Top Designers: Evening Gown Edition

Top Designers: Evening Gown Edition

February 7, 2023
By Erin Clark

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You can’t spell luxury and glamor without evening gown. Ok, obviously you can; but the idea remains the same. Evening gowns are the essence of luxury and design and designers are always trying new cuts and patterns to keep ideas fresh and show-stopping. Each evening gown designer has something unique to offer that sets them apart from the competition. Whether it’s the type of fabric they use, the silhouette they choose, or the appliques they apply, there’s something special about every evening gown and the designer behind it. But, there’s something we all want to know. Who is the best evening gown designer? Check out our favorite five designers and you be the judge!

Mac Duggal

Mac Duggal has been a pillar in the prom and pageant industry for decades! These high quality, yet affordable designs come in a wide range of styles, silhouettes, and sizes. There’s seriously something for everyone! Mac Duggal’s collection of plus size dresses might be the most eye-catching we’ve ever seen.

Tarik Ediz

Tarik Ediz evening gowns take glamor to the next level. This Turkish-born designer creates stunning gowns that will make anyone feel like a goddess. If you’re ready to bring your style up a notch and impress everyone in the room, then a Tarik Ediz dress is the way to go!

Ashley Lauren

Ashley Lauren is slowly but surely taking over the pageant industry! If you’ve attended a pageant in recent years then you’ve definitely seen an Ashley Lauren design. Ashley Lauren’s evening gowns are eye-catching, fun, and perfect for the pageant stage!

Jovani

Many pageant contestants and prom girls love Jovani and we know exactly why! Jovani has created some iconic designs that never seem to go out of style. Whether you want to shine in a sequin gown or twirl around in a mermaid dress, there’s a Jovani gown out there for you!

Portia and Scarlett

Our favorite evening gown designer might be new to the industry, but they’re totally blowing up! Portia and Scarlett are building an evening gown empire that includes clients like Miss Universe. Their eye-catching designs are extravagantly glamorous to say the least. We’ve seriously never seen such stunning dresses!

The Feel of Fabric

Trending for 2023, designers are using a variety of textures and fabrics to ensure one-of-a-kind styles. Evening gowns come in tried and true silhouettes, so for designers looking to stand out, textures are the way to go.

1. Velveteen Vibes

Evening gown designers like to work in a variety of fabrics, and velvet has been making a serious comeback. A luxurious design is emphasized further with a soft and velvety texture; exuding style and flare. A mermaid gown would look lush in a velvet fabric, it’s always giving you curves in all the right places and the luxe look and feel of the fabric will take it to the next level. You could even find a long floor-length cape in velvet to solve the age-old question of what jacket to wear with your gorgeous evening gown. Trending velvet mermaid dresses on Queenly:

2. Feathered Frenzy

Another texture that top designers are starting to play with is feather details. They make a bold statement when added to any dress or design, so all eyes will definitely be on you. Whether you want a feather-shouldered gown or a dress with a feathered trim, there's a huge selection of designer gowns ready to take flight. Much like Met Gala attendees Kendall and Kylie Jenner, we highly recommend trying the trend in a bold and vibrant color.

You are sure to stand out in feather detail, so lean all the way into the design and don’t shy away from bright summer colors. Feathers are great for adding movement to your look that won’t weigh you down. It is a fierce statement that is sure to get you noticed. Designer dresses with feathers:

3. Beaded Babe

Designers all over the world understand that sparkle is always a good added detail to a dress. On an evening gown, you will look like a star that just fell from the sky, and you will have everyones’ eyes glistening. A lot of designers are choosing beaded designs in patterns and on details to emphasize certain parts of a dress that help accentuate a woman’s body in all the right places.

A beaded belt added on to a satin dress will show off that perfectly cinched waist and will have you looking so fit. A sheer top with all-over crystal detail is a risque design, but so glamorous and trendy. How about dresses that are covered in head-to-toe sequins and beaded detail? You will shine. Literally. And we love that journey for you! Beaded jackets are a classy way to accessorize luxurious women's designer gowns, and they're perfect for semi-formal events and black-tie galas alike.

If you’re looking for a great designer that gets the beading done right, check out the beautiful creations by Ashley Lauren. Her dresses are perfectly designed with a woman’s shape in mind and the crystal detailing is always on point. You will stun, we promise! Popular Ashley Lauren beaded dresses:

Color Coordinated

A lot of designers are taking risks by trying to reinvent the wheel, so to speak. Instead of using crystals or feathers to get their dresses noticed, a lot of evening gown designers are recreating dresses in unique shades and colors.

Top brands are using a diverse color palette for their new designs, so don't be surprised if a pastel gown or two pop onto your radar.

1. LBD

Black has been, and always will be, a staple color in evening wear, and we are always happy to see black dresses in new shapes and designs. With a neutral color in your dress, shoe and jewelry color options are endless.

We are crushing hard on A-line and ballgown styles in black; they are dramatic shapes made even more dramatic with deep and dark colors like black. You’ll walk in like you’ve got a secret, and everyone will want the tea. LBD's are a hallmark of endless style, and they're the perfect dress for every occasion. Check out our popular black designer dresses on Queenly:

2. Winter White

On the flip side of the LBD, many designers are opting to go for dresses in shades of white. White dresses offer a specific set of advantages different from more colorful gowns.

