Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU44235891502
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Vintage Rose Pink Lace GownLocated in London, GBA stunning rose pink lace gown from the 1930s. The dress has a v back line, side opening with hooks and eyes , and a drape over the front and arm holes. The ...Category
1930s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Bright Pink Raw Silk Cocktail DressBy HarrodsLocated in London, GBA chic cocktail dress in a wonderful pink raw silk. This dress was made for Harrods. It has a deep boat neckline, a pretty tired skirt with 5 tiers, and...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Pink Ribbon Dress By WendyBy WendyLocated in London, GBA chic and pretty dress by Wendy. This dress has a round neck and sheer net and ribbon at the top of the bust area, and is lined below. It has a key hole opening at the back, with a ...Category
1960s English Cocktail Dresses
- Pretty Pink Grecian Style Gown by NoliLocated in London, GBA wonderful and easy to wear and pack, pink Grecian style gown in a silk and cotton mix. With wonderful pleat detail, the dress has a v neckline a...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Raspberry Pink Knit GownLocated in London, GBA pretty vintage dress in a raspberry pink knit. The dress has a central back zip, plaited shoulder straps and is A line. The fabric is quite a ...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Dusty Pink Lace Cocktail DressBy MELBRAY of LONDONLocated in London, GBA pretty dusty pink lace vintage cocktail dress . The has a drop waist , a v backline, central back zip and is fully lined.Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Armani Collezioni Salamander Pink Crepe Trim One Shoulder Evening Gown MBy Armani CollezioniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Gorgeously designed to make you look divine, this one shoulder evening gown from Armani Collezioni is love at first sight! The salamander pink crepe creation features a flattering fe...Category
2010s Unknown Evening Gowns
- Max Mara Coral Pink Stretch Crepe Draped Sheath Dress LLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This sheath dress hails from the house of Max Mara. Crafted from quality fabrics, it comes with a pure silk lining. It carries a coral pink hue. This sleeveless dress is a luxurious ...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Valentino Pink Crepe Slit Detail Draped Sleeveless Gown LBy ValentinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Appear radiant and glamorous as you don this beautiful gown from the House of Valentino! It has been luxuriously designed using pink crepe fabric, with...Category
2010s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Ong-Oaj Pairam Fuschia Pink Silk Satin Plunge Neck Trail Detail Angelica Gown MLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Create the most stunning red carpet looks wearing this gorgeous Ong-Oaj Pairam Angelica gown that is fit for a diva. Constructed in Fuschia pink satin fabric, this gown features a pl...Category
2010s Italian Evening Gowns
- Notte By Marchesa Pink Duchess Satin Floral Applique One Shoulder GownBy Notte By MarchesLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Resplendent, elegant, and gorgeous, this gown defines it all. Flaunting a floor-length silhouette, this gown is beautified using stunning details and a stylish neckline. Wear it with...Category
2010s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Mollie Parnis Silk Chiffon Maxi Gown with Velvet Dot Design, 1960sBy Mollie ParnisLocated in Austin, TXGorgeous 1960s Mollie Parnis sheer silk chiffon gown with velvet dot design and black slip underneath. Mollie Parnis label circa 1960s before Mollie Parnis started Boutique label in ...Category
1960s American Maxi Dress