Bill Blass Hot Pink Silk Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 25 in (63.5 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 38 in (96.52 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Carmel, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU41721644652
Bill Blass
Venerated designer and philanthropist Bill Blass helped define style for women of means during the late 20th century and inspired generations of fashion industry professionals and enthusiasts all over the world.
Blass designed garments that saw a playful mingling of notes both subdued and bold, and his clothes were comfortable, easy to wear and sexy. The Indiana native was influenced by the likes of Coco Chanel and became famous for refined, simple looks that appealed to prominent women such as Brooke Astor and Gloria Vanderbilt.
Blass didn’t endeavor to produce showstoppers — he worked with quality materials, and his modern designs boasted meticulous tailoring. He glamourized sportswear with chic lines and dramatic colors, and by way of subtle, graceful ruffles or a tasteful application of sequins, he introduced modest flair to his day dresses and evening dresses. Vintage Bill Blass clothing is just as relevant today as it was during the height of his career.
Blass, who spent his spare time sketching red-carpet looks in his school notebooks as a kid, left home at 17 and moved to New York City, where he trained at the McDowell School of Fashion. After finishing design school, he joined the U.S. Army and fought in World War II. When the war was over, Blass returned to Manhattan. In 1946 he joined the fashion house Anna Miller and Co., where he worked as a design assistant for Anna Miller and her brother Maurice Rentner.
Anna Miller and Co. merged with Maurice Rentner, Ltd. in 1959, and Blass became the company's head designer. There he quickly built a name for himself and was soon a staple of the postwar fashion scene, impressing even the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar at the time, Diana Vreeland. Blass expanded into designing menswear and was the first couture designer in America to create a collection for men.
In 1970, Blass gained ownership of Rentner and renamed the company after himself. Blass employed a licensing-based business strategy, and soon his name marked a full array of accessories and apparel, including Bill Blass jeans, watches, home furnishings, eyewear and luggage. Blass's renown and success expanded considerably, as fashion bearing his name became more accessible than it had ever been.
Throughout his life, Blass made considerable contributions to the AIDS care center at Cornell Medical Center and to the New York Public Library. In 1962, he became a founding member of the Council of Fashion Designs of America (CFDA) trade association, which promotes American designers around the world. The CFDA presented Blass with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987, and he was the first recipient of their Humanitarian Leadership Award in 1996.
Find vintage Bill Blass fashion on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Carmel, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1970's Pierre Cardin Mod Structured Wool Navy Blue A Line DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in Carmel, CAVintage 1970's wool dress has a back zipper closure, button closures at the cuffs, decorative bow at the shoulder, A-line silhouette, and ruching at the sleeves. Dress has some norma...Category
1970s Evening Dresses
- Pierre Cardin 1970's Wool Pleated Flare Mini DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in Carmel, CAPierre Cardin mini dress features a back zipper closure, pleated cuffs and hem, satin band around the hips, and is fully lined. Measurements: Bust - 35'' Waist - 33'' Hips - 4...Category
1970s Mini Dress
- Lanvin Vintage 1970's Silk Organza Summer Hue Printed Gown with Large ShawBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Carmel, CALanvin lightweight silk organza long sleeve evening gown in summer hues with electric psychedelic floral print in greens and purples. Stunning abstract print. Comes with fabric belt and XL 44" square sheer organza shawl...Category
1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- 1950's Marabou Feather and Chiffon Cocktail DressLocated in Carmel, CA1950's Marabou Feather and Chiffon Cocktail Dress Excellent Condition Metal Zipper Snap at shoulder Panels of marabou trimmed chiffon make up the skirt Go...Category
1950s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- James Galanos 1960s Summer Green & White Polka Dot Beaded GownBy James Galanos, James Galanos for Amelia GrayLocated in Carmel, CAJames Galanos for Amelia Gray Beverly Hills Beaded Floral Polka Dot Column Gown Cream silk gown with green polka dots and random white beaded flowers Couture quality construction ...Category
1960s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage Oscar de la Renta One Shoulder Asymmetric Chiffon DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Carmel, CAOscar de la Renta dress features an ombre color scheme with a one-shoulder design. Dress is composed with silk chiffon, has a boned bust/waist, side zipper and snap button fastening,...Category
Late 20th Century American Day Dresses
- Nipon Boutique Black Velvet Halter Dress with Satin Ribbon Size US 6By Albert NiponLocated in New York, NYNipon Boutique black velvet cocktail dress with satin ribbon trim and bows tied at neck and back. Flirty six paneled dress body with flared bottom. Fu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses
- Adolfo Tropical Silk Jersey Strapless Dress with Half CapeletBy AdolfoLocated in New York, NYAdolfo strapless dress with bold green, indigo and white tropical floral print. Wonderfully tailored, with fitted bodice and draped open tulip front slit above the knee for movement...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Pastel Silk Chiffon Day / Evening DressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYPretty pastel silk chiffon Leonard of Paris special occasion day / evening dress. Bodice has a ruffled capelet that flows from the center of the dress...Category
Late 20th Century French Day Dresses
- Jean Muir Emerald Green Viscose Jersey Cocktail DressBy Jean MuirLocated in New York, NYJean Muir emerald green jersey cocktail dress with long wrap sash. Sash may also be worn as long scarf around neck, and tied at lower back. Front of dress has asymmetrical pleating. ...Category
Late 20th Century British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Fuschia Multi Color Silk Chiffon Strapless GownBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYVintage Leonard of Paris bright and flirty ruffled silk chiffon cocktail dress / evening gown, unmarked size, approximately US 6. Featuring four layer...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Valentino Boutique Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Evening Gown Size US 6By ValentinoLocated in New York, NYLuxurious Valentino Boutique black silk evening gown with tiered ruffles, sweeping hemline and hand beaded and embroidered bodice. Two ruffles at bodice are hand beaded with tiny jet...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns