zip and hook&eye in the middle back. Split in the middle back in the bottom = 8 cm SIZE M

Vintage Brocade Coat or Coat Dress by James Galanos for Amelia Gray Boutique Beverly Hills, likely made in the late 60s. Made from an Incredible tapestry brocade in shades of pale ...

Mignon Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress from the 1950's. Silk taffeta is tucked through the waist which opens into a full bouffant bubble skirt supported inside with tulle. Dress...

This unusual mid-century lingerie-style black semi-transparent mini dress that conjures a historic pinup-girl like Bettie Page is suitable as a cocktail dress as part of an evening ensemble. It was probably meant by its New York designer to be paired with slim cropped pants, which became popular in The States after worn by Hollywood-movie actresses Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The A-line dress was most likely made by the former ready-to-wear fashion company following the revolutionary debut by French Christian Dior of his couture cinched-waist-voluminous-skirt "New Look" collection, whereafter German Sonja de Lennart introduced "Capris" in 1949, and American Hugh Hefner launched Playboy magazine in 1953. The complex hourglass-shaped garment features a double v-neck four-seamed ruched lined bodice in a crepe silky woven fabric. Its defined gathered bust extends from the chest seams at two angles to form short dolman sleeves only in the front, while there are arm seams in back. The gathered see-through black faux-lace organza flared skirt reveals a black velvet-textured scalloped floral pattern with a net underlayer. With beige lining, the self-trim band at the waist enables the folded scalloped-lace pattern to continue to stand out on the opaque black torso. The edges of the peplum and sleeves are further cut in a scallop shape to resemble more delicate eyelash-lace trim. The brand label of the obsolete line is the only interior tag that remains. Camouflaging the midsection, the flattering dress will best suit a U.S.-size 6. It can also be worn by larger sizes with a relatively slim waist and small or large bust as there is no restriction at the hips or wide armholes. At the waistline, a hook and looped cord fasten over the bypass zipper to better conceal it. Notably, the steel-tab-and-teeth zipper is an original U.S-made Murlen model, which was used in new clothes from the 1940s to 1960s and helps to date the mid-century dress.

Adolfo black silk, sequins & lace jacket with matching black silk long mermaid skirt from the 1970s. The lace jacket is sewn with black sequins the outline many of the floral design...

Geoffrey Beene's Early Openwork Blouse and Pleated Skirt from the 1970's. Synthetic knit with grosgrain ribbons stitched into a open work "fabric" for the sleeve details. Simple tail...

This antique Native American brown chamois suede leather sleeveless chemise dress, which was handmade during the "reservation era" between 1870-1930, is made from two soft supple ani...

TULEH Spring 2005 leopard print silk chiffon sheer maxi dress or duster vest ! It’s hard to believe that this piece will be considered vintage in about a year. Buttons up the entire ...

Product Details: Vintage black sheer lace evening gown by Oscar de la Renta. Crew neck. Ruffle trim at cuffs and crew neck. Tiered skirt. Button closures at center back. 28" bust, 26...

This dress is a draped work of art. One shoulder draped front bodice and draped front wrap. Designed by legendary Hollywood designer, Estevez. He designed for many celebrities both o...

A fun and floral vintage evening gown by Jessica McClintock The dress has a black velvet upper area and has a V backlline. The floral skirt has a ...

A beautiful vibrant pink silk mini dress from Holly Harp. It has a crew neckline with a back keyhole and a self covered button above it. The dress is cut straight from the shoulder...

1980s Scaasi Boutique Red Strapless sweetheart neckline lace gown. Fitted in the waist and flare out. Gown comes with lace shawl. Perfect for wedding or cocktail party. Size 4/6 mea...

Creating beautiful clothes that channel a certain fantastic dreaminess has long been Rodarte’s calling card. Rodarte’s designs are held in permanent collections at world-class museum...

1980s Black cut velvet with large sparkly velvet dots. V back neck with horizontally draped pink & purple taffeta skirt and a huge bow at the hip back. LA fabulous party dress from t...

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...

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...

This beautiful three-piece couture evening ensemble was designed by Lilly Samii for a Socialite/Philanthropist from La Jolla Calif. It’s as beautiful as it is versatile. The fabric i...

Stunning brand new with tags PAMELLA ROLAND S/S 2018 Runway hot pink silk chiffon one shoulder Grecian gown ! The brightest shade of pink, with intricate pleating details throughout ...

Silk satin ecru gown with Brussels lace and dotted tulle on sleeves, and seed pearl tassels attached to sleeves and base of dress.

Stunning DONNA KARAN Fall 2011 Runway silk organza strapless gown ! Features the most beautiful nude silk organza, with just the slightest amount of gold sheen. Boned bodice holds ev...

Vintage Oscar De La Renta Black Velvet Embellished Maxi Dress Gown with Exquisite Embroidery Designer size - US 8 ( please check measurements) Timeless Classy Black Velvet Embellishe...

This is a beautiful bronze circle print dress by Bill Blass purchased at Neiman Marcus in the 1970's. The elegant fabric has lovely textured starbur...

1960s Teal Traina ivory/champagne color silk V neck A line cocktail dress with rosette appliqué. Perfect for engagement party or wedding. Size: Medium Measurement: Bust 38”/ Waist ...

Donna Karan Collection's Sexy Draped Jersey Dress in deep chocolate stretch rayon jersey with greenish gold knit tulle cascade. Donna Karan gowns are seemingly simple in cut but are ...