They can hold a lot of detail such as ruffles or all-over floral designs due to lack of color without seeming heavy or too loud. White gowns are classy, soft, feminine, and sophisticated.

Of course, be careful buying a long white dress when shopping for prom dresses, homecoming dresses, or any other glamorous evening event. It's easy for a long ball gown in white to look like a wedding dress, so you'll want to avoid matrimonial hallmarks like embroidery, a long trail, or chiffons. Instead, choose dress designs with cutouts, midi-skirts, or another unique piece that is decidedly not bride material. View some of our favorite white dresses here:

3. Nice in Nude

Nude dresses are trending hard right now and we can’t help but notice. Carrie Bradshaw’s barely-there mini in SATC was a fashion moment and can easily be one of the most talked-about looks of the whole series. But nude dresses aren’t just for showing off everything you’re working with.

There’s no other way to say it: nude dresses are always gorgeous. The look from both close-up and at a distance is always pleasing to the eye. Whether you choose a feminine lace gown, a sultry sleeveless gown, or a shimmery mermaid gown, it’s the perfect classic color and with the sparkle over a neutral color like you look like Bella after Edward turned her into a vampire. Seriously amazing.

Vintage Vixen

Like the little black dress, reinvigorating classic looks into fresh new ways is another design trend at the forefront of fashion right now. We love it when an impeccable formal gown draws inspiration from the glamorous divas of Hollywood film history.

There are so many style icons and trends to choose from that designers are chomping at the bit to try their hand at classic designer gowns redone in fresh new ways with an interesting drape, a sultry touch, and an overall experience that's simply red carpet ready.

1. Fringe Fun

Flappers were fun and exciting during their time in the United States in the 1920s. What better way to pay homage to a thrilling USA-based trend than to give fringe new life on women's designer evening gowns in 2022. Fringe was originally seen on dresses as an act of rebellion; women wanted to have fun and live wild and crazy lives during prohibition. Now, A-list celebs like Eva Mendes are bringing back fringe in a new and elegant way. The style breathes life and movement into a tight hip-hugging slip dress and begs to be shown off.

2. Hollywood Glam

You would have Marilyn Monroe doing a double-take if you choose a curve-hugging satin number by any of the top designers today, recreating the dramatic red carpet gown of the past to create the dreamy gown of today.

A lot of long evening gowns are paying tribute to the old Hollywood glam by remaking tight, curve accentuating designs ready for any red carpet occasion. Gowns with thicker straps, sexy low back cuts, all-over silk, and dropped waists to give you the most feminine of silhouettes with a variety of styles to choose between. A dress in these red carpet styles is sure to get you an Oscar nod at any upcoming event.

Cue the Cut

Luxurious designer evening dresses are also using cut-out features to show off the curves of a woman in the perfect formal gown. Whether it be a crop two-piece set, a backless gown, or a mermaid gown with cut-out side details, these subtle design choices bring attention to all the right places on your gown and for your figure.

If you’re afraid of cut-out details, we promise they are so worth it. Cut-out details are edgy and so sexy without taking away from the formality of an evening gown. We can take things slow and start with something, maybe in an asymmetrical neckline that allows for cut-outs higher on the body, and shows off less skin than other styles.

Over the Top

Another amazing trend to hit the scene is the detachable skirt. They come in satin, tulle, and sheer styles, and no matter how you tie them on, they look fab. It’s not a new trend per se for the 2022 runway season, but it is a trend gaining momentum on the fashion scene. It started as a wedding style that offered brides two dresses in one, giving them a more formal look for the ceremony and then offering them a funner number for the reception.

Now, evening gowns are getting in on the fun by offering women a lot of variety in a short mini dress, or even a structured bodysuit with a sheer or ball gown style skirt over the top. Sofia Vergara understood the assignment when she channeled this look for her wedding day; she wore a tight-fitted lace dress with a big lace ball gown skirt over it, revealing at the reception that she came to slay.

Lady Gaga wore a pantsuit to the Oscars recently and we are still gushing over how stunning she looked.

Image Credit: https://people.com/

Suit and Tie

We’ve said it before and we will say it again, tuxedos for women are amazing! We love the feminine touch that a woman brings to a masculine outfit like a pantsuit. Lady Gaga wore a pantsuit to the Oscars recently and we are still gushing over how stunning she looked.

Jumpsuits have had a facelift since the 70’s when they were first made really popular and we are so thankful that someone took a chance on them. These are also wonderful options for a fresh take on mother-of-the-bride dresses.

Evening Gowns for Everyone!

Evening gowns might not be an everyday look (we will argue they could be though!), but when it is time to put one on, you want to be ready with the latest trends.

Whether you're searching for the perfect bridesmaids’ dresses for your wedding reception, cocktail dresses for a fancy brunch, or the perfect formal dress for your next few gala events, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

Color, cut, and fabric combines to create the perfect look, and you'll also want to find the perfect fit to ensure you have your best fashion moments yet. You can make every formal event feel like the IIFA awards when you choose a gown that you feel confident wearing.

We hope we’ve given you a little insight into the most recent styles to hit the scene and enough inspiration to go after the looks that call to your best you in our coveted range of glamourous women's gowns! From Terani Couture to Sherri Hill resale, we're your one-stop destination for gorgeous gowns that will make you feel like the belle of the ball.

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