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Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown
Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown

Party Lines by Domb 1940s Brown Plaid Taffeta Drop-Waist Party Gown

By Emma Domb

Located in Morongo Valley, CA

Party gown in brown plaid taffeta, c. 1940s, by Party Lines by Domb — the early California label of Emma Domb. - Brown taffeta with plaid windowpane pattern; warm brown base with cr...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1990s Christian Dior Silk and Tulle Wedding Dress and Veil
1990s Christian Dior Silk and Tulle Wedding Dress and Veil

1990s Christian Dior Silk and Tulle Wedding Dress and Veil

By Christian Dior

Located in London, GB

Throughout its history, the house of Dior has defined bridal opulence, setting the standard for a full-skirted aesthetic with the “New Look” in the 1940s. In the 1990s, under the cre...

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1990s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Recent Sales

1940s Black Silk Gown w/ Illusion Lace, Howard Greer Attribution
1940s Black Silk Gown w/ Illusion Lace, Howard Greer Attribution

1940s Black Silk Gown w/ Illusion Lace, Howard Greer Attribution

By Howard Greer

Located in Bozeman, MT

October 2011 - our last month on 1stdibs.

Be sure to visit our website, kakkoiimono.com, where you will discover almost 1,000 vintage finds. We'll be celebrating our ...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown
Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown

Superb, 1940's Vintage, Pink and Black Flocked Ball Gown

Located in Oradell, NJ

Offered for sale is this superb, 1940's vintage, pink and black flocked ball gown with black silk velvet detailing. The crinoline is a stiff fabric probably made of horsehair and cot...

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1940s Unknown Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress
Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress

Emma Domb Vintage Black & White Sequin Gown / 1940's Dress

By Emma Domb

Located in Sparks, NV

Elegant late 1940's vintage Emma Domb evening gown in two-toned black and white. Silk satin with sparkling sequin embellishment and spaghetti straps. Rear metal zip closure. bust is...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Couture baby pink silk chiffon evening gown with rhinestones, circa early 1940s
Couture baby pink silk chiffon evening gown with rhinestones, circa early 1940s

Couture baby pink silk chiffon evening gown with rhinestones, circa early 1940s

Located in London, GB

An exceptional couture 1940s evening gown in baby pink silk chiffon. The dress features rhinestone should straps, ruffled trim, ruched bust with original metal zipper and full pleate...

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1940s Unknown Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940s Fred Perlberg Brown Iridescent Taffeta Strapless Ball Gown
1940s Fred Perlberg Brown Iridescent Taffeta Strapless Ball Gown

1940s Fred Perlberg Brown Iridescent Taffeta Strapless Ball Gown

By Fred Perlberg

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous 1940s Fred Perlberg brown/black iridescent taffeta strapless ball gown with gathered bust and skirt, piping and bow accents. Zip closure.

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Late 1940s Ceil Chapman Ivory Rayon Faille Ball Gown w Gathered Pouf Hips
Late 1940s Ceil Chapman Ivory Rayon Faille Ball Gown w Gathered Pouf Hips

Late 1940s Ceil Chapman Ivory Rayon Faille Ball Gown w Gathered Pouf Hips

By Ceil Chapman

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous late 1940s Ceil Chapman ivory rayon faille ball gown with cap sleeves, fitted waist and voluminous side hip "pannier" detailing! Side zipper. Stunning!

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

A vintage 1940s lilac satin and diamante Robert Goldberg Evening Gown
A vintage 1940s lilac satin and diamante Robert Goldberg Evening Gown

A vintage 1940s lilac satin and diamante Robert Goldberg Evening Gown

Located in London, GB

A pretty 1940s gown by Robert Goldberg. The gown is in a dusty lilac colour with spagetti straps and pearl and diamante detail on the bust area. It has a central back zip and full s...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940s Aquamarine Halter Neck Ball Gown
1940s Aquamarine Halter Neck Ball Gown

1940s Aquamarine Halter Neck Ball Gown

Located in London, GB

Beautiful soft aquamarine silk full length gown with pattern woven into the fabric. This flattering dress features lots of lovely 1940s detailing with the V seam at the waist and wi...

