Bill Blass Vintage Red and Gold Silk Lurex Asian Inspired Gown, 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small - Small Medium (US)Shoulder to Hem: 55 in (139.7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6622255663
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: San Diego, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chic 1990s 90s Cacharel Poppy Print Flowers + Gingham Day DressBy CacharelLocated in San Diego, CASuch a chic 90s vintage Cacharel dress! Yellow poppy print throughout, intermixed with gingham at hem, waist, and on shoulder bows. Zips up the front....Category
1990s French Casual Dresses
- 1960s Lilli Diamond Brand New Light Pink Silk Wiggle Dress w/ Paillettes + BeadsBy Lilli DiamondLocated in San Diego, CASensational 1960s Lilli Diamond light pink chiffon dress, with pailletes, beads, and sequins embellished throughout. Brand new, with original store ...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- New Rick Owens ' Queen ' F/W '04 Strapless Light Green Asymmetrical DressBy Rick OwensLocated in San Diego, CANew with tags RICK OWENS Fall/Winter 2004 "Queen" strapless asymmetrical handkerchief hem dress! Features a light green color, ribbed bust, with pockets right under. Asymmetrical hem...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s Oscar de la Renta Gold and Red Ribbon Silk Sequin Vintage 60s Gown DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in San Diego, CAIncredible, and super rare mid 60s one of a kind OSCAR DE LA RENTA gold and red sequin long sleeve gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn gold sequins thorughout. Embroidered red ribb...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1960s Mr Blackwell Khaki + Orange Linen Embroidered Vintage 60s Shift DressBy Mr. BlackwellLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1960s MR. BLACKWELL khaki and orange Irish linen and chiffon shift / sheath dress! Features a tailored bodice with embroidered orange, brown and white flowers throughout. Orange...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Ivory Cotton Colrful Embroidered Flowers Off Shoulder Vintage Boho DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 70s ivory cotton embroidered flowers off-the-shoulder boho Spanish inspired dress! Features a flattering relaxed fit bodice with elastic at the shoulders and waist. Bright color...Category
1970s Cocktail Dresses
- Roberto Cavalli Tiger Print Jersey Cocktail / Dinner Dress Size 46 EUBy Roberto CavalliLocated in New York, NYRoberto Cavalli tiger print ivory jersey cocktail dress with 3/4 length sleeves. This fun dress is form fitted, gathered at the bust with beautiful...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Extremely Rare Mariano Fortuny Cotton DelphosBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis extraordinarily rare dress is made of finely pleated white cotton. Few cotton pleated Fortuny dresses have been documented and survived.
Named after a Greek clas...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Vintage 1950's Howard Greer Lace and Rhinestone Embellished Dress UK 8 US 4By Howard GreerLocated in Cheltenham, GBThis magnificent 1950's Chantilly lace and silk dress, in a palette of cream lace and apricot silk lining, accented by claw set silver rhinestones, this Howard Greer dress is a rare ...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Versace Heritage Legging in Dark Orchid & Sun Baroque Print SZ 38By VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWVersace Medusa Renaissance print leggings A colourful take on Versace's signature Greek-inspired motif, the Medusa Renaissance is present throughout the house's SS22 collection, as s...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Late 60s vintage Maggy Rouff long trapeze dressBy Maggy RouffLocated in L'ESCALA, ESRare and beautiful vintage long dress from the late 60s early 70s by Maggy Rouff. Orange, white and green chevron patterns on a frog green backgroun...Category
1960s French Maxi Dress
- 2000s Vintage Diane Freis Tropical Leopard Print Strapless Evening DressBy Diane FreisLocated in Hong Kong, HKThe vintage Diane Freis sequin evening dress is an exquisite and glamorous piece that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. With its bold leopard print and tropical floral mot...Category
Early 2000s Chinese Evening Dresses