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80s Strapless Dress

80s Ungaro Jersey Ruched Strapless Dress
80s Ungaro Jersey Ruched Strapless Dress

80s Ungaro Jersey Ruched Strapless Dress

By Emanuel Ungaro

Located in Miami, FL

Stunning and oh so flattering 80s Ungaro gown in a royal blue jersey comprised of silk and cotton

Category

1980s Italian Maxi Dress

Chanel 1980s Vintage Strapless White Cotton Dress with Lace Detail
Chanel 1980s Vintage Strapless White Cotton Dress with Lace Detail

Chanel 1980s Vintage Strapless White Cotton Dress with Lace Detail

By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel Boutique

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

80s Chanel strapless white cotton dress with black lace by Karl Lagerfeld . Perfect for rehearsal

Category

1980s French Day Dresses

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80s Yves Saint Laurent Red Strapless Summer Dress
80s Yves Saint Laurent Red Strapless Summer Dress

80s Yves Saint Laurent Red Strapless Summer Dress

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Sassy little number from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche label. Strapless summer weight, cotton

Category

1980s French Day Dresses

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust
Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust

By Victor Costa

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Victor Costa 80's Strapless Blue Cocktail Dress with Feather Bust. The zipper works, it is just too

Category

1980s American Cocktail Dresses

80s Isaac Mizrahi Charcoal Strapless Column Dress
80s Isaac Mizrahi Charcoal Strapless Column Dress

80s Isaac Mizrahi Charcoal Strapless Column Dress

By Isaac Mizrahi

Located in San Francisco, CA

80s Isaac Mizrahi Charcoal Strapless Column Dress. Fabric feels like flannel. Strapless. Velvet

Category

1980s Evening Dresses

Odicini Couture 80s Brown Chiffon Strapless Gown
Odicini Couture 80s Brown Chiffon Strapless Gown

Odicini Couture 80s Brown Chiffon Strapless Gown

By Odicini Couture, ODICINI

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Extravagant couture gown by Italian designer Odicini. Iridescent brown silk chiffon - with shirred bodice and layered full skirt. Intricately trimmed in amber colored beads and cryst...

Category

1980s Italian Evening Gowns

Scaasi 80s Black Lace Strapless Gown with Rhinestones
Scaasi 80s Black Lace Strapless Gown with Rhinestones

Scaasi 80s Black Lace Strapless Gown with Rhinestones

By Arnold Scaasi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dramatic strapless gown by Scaasi. In black lace with inset rhinestones. Fully lined, empire

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

80s Arnold Scaasi Black Flocked Strapless Ball Gown
80s Arnold Scaasi Black Flocked Strapless Ball Gown

80s Arnold Scaasi Black Flocked Strapless Ball Gown

By Arnold Scaasi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

flocked strapless gown with asymmetrical tiered full skirt, backed in black tulle and edged with horsehair

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1980s American Evening Gowns

80s Couture Finish Fuchsia Silk Strapless Floral Print Gown
80s Couture Finish Fuchsia Silk Strapless Floral Print Gown

80s Couture Finish Fuchsia Silk Strapless Floral Print Gown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Unlabeled but extraordinary couture finished strapless gown in fuchsia silk with minimalist floral

Category

1980s Evening Gowns

80s Bill Blass Black Velvet Strapless Gown Criss Crossed with Rhinestones
80s Bill Blass Black Velvet Strapless Gown Criss Crossed with Rhinestones

80s Bill Blass Black Velvet Strapless Gown Criss Crossed with Rhinestones

By Bill Blass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic column silhouetted gown circa 1980s by the legendary Bill Blass. Criss crossed with rows of oversized crystals. Boned inner corset and fully lined. Comes with extra rhineston...