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1940s Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940s Irina Roublon Eccentric and Fabulous Christmas Ornament Hat
1940s Irina Roublon Eccentric and Fabulous Christmas Ornament Hat

1940s Irina Roublon Eccentric and Fabulous Christmas Ornament Hat

By Irina Roublon

Located in Gresham, OR

Be the hit of the party with this 1940s holiday hat! From divine San Francisco milliner extraordinaire Irina Roublon comes this festive extravaganza of glass christmas ball ornament...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection
High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection

High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Included are historical costumes from the 1760s to the 1890s; sumptuous gowns by Charles Frederick Worth; custom designs by the important French nineteenth-century couture houses; ex...

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20th Century North American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940s Black Taffeta and Chantilly Lace Gown
1940s Black Taffeta and Chantilly Lace Gown

1940s Black Taffeta and Chantilly Lace Gown

Located in San Francisco, CA

Late 1940s black full-length taffeta ball gown with Chantilly lace trim along the strapless bodice, an enlarged bow, a faux bustle in the back that is pleated and goes down three-fou...

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1940s Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940s Swing Sequined R&K Dress - Amazing Pockets!
1940s Swing Sequined R&K Dress - Amazing Pockets!

1940s Swing Sequined R&K Dress - Amazing Pockets!

Located in Rockwood, ON

I love love love this dress! Seriously one of the absolute best swing dresses I have ever had. Its the ultimate little black dress that has the earliest R&K label. It is hand finishe...

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1940s Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940's Peggy Hunt Black Ivory Floral Applique Sheer Illusion Belted Swing Dress
1940's Peggy Hunt Black Ivory Floral Applique Sheer Illusion Belted Swing Dress

1940's Peggy Hunt Black Ivory Floral Applique Sheer Illusion Belted Swing Dress

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An amazing and highly stylized 1940's silk rayon swing dress by the famous American designer Peggy Hunt. Starting in the 1930's through the early 1960's, she was immensely successful...

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

1940's Jean Carol Black Rayon-Crepe Plunge Hourglass Tiered-Fringe Evening Gown
1940's Jean Carol Black Rayon-Crepe Plunge Hourglass Tiered-Fringe Evening Gown

1940's Jean Carol Black Rayon-Crepe Plunge Hourglass Tiered-Fringe Evening Gown

By Peggy Hunt

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An amazingly rare and highly stylized early 1940's evening gown by the famous American designer Peggy Hunt when she designed under the name "Jean Carol".

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1940s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

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Vivienne Westwood  and Malcolm McLaren late 1970's vintage 'Tits' Seditionaries
Vivienne Westwood  and Malcolm McLaren late 1970's vintage 'Tits' Seditionaries

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren late 1970's vintage 'Tits' Seditionaries

By Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren

Located in London, GB

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren late 1970's 'Tits' Seditionaries top. Features hardware buckles, frayed edges, rare print and cut out detailing. In great vintage condition. Br...

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1970s English Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Christian Lacroix 1980s Beaded Silk Dress
Christian Lacroix 1980s Beaded Silk Dress

Christian Lacroix 1980s Beaded Silk Dress

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Water Mill, NY

A beautiful black silk cocktail dress from Christian Lacroix with elaborate beading and sequins in magenta, rose, silver and red. The pointed bodice has beaded spaghetti straps and i...

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1980s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top
Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top

Silk Guipure Lace Exquisite 1930s Jacket Top

Located in Water Mill, NY

An intricate, stunning, vintage beige silk lace jacket, bolero, shrug, vest in varying stitches and patterns of flowers and petals- very elaborate. The shoulders are extended forming...

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1930s Unknown Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Thierry Mugler Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s
Thierry Mugler Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s

Thierry Mugler Military Green Wrap Dress 1980s

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...

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1990s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

S/S 1995 Thierry Mugler Plunging Taupe Satin Black Floral Lace Overlay Gown 40FR
S/S 1995 Thierry Mugler Plunging Taupe Satin Black Floral Lace Overlay Gown 40FR

S/S 1995 Thierry Mugler Plunging Taupe Satin Black Floral Lace Overlay Gown 40FR

By Thierry Mugler

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Manfred Mugler designed this divine black floral lace Thierry Mugler gown for his Spring/Summer 1995 "Raffia, etc." collection. This gorgeous floor-length gown is constructed with a ...

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1990s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown, Circa 1970s
Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown, Circa 1970s

Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown, Circa 1970s

By Malcolm Starr

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Malcolm Starr Heavily Beaded Green Silk Organza Gown - 8- Circa 70's This Elinor Simmons for Malcolm Starr creation is fabulous. This gorgeous green silk organza fabric is all hand b...