Stunning vintage 1970s Mr. Blackwell sheer silk chiffon dress in what appears to be hand painted fabric. Optional cape detail that snaps on and off. Fully lined with rear zip and hoo...

These photos do no justice to the movement of this incredible 1980s Lily Rubin Dress! Covered in long strips of black carwash style fabric. Flattering empir...

Sexy late 1980s BOB MACKIE black and nude silk mini dress ! Bodice features nude silk with black lace overlay that is embellished with rhinestones. Inner boning holds everything I n ...

Gorgeous early 1970s EMMA DOMB gold metallic jersey Grecian inspired gown! Features a tailored bodice with sequin encrusted braided details around the ...

This incredible little black dress is an early Pauline Trigere piece, dating to the 1950s. Made from a supple black silk fabric, it features a draped shawl collar with a black silk...

Stunning 1950s FRED PERLBERG white and Robin’s egg blue rhinestone encrusted strapless gown ! Boned bodice. Hundreds of rhinestones really make this dress sparkle. Features layers of...

Chic deadstock ( brand new with tags ) original 1960s Alvin Handmacher ( Weathervane Tailored by Handmacher ) baby blue skirt suit ! Features a tailore...

GARY GRAHAM 2003 Black Wool Texture Distressed Asymmetrical Maxi Wrap Dress OOAK Brand / Manufacturer: Gary Graham Collection: Dated "7.28.03" Designer: Gary Graham Style: Wrap Dres...

Bill Blass black silk satin strapless fitted cocktail dress with tailored ruffle at the bodice top. A classic and always in style, simple & elegant, this dress is perfect for any spe...

Chic 1970s PAULINE TRIGERE burgundy / maroon long sleeve wool mini dress ! Features a tailored v neck bodice with knife pleat skirt. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closu...

Chic 1960s demi couture bubblegum pink silk chiffon high neck gown! Features hand embroidery up the center front, collar, and back neck. Low cut back fe...

Y2K Stephen Burrows Silk Chiffon Lilac Layered Ruffled Halter Dress Size: Small Bust: 32” Stephen Burrows is an American fashion designer based in New York City, known for being o...

New with tags BRANDON MAXWELL Spring 2018 Runway black silk dress ! Features a built in corset to hold everything in place. Flattering draped detail at bust. Hidden zipper up the fro...

This is an exotic evening gown from Bob Mackie. It is an orange and black long sleeve fitted gown with a tiger print beaded pattern, and a full and flowy chiffon skirt. Fully lined. ...

Chic 1960s HOWARD WOLF black and white cotton and linen blend shift dress! Classic shift shape, with just the right amount of added flair! Three white mock...

Incredible vintage 1960s Mollie Parnis silk dress in pretty pastel stripes with all over beading. It is full length with a slit to one side of the skirt, attached waist belt and sid...

Mini Max of California floral print, bohemian style bishop sleeve maxi dress, retailed at I Magnin. Soft peachy pink ground with pastel flower bouque...

Beautiful late 70s HALSTON for BERGDORF GOODMAN lipstick red and off-white abstract silk dress and sash ! Simply slips over the head with a hook-and-eye closure at back center neck. ...

Shocking pink bustier evening dress. Fabric composition: 52% nylon, 48% polyester. Draped on the bust. Boned. Zip, hook&eye and snap in the middle back. Drag on the back and ruffles ...

1930s mocha brown velvet sleeveless V neck cocktail dress with 3/4 sleeve capelet/ Jacket with faux fur trim. Perfect for wedding or cocktail party. Belt Fit US size 8

With the sparkling embellishment and ethereal ivory creme color, this dazzling 1960's Malcolm Starr evening gown does not disappoint. The substantial weight of the draped silk chiffon fabric whispers high-end luxury. The bodice is an elegant shelf-bust empire plunge with sparkling adornment. Metallic gold embroidery and beadwork cover the whole bust; giving the garment so much depth and texture. This figure flattering designer gown...

With the sparkling embellishment and ethereal ivory creme color, this dazzling 1960's Malcolm Starr evening gown does not disappoint. The substantial weight of the draped silk chiffon fabric whispers high-end luxury. The bodice is an elegant shelf-bust empire plunge with sparkling adornment. Metallic gold embroidery and beadwork cover the whole bust; giving the garment so much depth and texture. This figure flattering designer gown...

This fabulous vintage maxi dress hits all the right notes. Done in a light green fabric that feels like a cotton/linen blend, it effortlessly evokes the sensual glamour of the 1950s ...

Nipon Boutique black velvet cocktail dress with satin ribbon trim and bows tied at neck and back. Flirty six paneled dress body with flared bottom. Fu...

LILLIE RUBIN Evening Gown Feathered trim Bow accent and long sash over shoulder Condition: Excellent Silk blend 28" bust, 23.5" waist, 28" hips, 53" l...

This lovely vintage 1930's dress is made of a gorgeous sheer floral silk chiffon and it comes with a matching taffeta bolero jacket with short puff sleeves. We love the way the halte...

An absolutely stunning Ceil Chapman designer ivory embroidered cotton eyelet dress dating back to the late 1950's. Perfect for any upcoming summer ...

Chic 1990s GEOFFREY BEENE grey wool long sleeve dress ! This is so much more than just a grey dress. This special beauty has so many flattering lines. Couture quality, with the major...

A unique vintage find, this ensemble consists of a long black maxi skirt and sleeveless top, its floral design repeated in cut-out appliqués down the left side of the skirt. the A-li...