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

Chanel 80's Strapless Dress and Jacket Ensemble
Chanel 80's Strapless Dress and Jacket Ensemble

Chanel 80's Strapless Dress and Jacket Ensemble

By Chanel

Located in Gresham, OR

This Chanel 80's strapless dress and jacket ensemble features a denim bodice and camellia print tea

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1980s French Dress and Coat Ensembles

Sexy Vintage 1980s Silk Leopard / Cheetah Print Strapless Dress
Sexy Vintage 1980s Silk Leopard / Cheetah Print Strapless Dress

Sexy Vintage 1980s Silk Leopard / Cheetah Print Strapless Dress

By A.J. Bari

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage silk leopard 80s strapless dress! Features a bold leopard / animal print, with a

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Eugene Alexander 80s Strapless Lamé Party Dress
Eugene Alexander 80s Strapless Lamé Party Dress

Eugene Alexander 80s Strapless Lamé Party Dress

By Eugene Alexander

Located in Gresham, OR

Eugene Alexander 80s strapless lamé party dress originally sold at Neiman Marcus. Size 6

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1980s American Informal Dresses

Bill Blass 80s Silk Satin Strapless Ruched Cocktail dress
Bill Blass 80s Silk Satin Strapless Ruched Cocktail dress

Bill Blass 80s Silk Satin Strapless Ruched Cocktail dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Gresham, OR

Chic Bill Blass ice blue silk satin ruched cocktail dress with back side drape. Knee length. Made

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Oscar de la Renta Vintage Dress/ 80s Red Silk Strapless Gown
Oscar de la Renta Vintage Dress/ 80s Red Silk Strapless Gown

Oscar de la Renta Vintage Dress/ 80s Red Silk Strapless Gown

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Sparks, NV

Lipstick red strapless evening gown by Oscar de la Renta. Ruched sweetheart bust and bodice. Lined

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1980s American Evening Gowns

80s Vicky Tiel Bergdorf Goodman Red and Black Velvet Strapless Cocktail Dress
80s Vicky Tiel Bergdorf Goodman Red and Black Velvet Strapless Cocktail Dress

80s Vicky Tiel Bergdorf Goodman Red and Black Velvet Strapless Cocktail Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

What a fun vintage Vicky Tiel strapless Burgundy Red and black velvet strapless dress from Bergdorf

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Victor Costa Knockout 80s Gold Lamé Strapless Gown
Victor Costa Knockout 80s Gold Lamé Strapless Gown

Victor Costa Knockout 80s Gold Lamé Strapless Gown

By Victor Costa

Located in Gresham, OR

This is a knockout of a gown from Victor Costa originally sold at Bergdorf Goodman in the 80s! A

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

Carolina Herrera 80s Silk Strapless Gown with Ruffle
Carolina Herrera 80s Silk Strapless Gown with Ruffle

Carolina Herrera 80s Silk Strapless Gown with Ruffle

By Carolina Herrera

Located in Gresham, OR

A wonderful, demure 1980s Carolina Herrera strapless gown in baby blue silk in a polka dot jacquard

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Lagerfeld 80s Piqué Strapless Gown w/ French Lace Train
Lagerfeld 80s Piqué Strapless Gown w/ French Lace Train

Lagerfeld 80s Piqué Strapless Gown w/ French Lace Train

By Karl Lagerfeld, Ugo Correani for Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Gresham, OR

Karl Lagerfeld 1980s strapless gown made of cotton piqué boned structured bodice, French lace

Category

1980s French Evening Gowns

Bill Blass 80s Belted Strapless Gown w/ Ruched Bodice, Peplum
Bill Blass 80s Belted Strapless Gown w/ Ruched Bodice, Peplum

Bill Blass 80s Belted Strapless Gown w/ Ruched Bodice, Peplum

By Bill Blass

Located in Gresham, OR

A great Bill Blass silk taffeta gown: strapless with ruched, belted taffeta bodice with flared

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1980s American Evening Gowns

Zandra Rhodes Off White Strapless Top and Skirt, 80s
Zandra Rhodes Off White Strapless Top and Skirt, 80s

Zandra Rhodes Off White Strapless Top and Skirt, 80s

By Dame Zandra Rhodes

Located in Austin, TX

Zandra Rhodes off white lame top and skirt. Condition: Excellent. rhinestone buttons. labeled size UK 12/US 8 but fits more like a US 8 We accept returns for refund, please see o...

