1980's BILL BLASS double breasted wool coat with cord trim
By Bill Blass
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Classic, structured, black wool coat with double breasted collar and beautiful decorative corded
1980's BILL BLASS double breasted wool coat with cord trim
By Bill Blass
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Classic, structured, black wool coat with double breasted collar and beautiful decorative corded
Bill Blass 2 pc Oatmeal Wool Sheath Dress with Tie Front Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This timeless two piece ensemble is constructed of soft wool in a perfect neutral shade of oatmeal
Bill Blass 1990s Does 1960s Size 6 Beaded Silk + Wool A Line Dress + Jacket Set
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1990s does 1960s BILL BLASS ivory / off white and grey beaded A-Line dress and blazer jacket
Bill Blass 1980's Pink Coral Pom Pom Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bill Blass 1980's Pink Coral 100% Wool Coat with Pom Poms. Coat has shoulder pads, 2 front side
Bill Blass Navy and Gray Wool Coat with Sequin Detail - 6 - 1970's
By Bill Blass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This beautiful Bill Blass wool coat is textured and has beads and sequins making a checkered
Bill Blass Double Face Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass, charcoal grey, double face wool coat, with notched collar, no closures, roomy and
1970's Bill Blass Mustard Double Face Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This fabulous Bill Blass mustard color boiled wool swing coat from the 1970's is a classic shape
Bill Blass Wool Serape
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass, pumpkin tone, short, fleece wool, serape, having one sleeve and a shawl-like detail
Bill Blass 60's Vermillion Wool Military Coat with Bouillon Trim
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
vermilion wool Melton fabric is Bill Blass at his early best! His meticulous attention to detail is evident
Black wool jersey coat covered with black sequin Bill Blass Circa 1980's
By Bill Blass
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool jersey coat covered with black sequin. Black chiffon lining. Pocket on both side. Black
BILL BLASS 1970S TAILORED BLACK WOOL COAT
Located in Alford, MA
A timeless piece, this man-tailored Bill Blass coat is nicely finished, with a wide notched collar
Bill Blass Double Face Wool Swing Coat
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass, double face wool, collarless, swing coat with huge patch pocket detail.
Bill Blass Vintage 1970s Cherry Red Wool Coat Dress with Attached Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous cherry red wool coat dress by Bill Blass. This coat features diagonal "stitch" detailing
BILL BLASS Black Wool Full Length Coat with Tux Style Trousers Size 6 8
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass ensemble is features a full length wool coat with rhinestone buttons and silk
Bill Blass Double Face Wool Cashmere Poncho
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass, cashmere, double face wool, zippered poncho. Outside is chocolate brown, the interior
Bill Blass Bold Fuchsia Wool Coat c 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in University City, MO
Bill Blass fuchsia wool coat c 1980s The stylish designer coat makes a striking bold accessory
1960's Bill Blass Psychedelic Wool Double Breasted Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Studio City, CA
1960's Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner psychedelic wool coat with matching square buttons. In
Bill Blass Vintage Black Wool Military Maxi Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Stunning vintage black wool maxi coat by Bill Blass. Double breasted military buttons and
Vintage Bill Blass double face wool pastel plaid coat 1970s
By Bill Blass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
From the early 1970s a beautiful Bill Blass classic single breasted coat of medium weight double
1980s Bill Blass Color Block Wool Jacket
By Bill Blass
Located in Wallkill, NY
A rainbow of colors on the wool Bill Blass Jacket Large patch front pockets Green, yellow, red
Bill Blass Luxurious Orange & Gray Doubleface Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Bill Blass Luxurious Doubleface Wool Coat in Melon Orange from 1979. Canteloup orange reversing to
Bill Blass oversized Reversible Quilted Wool/ Silk Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in New York City, NY
Truly beautiful Bill Blass quilted and Reversible winter coat. Green plaid with matching lite brown
Bill Blass Printed Tapestry Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960's Bill Blass collarless wool coat is printed with a jewel-toned scrolling tapestry motif in
Bill Blass Famous Swing Coat in Black wool
By Bill Blass
Located in New York City, NY
Famous Bill Blass Swing Coat in very lite wool. Pristine condition. One size fits all. Length 35"
Bill Blass Famous Swing Coat in Black wool
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Winter sale 50% off!! Famous Bill Blass Swing Coat in very lite wool. Pristine condition. One size
Late 1980s Bill Blass Alpaca and Merino Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Chic coat by Bill Blass with an upright collar and off-center buttons. Two front pockets. 70
Bill Blass reversible Wool / Cotton Coat With Leather Collar
By Bill Blass
Located in New York City, NY
Bill Blass Fabulous Light weight reversible Coat. Grey wool gabardine in feather light weight with
Bill Bless Wool Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Bill Bless Wool Houndstooth Print Coat with Fur Collar.