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1970s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

F/W 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Rhinestone Beaded Plunge Silver Beige Lace Mini Dress
F/W 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Rhinestone Beaded Plunge Silver Beige Lace Mini Dress

F/W 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Rhinestone Beaded Plunge Silver Beige Lace Mini Dress

By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This silver embellished lace mini dress from Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2000 collection, designed under Tom Ford’s creative direction, is covered in beads and rhinestones. The mini features...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Black & white backless polka-dots evening dress Roger Milot for Fred Perlberq
Black & white backless polka-dots evening dress Roger Milot for Fred Perlberq

Black & white backless polka-dots evening dress Roger Milot for Fred Perlberq

By Fred Perlberg

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black & white backless polka-dots evening dress . The black dots are in felt. Black bow organza in the middle front. Zip in the middle back and hook&eye. Hook&eye behind the neck. Wh...

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1960s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Tomato Red Cheongsam style Maxi Dress Circa 1970s
Tomato Red Cheongsam style Maxi Dress Circa 1970s

Tomato Red Cheongsam style Maxi Dress Circa 1970s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Vintage 1970s cheongsam style maxi dress tomato red with tiny white dot print throughout bright & colorful flower power "border print" sleeveless high collar side split hem back ...

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1970s American Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Roberto Cavalli 2011 s/s fringes low cut mini dress
Roberto Cavalli 2011 s/s fringes low cut mini dress

Roberto Cavalli 2011 s/s fringes low cut mini dress

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH

Roberto Cavalli 2011 s/s fringes low cut mini dress Fringed dress with alligator/snake print from the iconic 2011S/S collection. The low-cut dress has an asymmetric style and is cra...

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2010s Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Strap Bodycon Black Top Skirt Suit G buckle
S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Strap Bodycon Black Top Skirt Suit G buckle

S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Strap Bodycon Black Top Skirt Suit G buckle

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ

S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Leather Strap Bodycon Black Top Skirt Suit Gucci G buckle Runway 1990s S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford G Buckle Strap Tank Top Thong Skirt Set Black Knit Desig...

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1990s Italian Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

S/S 1998 Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen Long Jacket & Skirt Suit
S/S 1998 Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen Long Jacket & Skirt Suit

S/S 1998 Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen Long Jacket & Skirt Suit

By Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Haute Couture

Located in Sheffield, GB

A remarkable Givenchy Haute Couture suit from Spring / Summer 1998, designer by Alexander McQueen. The suit is crafted from an incredibly lightweight Silk & Wool blend plaid cloth. F...

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1990s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Gucci Silk Brocade Open Back Dress
Gucci Silk Brocade Open Back Dress

Gucci Silk Brocade Open Back Dress

By Gucci

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous silk dress from Gucci in a gold, rust and olive brocade fern pattern on a black background. It is a semi fitted dress with long zipper cuff sleeves and fabulous flatterin...

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2010s Italian Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Brown Halter Neck Maxi Dress with Plunging Neckline, SS 2000
Jean Paul Gaultier Brown Halter Neck Maxi Dress with Plunging Neckline, SS 2000

Jean Paul Gaultier Brown Halter Neck Maxi Dress with Plunging Neckline, SS 2000

By Jean Paul Gaultier

Located in London, GB

▪ Brand: Jean Paul Gaultier ▪ Creative Director: Jean Paul Gaultier ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2000 ▪ Fabric: Rayon ▪ Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK 10 ▪ Made in: Italy ▪ Condition: Excelle...

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Early 2000s Italian Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Polka Dot Red & White Corset Bustier
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Polka Dot Red & White Corset Bustier

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Polka Dot Red & White Corset Bustier

By Yves Saint Laurent

Located in San Diego, CA

Sexy vintage YSL Rive Gauche red & white polka dot bustier/corset top.built in waistband support. Fully lined, and easily transitions from day to night. In great condition. Never wo...

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1980s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS 2004 3 PCS Tangerine Skirt Top Belt/Scarf Set
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS 2004 3 PCS Tangerine Skirt Top Belt/Scarf Set

Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS 2004 3 PCS Tangerine Skirt Top Belt/Scarf Set

By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent

Located in Switzerland, CH

Stunning Pleated Silk Skirt Ensemble By Tom Ford For His Final Summer Collection 2004 For Yves Saint Laurent This skirt was featured in the AD campaign, editorials and seen on the r...

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Early 2000s French Vintage 1940s Ball Gown Dress Dresses

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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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From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.

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

Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)

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

Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.

How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear

The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.

A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story

Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.

You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About

This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.

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.