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1980s British Cocktail Dresses

Scaasi 80s Organza Cocktail Dress w/ Whimsical Bubble Print
Scaasi 80s Organza Cocktail Dress w/ Whimsical Bubble Print

Scaasi 80s Organza Cocktail Dress w/ Whimsical Bubble Print

By Arnold Scaasi

Located in Gresham, OR

A whimsical Arnold Scaasi Boutique cocktail dress from the 80s. A strapless bustier style dress

Category

Late 20th Century American Informal Dresses

Vicky Tiel 80s Graphic Strapless, Ruched Bodice Sarong Dress
Vicky Tiel 80s Graphic Strapless, Ruched Bodice Sarong Dress

Vicky Tiel 80s Graphic Strapless, Ruched Bodice Sarong Dress

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Gresham, OR

Vicky Tiel 80s graphic strapless, ruched bodice sarong-style dress is titled "Parisienne" and is

Category

1980s French Casual Dresses

Scaasi 80s Vintage Metallic Black Lace Strapless Dress
Scaasi 80s Vintage Metallic Black Lace Strapless Dress

Scaasi 80s Vintage Metallic Black Lace Strapless Dress

By Arnold Scaasi, Scaasi Boutique

Located in Sparks, NV

Gorgeous black lace strapless dress with gold and silver accents by Arnold Scaasi. Built in tulle

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns

Patrick Kelly 80s Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress
Patrick Kelly 80s Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress

Patrick Kelly 80s Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress

By Patrick Kelly

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage 80s Patrick Kelly strapless pencil dress in pink satin. Back zip. Fully lined. Shell and

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80s LEONARD metallic strapless brocade gown
80s LEONARD metallic strapless brocade gown

80s LEONARD metallic strapless brocade gown

By Leonard

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Leonard silver, gold and pink brocade strapless gown. Bust: 36" Waist: 26" Length from bust to

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Black Oscar de la Renta Strapless Cocktail Dress
Black Oscar de la Renta Strapless Cocktail Dress

Black Oscar de la Renta Strapless Cocktail Dress

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in New York, NY

Product details: Black strapless 80s-inspired pleated cocktail dress by Oscar de la Renta. Side

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses

Patrick Kelly Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress, 1980s
Patrick Kelly Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress, 1980s

Patrick Kelly Pink Satin Strapless Pencil Cut Cocktail Dress, 1980s

By Patrick Kelly

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage 80s Patrick Kelly strapless pencil dress in pink satin. Back zip. Fully lined. Shell and

Category

1980s French Cocktail Dresses

80S BRUCE OLDFIELD NOIR CLASSIC STRAPLESS
80S BRUCE OLDFIELD NOIR CLASSIC STRAPLESS

80S BRUCE OLDFIELD NOIR CLASSIC STRAPLESS

By Bruce Oldfield

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Brilliant BLACK Strapless Cocktail Dress From British Designer Bruce Oldfield Who's Made Couture

Category

1980s English Cocktail Dresses

Carolyne Roehm 80s floral silk strapless gown size 4.
Carolyne Roehm 80s floral silk strapless gown size 4.

Carolyne Roehm 80s floral silk strapless gown size 4.

By Carolyne Roehm

Located in Atlanta, GA

Carolyne Roehm 80s blue / purple silk strapless gown size 4. Bodice is ruche and skirt has sexy

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1980s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses

80s Black Velvet Diamond Sequin Strapless Mini Dress
80s Black Velvet Diamond Sequin Strapless Mini Dress

80s Black Velvet Diamond Sequin Strapless Mini Dress

Located in San Francisco, CA

80s black velvet gold diamond sequin strapless mini dress, bodice lined.

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1980s Unknown Evening Dresses

Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Strapless Polka Dot Pouf Dress Size 4
Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Strapless Polka Dot Pouf Dress Size 4

Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Strapless Polka Dot Pouf Dress Size 4

By Vicky Tiel

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Vicky Tiel Paris 80's Strapless Polka Dot Pouf Dress The witty quote was "It's Chanel for the wife

Category

1970s French Evening Gowns

-80s Chanel Yellow Strapless Gown
-80s Chanel Yellow Strapless Gown

-80s Chanel Yellow Strapless Gown

By Chanel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Summer weight and style casual evening gown in 100% cotton by Chanel Boutique circa 1980s. Slight nautical feel in faux double breasted logo buttons down front. Semi lined - with inn...