1960's Bill Blass Psychedelic Op-Art Print Wool Double-Breasted Mod Coat & Skirt Ensemble
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bill Blass emerged on the scene in the early 1960's when most people still thought Paris was the be
Bill Blass "Peacock" Short Coat Jacket
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
50% OFF Winter Sale!! Most stunning Bill Blass "Peacock" wool short coat. Design is embedded in
1965 Bill Blass Black & Ivory Textured Wool Dolly-Bow Mod Pockets Coat Dress
By Bill Blass, Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra timeless and very rare Bill Blass textured wool mod dress coat dating back to his 1965 fall
Bill Blass oversized Reversible Quilted Wool/ Silk Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Up to 50% OFF Winter Sale!! Truly beautiful Bill Blass quilted and Reversible winter coat. Green
1970s Bill Blass Plush Fox Collar Wool Wrap Coat for Neiman Marcus
By Bill Blass
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing camel beige wool coat by Bill Blass! The coat is midi length, with long sleeves, a
1960s Bill Blass Cream Wool Plaid Coat with Mother of Pearl Buttons
By Bill Blass
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful coat by Bill Blass with a sumptuous wool fabric that is a colorful (cream, orange, navy
1985 Bill Blass Floral Silk Coat and Pants and Black Wool Top Suit w Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in Portland, OR
This is a rare Bill Blass 4 piece outfit from 1985 that is one of our favorites and it is stunning
Incredible Vintage Giorgio di Sant Angelo 80s White Fully Beaded Bodycon Dress
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible, sexy, and timeless vintage 1980s Giorgio di Sant Angelo white beaded dress! Encrusted with thousands of seed beads, rhinestones, etc...The detail on this sexy little numb...
Versace SS 2005 Madonna Ad Campaign Backless Silk Dress
By Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous light yellow stretch silk dress as featured in Versace's notable 2005 ad campaign. It has a shirt collar, fold up elbow length sleeves with functional tabs, 2 chest flap p...
$12,359
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US6/8
John Galliano Pink Bias-Cut Satin Evening Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2002
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano, Spring-Summer 2002. Bias-cut evening dress in rose-toned crepe-back satin. The fitted bodice features a draped cowl neckline, with rhinestone-embellished straps. The g...
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium
Vintage Mollie Parnis 1970s Blue and White Novelty 70s Linen + Cotton Dress
By Mollie Parnis
Located in San Diego, CA
From the queen of dressing First Ladies, comes this wonderfully chic 1970s vintage MOLLIE PARNIS blue and white nautical linen/cotton dress ! Features the perfect linen/cotton blend ...
John Galliano Lace Cardigan and 2 Camisoles Set
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous cardigan and camisole set in black knit lace plus an additional matching red camisole all from John Galliano. The set consists of 2 flower pattern lace knit camisoles one ...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN white RIBBED & OPEN KNIT PEPLUM Dress S
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Zürich, CH
Alexander McQueen ribbed and open knit peplum dress in cream polyamide (43%), cotton (37%), viscose (11%), nylon (5%) and polyester (4%). Has short sleeves and a solid knit skirt. Ha...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 6
Bill Blass Pink White Polka Dot Hand Painted Fit and Flare Vintage Dress, 1990
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 90s BILL BLASS pale pink and white hand painted polka dot fit n' flare cocktail silk taffeta dress! Features large handpainted polka dots throughout. Attached white lace underla...
