Bill Blass Collection Plaid Skirt Suit Saks Fifth Avenue Size 18
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 18 (NA)Bust: 42 in (106.68 cm)Waist: 38 in (96.52 cm)Hip: 44 in (111.76 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Style:American Designer. Collection (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Little to no use.
- Seller Location:Palm Springs, CA
- 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: Palm Springs, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Lily Samii Custom Made Aquamarine Crepe Blouse, Skirt & Pant 3 Piece Set Size 6By Lily SamiiLocated in Palm Springs, CALily Samii Is a very talented San Francisco designer who specializes in Couture and custom-made clothing. This very chic three piece set is made in a European wool blend crêpe. The set is extremely versatile as the crop blouse works with a matching pant or over a sleeveless dress. The couture quality part of this outfit is a beautifully double layered fringed bottom on the blouse and cropped trouser...Category
1990s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Vintage David Hayes Custom Made Black & White Beaded Suit Size 8By David HayesLocated in Palm Springs, CASuch a beautiful suit by Los Angeles designer who designed for Fist Ladies (Regan and Ford) and many Hollywood celebrities and Beverly Hills Ladies who lunch. This suit is one of a kind, custom made. The cardigan style jacket is beaded with sparse sequin for a little bling. Hand done keyhole buttonholes in black. Same black trim on jacket pocket edges. Very heavy jewelry...Category
1980s American Skirt Suits
- Italian Bouclé Dress and Jacket Set by Peter Langner Saks Fifth Avenue Size 6By Peter LangnerLocated in Palm Springs, CAReady for the Holiday Glam Parties. A rare 2 piece sleeveless dress and jacket set made exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue by uber talent Australian designer Peter Langner who has set up shop in Italy and designs clothing for the rich and famous that want to buy unique clothing...Category
2010s Italian Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Bill Blass Custom Emerald Cocktail Strapless Dress & Vest for Martha PB Size 8By Bill BlassLocated in Palm Springs, CAOh how Luxe! 1990s custom made ensemble by Bill Blass (when he was alive and designing) for Martha Palm Beach. Worn to an event once! Dress is a strapless emerald velvet bodice with ...Category
1990s American Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Louis Féraud Germany Metallic Abstract Print 2 PC Suit w’ Fur Cuffs Size 10By Louis FeraudLocated in Palm Springs, CAOne of the most beautiful and different suits from European Designer Louis Féraud. Made in Germany of a Italian textured metallic fabric with a vibrant modern art abstract print on o...Category
Early 2000s German Skirt Suits
- Oscar De La Renta Copper Metallic Skirt Suit, Neiman Marcus Size 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in Palm Springs, CAA beautiful 2 pc suit by Oscar De La Renta Pink Label. The suit is size 8, Made in the USA. We show pics of the suit 2 ways. With longer l...Category
Early 2000s American Skirt Suits
- Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage "Portraits" Wrap DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Berlin, DEJean Paul Gaultier Soleil S/S 2002 Vintage Pop art "Portraits" Mesh Madi Wrap Backless Dress SHIPPING FROM BERLIN The creme del la creme of my extensive collection. The most covet...Category
1990s European Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Azzedine Alaia charcoal grey molten wool trouser suit, fw 1987By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBPresenting an exquisite Azzedine Alaia charcoal grey molten wool trouser suit, a true masterpiece from the autumn-winter 1987 collection. This suit exemplifies the designer's impecca...Category
1980s Italian Trouser Pant Suits
- Vivienne Westwood cotton cropped jacket and bondage pant suit, S / S 1993By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB- Oversized cropped jacket - Pants with bondage straps, velcro and zip fastenings Spring-Summer 1993Category
1990s British Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Vivienne Westwood blue and red striped skirt, blouse and tie ensemble ss 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBOriginal Vivienne Westwood Gold Label ensemble featuring a blue an d red striped skirt, blouse, and very rare wide tie. Spring-summer 1996 Measurements: Shirt (UK 12) Shoulder - 2...Category
1990s British Skirt Suits
- Vivienne Westwood blue striped Harris Tweed skirt suit, fw 1996By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood Harris Tweed skirt suit ▪ 100% wool ▪ Blue, navy and white stripes ▪ Single-breasted blazer jacket ▪ Two fron...Category
1990s British Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Worlds End mens pantsuit, pirate collection, circa 1981By Worlds End, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLarenLocated in London, GBA rare pantsuit by Worlds End, designed by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm Mclaren, circa 1981. Pirate inspired design, blue, white and green striped cotto...Category
1980s British Suits, Outfits and Ensembles