Category

1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Tom and Linda Platt 80s Strapless Cocktail Dress Size 6.
Tom and Linda Platt 80s Strapless Cocktail Dress Size 6.

Tom and Linda Platt 80s Strapless Cocktail Dress Size 6.

By Tom and Linda Platt

Located in Atlanta, GA

Tom and Linda Platt 80s strapless wool cocktail dress size small (6). There are 9 large

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1980s American Cocktail Dresses

Victor Costa 80s Strapless Gown Size 6.
Victor Costa 80s Strapless Gown Size 6.

Victor Costa 80s Strapless Gown Size 6.

By Victor Costa, Neiman Marcus

Located in Atlanta, GA

Victor Costa for Neiman Marcus 1980s pink strapless gown. Original size 10 but fits like a modern

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

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Victor Costa Strapless Dress
Victor Costa Strapless Dress

Victor Costa Strapless Dress

By Victor Costa

Located in Alford, MA

One of Victor Costa's best designs, this strapless cocktail/evening dress is fashioned of white satin and black velvet alternating horizontal stripes with fitted bodice leading to an...

Category

Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Brown Silk Taffeta Collared Pocket Mini Dress 38IT
S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Brown Silk Taffeta Collared Pocket Mini Dress 38IT

S/S 1996 Dolce & Gabbana Brown Silk Taffeta Collared Pocket Mini Dress 38IT

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This brown silk taffeta mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana is from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection. Variations of this dress debuted on the runway, modeled by Karen Mulder and Eva H...

Category

1990s Italian Mini Dresses

Dsquared2 Spring 2005 Christina Aguilera Runway Leather Vintage Mini Dress
Dsquared2 Spring 2005 Christina Aguilera Runway Leather Vintage Mini Dress

Dsquared2 Spring 2005 Christina Aguilera Runway Leather Vintage Mini Dress

By Dsquared2

Located in San Diego, CA

Christina Aguilera closed the runway show in 2005, strutting down the Dsquared2 Runway in this exact dress! Features brown leather stitches down the front, with contrasting tan leath...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini Dress

Vintage Oscar de la Renta FW 2000 Runway Sable Trim Embroidered Vest US 6
Vintage Oscar de la Renta FW 2000 Runway Sable Trim Embroidered Vest US 6

Vintage Oscar de la Renta FW 2000 Runway Sable Trim Embroidered Vest US 6

By Oscar De La Renta

Located in Montgomery, TX

Vintage Oscar de la Renta Sable Trim Embroidered Vest FW 2000 Runway US size - 6 ( please check measurements ) Warm embroidered and sable trim vest, side pockets, open style. Measure...

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Early 2000s American Vests

Givenchy Couture John Galliano S/S 1997 Bouquet Floral Ribbon Print Midi Dress
Givenchy Couture John Galliano S/S 1997 Bouquet Floral Ribbon Print Midi Dress

Givenchy Couture John Galliano S/S 1997 Bouquet Floral Ribbon Print Midi Dress

By John Galliano, Givenchy

Located in Chicago, IL

Designed by John Galliano for the Givenchy Couture spring/summer 1997 collection; his last collection for the label. Galliano only designed for the fashion house for 2 years which ma...

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1990s French Empire Waist Dresses

Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown
Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown

Christian Dior by John Galliano Strapless Old Hollywood Style Bow Dress Gown

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Valentino

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Circa early 2000 John Galliano for the House of Dior strapless blush pink silk bias cut gown. Fashionably adorned with hand tie bows slightly asymmetric down front of bodice extendi...

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Early 2000s Evening Gowns

New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Satin Ballerina Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 37.5
New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Satin Ballerina Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 37.5

New Rare Tom Ford for Gucci Satin Ballerina Ad Runway Heels Pumps Sz 37.5

By Gucci

Located in Conroe, TX

Tom Ford For Gucci Heels Brand New, Rare Collectible Ad Runway Heels * Stunning in Deep Plum * Tom Ford's Iconic Runway Heels * Euro Size: 37.5 * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Leather &a...

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Early 2000s Italian Shoes

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown
Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

Bombshell 1950s Mr Blackwell 50s Vintage Couture Gold Metallic Wiggle Dress Gown

By Mr. Blackwell

Located in San Diego, CA

WOW! This vintage Mr. Blackwell Custom dress is OUT OF THIS WORLD! This is quite possible the best Mr. Blackwell piece I have ever seen! Dating from the late 1950s/ early 1960s, this...

