1970s Bill Blass Vintage Silk 4-Piece Jacket + Skirt Suit Dress Ensemble
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Medium (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)
- Style:Issey Miyake (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Sparks, NV
- Reference Number:
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: Sparks, NV
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Christian Lacroix 1990s Vintage Black Neoprene Scuba Jacket + Skirt EnsembleBy Christian LacroixLocated in Sparks, NVFantastic vintage 1990s neoprene skirt and jacket ensemble by Christian Lacroix. Shiny black scuba fabric is black on the exterior and orange on the inside. Wear together as an ensem...Category
1990s French Jackets
- Rare 1980s Vintage Fringe Leather Acid Washed Denim Jean Jacket + Skirt EnsembleLocated in Sparks, NVIconic 1980s vintage acid washed jean jacket and matching skirt ensemble with genuine pink leather detailing with studs, beads and fringe. The jacket is unlined with front snap clos...Category
1980s American Jackets
- Adolfo Vintage Navy Blue + White Striped Silk Pleated SkirtBy AdolfoLocated in Sparks, NVVintage navy and white striped pleated skirt by Adolfo. Unlined with side zip and hook closure. 100% silk. Fits like a modern size small. The waist measures 25-28" (unstretched-...Category
1980s Italian Pleated Skirts
- Fendi 90s Vintage Black Denim Suspender SkirtBy FendiLocated in Sparks, NVReduced from $750. Rare faded black denim maxi dress with suspender straps by Fendi! Amazing denim detailing with back pockets and front zip closure. ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- Krizia Vintage Black 3D Avant Garde Rivet / Shoestring Striped Mini Skirt, 1990sBy KriziaLocated in Sparks, NVCompletely unique black mini skirt by Krizia. Shoe string 3-D "stripes" and rivet design. Details Unlined Back velcro closure Circa: 1990s Label: Krizia Marked Size: 44 Es...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Skirts
- Gianni Versace Vintage 1990s Black Ruched Asymmetric Draped Body Con SkirtBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Sparks, NVAsymmetric black draped body con skirt by Gianni Versace Couture. Unique and versatile design by one of the most collectible designers ever. Details Partially Lined Back Zip a...Category
Late 20th Century American Skirts
- Pierre Balmain red Silk jacket and pleated skirt suit Ensemble, Circa 1950By Pierre BalmainLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1950 France Ensemble jacket and pleated skirt suit in red. Silk blouse with checkered pattern in red and green with white background, sleeveless. Two level of ruffle scarf c...Category
1950s French Pleated Skirts
- Joseph Belted Sash Black Skirt Size UK LBy JosephLocated in New York, NYThis is a skirt full of delightful surprises. It moves with you. Hidden slits and flaps, wrapped belted waist gives a variety of options for styling. The long sash belt allows for...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bulgarian Skirts
- JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARCONS Leather Pleated SkirtBy Junya Watanabe Comme des GarçonsLocated in Berlin, BEAmazing pleated black leather skirt by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe. The luxurious leather skirt is made form a soft leather - it is fitted at the waistband and pleated at the b...Category
2010s Japanese Pleated Skirts
- 1990's vintage Moschino cheap & chic mini skirtBy Moschino, Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR1990's vintage Moschino cheap & chic mini skirt . It is in perfect condition with no damages. 92% Cashmere 6% Nylon. Runs true to size. matching coat available on the store. Sizes ...Category
1990s Pencil Skirts
- Richard Tyler Brocade Jacquard Metallic Skirt IT40 1990's XS/SBy Richard TylerLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Richard Tyler Skirt 1990's SZ IT40 GB 10 US 6 (Fits very small, model is size 2 and it is tight) Flat Measurements Waist 13.25 Inches Hips 18 Inches Length 21 Inches Bro...Category
1990s Pencil Skirts
- Chanel & Karl Lagerfeld 08A 2008 Pencil silk black skirt 38 FR Karl Lagerfeld foBy Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in Алматинский Почтамт, KZChanel & Karl Lagerfeld 08A 2008 Pencil silk black skirt 38 FR Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Collection: 08A Country of production: France Marked Size: FR 38 Composition: 100% silk Cha...Category
Early 2000s French Skirts