1960 Couture Evening Gowns and Party Dresses

Time to tell us, which is your favorite of these couture looks from 1960?

Christian Dior

Carven

Maggy Rouf

Jacques Griffe

Mme. Gres

Jacques Heim

Evening Dresses - 1945

Are you throwing a holiday party this year? Why not make it a vintage themed affair? Or, better yet, how about black tie? The world needs some beauty, and we can all pitch in by wearing a glamorous gown for the holidays. Today, looks from 1945.

After years of shortages and austerity, the world emerges from WWII and designers celebrate with the use of yards and yards of fabric. Draping, poufs, and gathers abound. Shoulders are becoming important with dramatic sleeves and thick shoulder pads. We often see long sleeves for evening. Rayon joins silk as an important fabric for both day and evening.

Maggy Rouff printed silk gown with back bustle treatment and train.

Left, Jean Patou velvet and crepe gown with appliques in the opposite fabrics.
Right, Worth taffeta gown with huge puffed sleeves.

Another look by Worth. This time the huge sleeves and bodice are covered in tulle ruffles.

Jeanne Lanvin crepe gown with gold embroidery and full sleeves.

Mme. Grès silk chiffon gown with her signature draping.

Is the 1940s your decade of choice?

Evening Dresses - 1935

In the 1930s, women wore full length gowns for evening. Body conscious jersey knits and bias cut satins revealed a woman's curves and these looks were very sexy. Fuller skirts were also available, though not nearly as full as they would be in 20 years time. While bare arms dominated, if a gown had sleeves, they were quite full and dramatic. Today, evening dresses from 1935.

Maggy Rouff navy wool jersey gown with attached sleeve cuffs.

Lucien Lelong white crepe gown with low cut back and floating trains.

Callot Soeurs navy silk taffeta with velvet bodice.

Black taffeta gown with large velvet polka dots and voluminous sleeves.

Black lace gown floats over a black underslip. The lace is embroidered with sparkling threads.

Is the 1930s your decade of choice?

Weekend Eye Candy - 1946 Maggy Rouff Evening Gown

Winter 1946 Maggy Rouff couture evening gown in silk satin with a dramatic drape at the side.