About Designer Evening Gowns

Designer evening gowns are highly embellished dresses created for special occasion wear. Usually, the designer name ensures high craftsmanship and attention to detail. With events like the Academy Awards and the Met Costume Gala bringing evening design into the public eye, these works of art are often complex and expensive.

Top Evening Gown Designers

At the top of the evening gown trade are several designers who have a long history of glamorous design. Some names include Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Randolph Duke, Chanel and Badgley Mischka.

Features

Designer evening gowns are often crafted of fine quality fibers; silk is commonly used in satin and jersey weaves. Beadwork in the form of appliques may be added. More expensive designer gowns are usually hand-embellished.

Types

Typical silhouettes for designer evening gowns include the knee-length cocktail dress, the calf- to full-length gown or a more grand maxi-length with or without a train. Gowns may be strapless, sleeveless or sleeved, with skirt cuts ranging from asymmetrical to a full bell cut.

Cost

A typical department store gown from a "better" designer (for example, Jessica McClintock) averages between $100 to $400 a garment. The top-tier dresses, on the other hand, cost between $500 to $5000 or more.

Considerations

Designer evening gowns often require specialty undergarments in order to drape correctly on the body. These may include shapers, petticoats or corsets. High-quality gowns will have these features built into the garment already.

Resources

• Jessica McClintock
• Neiman Marcus: The Big Event
• Wedding Style Magazine: Evening Wear