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1950s American Evening Gowns

Roberto Cavalli Vibrant Black Sequin & Beaded Evening Gown F/W 2008 Size 42IT
Roberto Cavalli Vibrant Black Sequin & Beaded Evening Gown F/W 2008 Size 42IT

Roberto Cavalli Vibrant Black Sequin & Beaded Evening Gown F/W 2008 Size 42IT

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Saint Petersburg, FL

Roberto Cavalli - Vibrant black sequin evening gown. Dramatic, colorful and fun best describes this gown. The upper part of the dress is sheer with black sequin overlay. The fit is ...

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Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns

Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Runway and Ford Book Dress, 2003
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Runway and Ford Book Dress, 2003

Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Runway and Ford Book Dress, 2003

By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Spring/Summer 2003 designed by Tom Ford for the House of Saint Laurent. Flirty sleeveless coffee-colored knee-length silk chiffon dress with large silk rose at bust. Distinct con...

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

Thierry Mugler 1980s Vintage Iconic Black Cotton Bustier Corset Strapless Dress
Thierry Mugler 1980s Vintage Iconic Black Cotton Bustier Corset Strapless Dress

Thierry Mugler 1980s Vintage Iconic Black Cotton Bustier Corset Strapless Dress

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest

Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Exceptional and Rare Thierry Mugler 1980s Vintage Black Cotton Boned Bustier Corset Dress Rare and hard to find, this stu...

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1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown
Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown

Bob Mackie 1980s Size 6 Light Pink + Grey Silk Chiffon Strapless Grecian Gown

By Bob Mackie

Located in San Diego, CA

Phenomenal vintage late 80s Bob Mackie Couture light pink and gray silk chiffon, lace and rhinestone encrusted strapless Grecian gown ! Features grey lace and rhinestones on the bodi...

Category

1980s American Evening Gowns

Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress
Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress

Alexander McQueen New Cashmere "DANTE" A/W 1996 Dress

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black cashmere blend mini dress with a dramatic stand up collar from Alexander McQueen. It is double breasted with a stand up lapel collar which frames the face beautifull...

Category

1990s Italian Mini Dresses

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt
Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Fur Jacket Skirt

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

Alexander McQueen A/W 2005 "The Man Who Knew Too Much" Leopard Print Silk Jacket Pencil Skirt Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Autumn / Winter 2005 “The Man W...

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Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits

1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Black Extra Long Gown Dress
1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Black Extra Long Gown Dress

1997 Gucci by Tom Ford Semi-Sheer Black Extra Long Gown Dress

By Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in Baar, CH

Rare 1997 Tom Ford for Gucci dress with original gold-tone "Illusion" hook belt, crafted from thick, body-molding jersey. - From the 1997 Cruise collection. - Comes with original ...

Category

1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Alexander McQueen 2004 Collection Silk Americana Print Halter Backless Dress 38
Alexander McQueen 2004 Collection Silk Americana Print Halter Backless Dress 38

Alexander McQueen 2004 Collection Silk Americana Print Halter Backless Dress 38

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Montgomery, TX

Alexander McQueen Silk Halter High-Low *Americana* Print Dress S/S 2004 Deliverance Collection The collection was based on the narrative of the 1969 Sydney Pollack movie “They Shoot ...

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Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses

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80s Strapless Dress For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage or contemporary 80s strapless dress for your needs in our varied inventory. Our collection includes a variety of colors, spanning Black, Brown, Beige and more. Finding the perfect 80s strapless dress may mean sifting through those that were made during different time periods — popular versions were made as early as the 20th Century and a newer one, made as recently as the 20th Century, can also be found on the site. There have been many well-made iterations of this accessory over the years, but those made by Vicky Tiel, Arnold Scaasi and Bill Blass are often thought to be among the most stylish. Finding a 80s strapless dress for sale for women should be easy, but there are 2 pieces available to browse for men as well.

How Much is a 80s Strapless Dress?

Prices for a 80s strapless dress can differ depending upon size, designer and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $150 and can go as high as $3,695, while, on average they fetch $817.

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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