$1,675
Size: Extra Small
Beautiful 1960s Extra Small XS Couture Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 60s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s demi couture black silk chiffon sequin evening gown! Features thousands of hand-sewn black sequins throughout the sleeves and skirt. Thin spaghetti strap underlay wit...
Issey Miyake Open Sleeve Draped Top
By Issey Miyake
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous blue top, shirt from Issey Miyake. It overlapping at the front exposing the waist and buttons at the shoulder. The back is fuller and longer and the sleeves are open fro...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
Chic 1950s Pale Blue Couture French Lace Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 50s Blouse
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 50s demi couture pale blue French Lace wrap blouse top! Features a chiffon backing, with taffeta covered button. Attached taffeta ribbon ties multiple times around the wai...
Alexander McQueen Gown The Cosmic Rain Dress Embroidery Corset
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Berlin, BE
Breathtaking Alexander Mcqueen Corset Gown. Cosmic rain, comet and astral crystal embroideries are hand-sewn to this stunnig evening gown. Powder blue Paris net bustier dress featuri...
Christian Dior Runway Copper Mirrored Romper and Maxi Skirt Spring 2018 Sz 34FR
By Christian Dior
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Christian Dior Runway/Editorial Copper Mirrored Romper and Maxi Skirt Spring 2018 Size 34FR
$5,218
Size: FR 34 - IT 38 - UK 6 - US 2
Alexander McQueen metallic tweed high collar skirt suit, fw 2004
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen metallic tweed skirt suit. Structured jacket with high turn-over collar, front zip fastening, silk lining and Chanel style chain on the hem. Sold with matching knee...
$490
Size: Medium - Large
Rozae Nichols Charcoal Gray Ombre Sequins A - Line Silk Trapeze Top / Blouse
By Rozae Nichols
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic Rozae Nichols charcoal gray ombre trapeze top! 100% silk, with hundreds of sequins encrusted throughout the entire blouse. Adjustable straps, so you can make shorter or longer. ...
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.
There is a stylish garment for anywhere in the universe, and on 1stDibs, finding the right vintage and designer coats and outerwear doesn’t have to feel like a journey to the ends of the earth.
Outerwear includes many types of garments aside from the standard coat. From capes, gilets, jackets and cloaks to raincoats and kimonos, fashion designers have long been preparing us for the elements, and outerwear in general has changed and evolved significantly over time.
A lot of the coat styles in our closets, such as the durable Navy-inspired peacoat, were popularized by soldiers who battled aggressive climes in their regulation field jackets and parkas — indeed, keeping troopers comfortable guided the design of the military surplus garments that have often become buzzy fashion trends. Even today, owing to the likes of Burberry, a luxury fashion house that is among the originators of the trench coat worn by British officers during World War I, the trench remains a timeless style, now available in a range of colors that can be worn throughout the year.
While women in late 1700s England donned an adaptation of a men’s jacket called a spencer — the likeness of which could be spotted in Ralph Lauren’s ready-to-wear collections hundreds of years later — designers hadn’t widely been crafting outerwear specifically for women. Generally, the outerwear of choice for the fashionable, well-heeled lady prior to the 1800s usually consisted of capes, shawls and stoles. By the mid-1800s, women were wearing overcoats with multiple layered collars popularized by men (often called a Garrick coat in England), and as women entered the workforce during the 1920s, hemlines climbed, jewelry was prominent and fashion conventions were broken across the board.
Thankfully, the 20th century’s tradition of challenging the norm continues steadfast in today’s outerwear fashions. Contemporary designers certainly find inspiration in 1960s and 1970s coats by Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Bonnie Cashin, but unisex options abound in modern creations that take both function and style into account. Find what inspires you in the full range of vintage and designer coats and outerwear available for sale on 1stDibs.