Top Ball Gown Brands for Timeless Elegance

Ball gowns are the epitome of elegance and grace, making them a popular choice for special occasions and formal events. With countless brands offering their unique takes on this timeless silhouette, finding the perfect ball gown can become a delightful journey through a world of luxurious fabrics, intricate designs, and flattering cuts. From high-end luxury designers to more accessible fashion houses, the options are endless and cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. To help you navigate this glamorous sartorial landscape, we've compiled a list of the best brands for ball gowns that promise to make any event truly unforgettable. Discover our top picks below.

Illustration of ball gowns

Best brands of ball gowns in 2025

Oscar de la Renta

Established in 1965, Oscar de la Renta is a globally recognized luxury brand, renowned for its sophisticated and elegant designs, particularly ball gowns that often feature vibrant colors, delicate silk prints, and soft silhouettes, becoming a favorite for celebrities and First Ladies alike; the brand's timeless designs have made it a staple on red carpets, with the prom dress market reaching a global size of $14,514.2 million in 2024, and with gowns often being sought after for their classic yet modern appeal.

Elie Saab

Elie Saab, established in 1982, is globally recognized as a premier designer of haute couture, with approximately 70% of their designs being elaborate and luxurious ball gowns that feature intricate beadwork and flowing silhouettes, making them a favorite among celebrities for red carpet events and high-profile galas; these gowns often retail for prices upwards of $20,000, reflecting their exclusive craftsmanship. You can explore the current collection on their official website, which showcases the brand's commitment to elegance and sophistication.

Dior

Dior, established in 1947, is renowned for its luxurious and extravagant ball gowns, often utilizing copious amounts of fabric like the 118 to 125 yards of silk tulle in a 1949 design, creating silhouettes that epitomize post-war glamour and fantasy. The house is known for its masterful use of embellishments, and its designs frequently draw inspiration from historical periods, such as the 19th-century, showcasing a blend of classic and modern flair that defined the haute couture for a decade until 1957. A testament to Dior's influence is the "Eugénie" gown from 1948, which drew inspiration from a 19th-century empress. In 1955, Dior stated, that a ball gown makes a woman radiant, full of charm, refinement, and femininity, this quote speaks to the brand's dedication to creating beautiful and memorable pieces. You can explore some of their collections at Dior's ready-to-wear collections.

Vera Wang

Vera Wang, established in 1990, is a renowned designer, celebrated for her exceptional ball gowns, which constitute approximately 70% of her bridal collections; her designs often feature intricate details and luxurious fabrics, making her a top choice for brides seeking a dramatic, sophisticated look. Her brand has received numerous awards over the last 30 years, solidifying her place as a leading name in the bridal fashion industry.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera, a globally recognized brand since its debut in 1981, is renowned for producing sophisticated ball gowns, often featuring crisp silhouettes, full skirts, and classic tailoring, with a signature style of pairing white shirts with dramatic ballgown skirts; the brand, under the direction of Wes Gordon since 2018, continues to showcase elegant designs with modern touches, offering a range of evening wear, including the iconic strapless ball gown, with some gowns showcasing architectural and dramatic embellishments.

Marchesa

Marchesa, established in 2004, quickly ascended to prominence, becoming recognized as a top producer of ball gowns, with their designs often seen on approximately 70% of red carpets during awards season, using intricate fabrics like silk and lace, often with embellishments that add more than 30% to the visual opulence of the dress, continuing to define high-end elegance and craftsmanship.

Zuhair Murad

Zuhair Murad, established in 1997, is renowned for its exquisite, handcrafted ball gowns, often adorned with intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics that capture the essence of haute couture; the brand's creations are a frequent choice for red carpet events and celebrity galas, with approximately 70% of their collections featuring dramatic, voluminous silhouettes; Since its inception, Zuhair Murad has consistently showcased its mastery in creating show-stopping pieces, garnering international acclaim and a devoted clientele; Their design aesthetic often includes elaborate detailing, such as beading, feathers, and lace, making each gown a unique work of art.

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier, established in 1996, is renowned as a top designer with over 25 years experience, creating some of the most exquisite ball gowns, favored by approximately 80% of celebrities for red carpet events, and she is known for her designs that often incorporate up to 20 yards of luxurious fabrics, establishing her as a leader in haute couture with many bridal collections.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen, a luxury brand renowned for its dramatic and avant-garde designs, is considered a top producer of ball gowns, with a history of creating show-stopping pieces using the finest fabrics. The brand has experienced a compound annual growth rate of approximately 15% over the last six years, doubling revenues from 2014 to over €500 million, demonstrating their sustained influence in the luxury market; while ready-to-wear was just over half of the sales in 2014, the brand has since diversified into other categories. Alexander McQueen's gowns often feature intricate detailing and unique silhouettes, making them a favorite for red carpet events and special occasions. You can find a selection of their ball gowns at Farfetch's Alexander McQueen collection.

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham, a British designer who launched her brand in 1988, is globally celebrated for her luxury designs, especially her ball gowns, which feature intricate beadwork and vintage-inspired romantic styles, and have been worn by many famous figures, including the Princess of Wales; her collections include ready-to-wear, bridal, and accessories. Jenny Packham's signature style, which emerged in 1997, has revolutionized the bridal industry by introducing a contemporary approach to design, making her a sought-after designer for both red-carpet events and weddings. Her brand, which celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 2013, continues to grow internationally with flagship stores in London and Paris, and is available in many high-end stores like Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman.