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Bill Blass

American, 1922-2002

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.

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Designer: Bill Blass
Bill Blass 2-piece Satin Sage Green Dress and Coat Set
Bill Blass 2-piece Satin Sage Green Dress and Coat Set

Bill Blass 2-piece Satin Sage Green Dress and Coat Set

By Bill Blass

Located in Ardmore, PA

Bill Blass 2-piece Satin Sage Green Dress and Coat Set with Floral Embroidery Size US 6 Saks Fifth Avenue

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bill Blass

Bill Blass 1980s Tortoise Shell Print Brown Sequin Size 6 Vintage 80s Dress
Bill Blass 1980s Tortoise Shell Print Brown Sequin Size 6 Vintage 80s Dress

Bill Blass 1980s Tortoise Shell Print Brown Sequin Size 6 Vintage 80s Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and unique vintage late 80s BILL BLASS tortoise shell print fully sequined short sleeve silk dress ! I have never seen such unique and beautiful sequins; they are literally...

Category

1990s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass 1980’s Vintage Green Tweed Skirt Suit - Size 8
Bill Blass 1980’s Vintage Green Tweed Skirt Suit - Size 8

Bill Blass 1980’s Vintage Green Tweed Skirt Suit - Size 8

By Bill Blass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This vintage 1980’s Bill Blass skirt suit features a textured pattern of green, aqua, white, and brown. The jacket has 3 silver woven-looking buttons with a gold rim. This skirt suit...

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1980s American Bill Blass

BILL BLASS Black Silk Dress With Faille Sleeves & Sash, C.1980
BILL BLASS Black Silk Dress With Faille Sleeves & Sash, C.1980

BILL BLASS Black Silk Dress With Faille Sleeves & Sash, C.1980

By Bill Blass

Located in Atlanta, GA

The little black dress ... or should we call it 'The Little Blass' dress!?! C.1980 Bill Blass black silk dress with dramatic sleeves and a cummerbund style sash. This dress is load...

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1980s American Bill Blass

Vintage BIll Blass Black 1990s Beaded Size 6 / 8 90s Strapless Evening Dress
Vintage BIll Blass Black 1990s Beaded Size 6 / 8 90s Strapless Evening Dress

Vintage BIll Blass Black 1990s Beaded Size 6 / 8 90s Strapless Evening Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning 1990s BILL BLASS black crepe beaded strapless evening gown! Features thousands of slimming black beads hand-sewn throughout. Interior boned bust helps keep everything in pla...

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1990s American Bill Blass

Gold lace evening dress with ruffles on the bottom Bill Blass
Gold lace evening dress with ruffles on the bottom Bill Blass

Gold lace evening dress with ruffles on the bottom Bill Blass

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Gold lace evening dress with ruffles on the bottom. No fabric tag composition but the metallic lace is on the top of a gold taffetas slip dress with silk lining. The ruffles are made...

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1980s Unknown Bill Blass

Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12
Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12

Bill Blass Lacquered Lace Over Black silk chiffon Evening Dress 1970s 12

By Bill Blass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bill Blass lacquered lace black silk chiffon evening dress from the 1970s. This beautiful evening gown has never been worn and still has the original tags. Jewel neckline dress has l...

Category

1970s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Vintage Black Sequin Suit With Removable Fox Collar & Cuffs Size 6-8
Bill Blass Vintage Black Sequin Suit With Removable Fox Collar & Cuffs Size 6-8

Bill Blass Vintage Black Sequin Suit With Removable Fox Collar & Cuffs Size 6-8

By Bill Blass

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This very chic suit was made for a friend/client of Mr. Bill Blass. It possibly is one of a kind. The two piece set includes a slim flattering shape skirt and an amazing cardigan jacket with fox trim on the collar and the cuff. Both are removable for cleaning. The size tag has been removed. Per the measurements it could fit a modern size 6 to 8. Skirt: waist: 28" length: 23". Please look below for jacket measurments.This suit is a great example of the classic, luxe, glamour that Mr. Blass had throughout his career. It is a show stopping suit. BIO: Mr.Bill Blass William Ralph Blass (June 22, 1922 – June 12, 2002) was an American fashion designer. He was the recipient of many fashion awards, including seven Coty Awards and the Fashion Institute of Technology's Lifetime Achievement Award (1999). Early life Blass was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Ralph Aldrich Blass, a traveling hardware salesman, and his wife, Ethyl (Keyser) Blass. In his autobiography, Blass wrote that the margins in his school books were filled with sketches of Hollywood-inspired fashions instead of notes. At fifteen, he began sewing and selling evening gowns for $25 each to a New York manufacturer. At seventeen he had saved enough money to move to Manhattan and study fashion. At eighteen, he was the first male to win Mademoiselle's Design for Living award. He spent his salary of $30 a week on clothing, shoes and elegant meals. In 1943, Blass enlisted in the Army. Due to his intelligence and talent, he was assigned to the 603rd Camouflage Battalion, which came to be known as the Ghost Army. Its mission was to deceive the German Army into believing the Allies were positioned in fake locations, for example by using dummy...

Category

1970s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Early 2000s Silk Chiffon Brown Bronze Fully Sequined Sheath Dress
Bill Blass Early 2000s Silk Chiffon Brown Bronze Fully Sequined Sheath Dress

Bill Blass Early 2000s Silk Chiffon Brown Bronze Fully Sequined Sheath Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning brand new with tags vintage BILL BLASS, by MICHAEL VOLBRACHT brown / bronze fully sequined sheath dress! Features thousands of tiny hand-sewn sequins throughout the entire d...

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Early 2000s American Bill Blass

1970s Bill Blass Vintage Silk 4-Piece Jacket + Skirt Suit Dress Ensemble
1970s Bill Blass Vintage Silk 4-Piece Jacket + Skirt Suit Dress Ensemble

1970s Bill Blass Vintage Silk 4-Piece Jacket + Skirt Suit Dress Ensemble

By Bill Blass

Located in Sparks, NV

Absolutely stunning 4-piece ensemble by Bill Blass that can be worn separately or together. This set is constructed entirely of silk and features origami pleated ruffles and a detach...

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1970s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Black & White red striped baby doll dress W/ pockets, 1980s Size 6
Bill Blass Black & White red striped baby doll dress W/ pockets, 1980s Size 6

Bill Blass Black & White red striped baby doll dress W/ pockets, 1980s Size 6

By Bill Blass

Located in Wallkill, NY

Fantastic Bill Blass dress. Featuring a crinoline under skirt with a Attached red silk bow belt. black bodice with zippered back. It has slit pockets in the skirt!! . Measuring Up to 36 inch bust----Up to 27 inch waist ---Hips open ---37.5 inch down the front. Size Small labeled a size 6. I have more in other sizes listed as well. Any questions please call, email or hit contact. Be sure to check our storefront for hundreds of new never worn pieces of jewelry, fashion and Vintage.

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1980s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Strapless Lace, Point D'esprit and Taffeta Bubble Dress
Bill Blass Strapless Lace, Point D'esprit and Taffeta Bubble Dress

Bill Blass Strapless Lace, Point D'esprit and Taffeta Bubble Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Charming Bill Blass Strapless Lace, Point D'esprit and Taffeta Bubble Cocktail Dress from the 1980's. Corset is overlaid and trimmed in lace. Point D'esprit ruffle at hip which relea...

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1980s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Copper Leather and Cloque Evening Ensemble
Bill Blass Copper Leather and Cloque Evening Ensemble

Bill Blass Copper Leather and Cloque Evening Ensemble

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Bill Blass evening ensemble of copper kid leather and copper lame cloque. Fitted jacket with pleated shoulders is versatile enough to wear for day. Full gathered skirt.
Belt n...

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1980s American Bill Blass

Jacquard bustier cocktail dress BILL BLASS
Jacquard bustier cocktail dress BILL BLASS

Jacquard bustier cocktail dress BILL BLASS

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Jacquard bustier cocktail dress. Fabric composition: 100% polyester & lurex. Satin lining. Boned. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. SIZE 0 on tag / S

Category

Early 2000s American Bill Blass

Brand New Vintage Bill Blass Red Sequin Bow Bustier Top
Brand New Vintage Bill Blass Red Sequin Bow Bustier Top

Brand New Vintage Bill Blass Red Sequin Bow Bustier Top

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Ravishing vintage Bill BLass sequin bustier, brand new with tages still attached from Neiman Marcus! Sparkle in the all-over red sequin number, complete with a black silk bow. Fully lined. Perfect for your Holiday/New Years Party...

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1990s Bill Blass

F/W 1997 Bill Blass Runway Deep Red Velvet Strapless Evening Gown
F/W 1997 Bill Blass Runway Deep Red Velvet Strapless Evening Gown

F/W 1997 Bill Blass Runway Deep Red Velvet Strapless Evening Gown

By Bill Blass

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This deep red strapless evening gown from Bill Blass's Fall/Winter 1997 collection, as worn by Elsa Benitez on the runway, is crafted from luxurious velvet. The gown features a fitte...

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1990s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass 1990s Does 1960s Size 6 Beaded Silk + Wool A Line Dress + Jacket Set
Bill Blass 1990s Does 1960s Size 6 Beaded Silk + Wool A Line Dress + Jacket Set

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 ensemble ! Textured silk blend tailored bodice and jacket. Slight A Line skirt with ...

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1990s American Bill Blass

Long asymmetrical black crêpe dress Bill Blass
Long asymmetrical black crêpe dress Bill Blass

Long asymmetrical black crêpe dress Bill Blass

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Long asymmetrical black crêpe dress draped on the right shoulder. Split in the middle back = 45 cm. Silk lining. Zip on the right side. Size L

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Early 2000s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Ivory Lace Brocade Jacket Size 10 Vintage
Bill Blass Ivory Lace Brocade Jacket Size 10 Vintage

Bill Blass Ivory Lace Brocade Jacket Size 10 Vintage

By Bill Blass

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Bill Blass Ivory Lace Brocade Jacket - Size 10 Circa 90's. This gorgeous jacket is in excellent vintage condition. Measurements are: Bust 36" - 38" Wai...

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1990s American Bill Blass

Circa 1980 Bill Blass Black Silk Cocktail Dress With a Twist
Circa 1980 Bill Blass Black Silk Cocktail Dress With a Twist

Circa 1980 Bill Blass Black Silk Cocktail Dress With a Twist

By Bill Blass

Located in Atlanta, GA

Bill Blass puts a sophisticated twist on the ‘little black dress’. This sleek design is fabricated from a fine silk faille with a ruched detail at the bodice that criss crosses to c...

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1980s American Bill Blass

1988 Bill Blass Runway Documented Green Silk Dress and Beaded Bolero
1988 Bill Blass Runway Documented Green Silk Dress and Beaded Bolero

1988 Bill Blass Runway Documented Green Silk Dress and Beaded Bolero

By Bill Blass

Located in London, GB

This incredible ensemble walked the runway for Bill Blass for the spring / summer 1988 collection and was worn by the super model Iman Bowie. Comprising a strapless dress and heavily...

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details
1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details

1980's Bill Blass Emerald Velvet Dress with Rhinestone Details

By Bill Blass

Located in Toronto, Ontario

1980's Bill Blass evening/cocktail dress in deep emerald velvet with sparkling rhinestone button accents along the shoulder and bodice. The silhouette features softly gathered detail...

Category

1980s Bill Blass

Bill Blass Satin Back Crepe Flapper Dress
Bill Blass Satin Back Crepe Flapper Dress

Bill Blass Satin Back Crepe Flapper Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Bill Blass Satin Back Crepe Flapper Inspired Dress from the 1980's. One shoulder design with satin bloused waistband and short attached skirt. Large ...

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

Silver sequin cocktail dress Bill Blass
Silver sequin cocktail dress Bill Blass

Silver sequin cocktail dress Bill Blass

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Silver sequin cocktail dress on brown rayon jersey base and lining in the same fabric. Zip closure and hook&eye on the middle back. Shoulder pad. SIZE M / L

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

Black and pink sequin cocktail dress with beadwork on lace  Bill Blass Evening
Black and pink sequin cocktail dress with beadwork on lace  Bill Blass Evening

Black and pink sequin cocktail dress with beadwork on lace Bill Blass Evening

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black and pink sequin cocktail dress with beadwork on black lace base. . Shell composition : 25% nylon, 25% acetate, 25% rayon, 25% cotton. Lining: 100% rayon + tulle inside the skir...

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1980s Chinese Bill Blass

Bill Blass Cream Wool Jacket with Black Beaded Trim
Bill Blass Cream Wool Jacket with Black Beaded Trim

Bill Blass Cream Wool Jacket with Black Beaded Trim

By Bill Blass

Located in New Hope, PA

This Bill Blass cream wool jacket is just amazing! Everything about it is very much in the style of a famous French Designer. Everything about it says Chanel, until you look closer ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Bill Blass

Bill Blass 1980s Blue Turquoise Size 6 Polka Dot One Piece 80s Swimsuit Bodysuit
Bill Blass 1980s Blue Turquoise Size 6 Polka Dot One Piece 80s Swimsuit Bodysuit

Bill Blass 1980s Blue Turquoise Size 6 Polka Dot One Piece 80s Swimsuit Bodysuit

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Amazing 1980s BILL BLASS turquoise teal blue and white polka dot one piece swimsuit or bodysuit ! Features a traditional blue that fades into turquoise / teal on the bottom. Simply s...

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

Black chiffon cocktail dress with black beaded bustier BILL BLASS EVENING
Black chiffon cocktail dress with black beaded bustier BILL BLASS EVENING

Black chiffon cocktail dress with black beaded bustier BILL BLASS EVENING

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Black chiffon cocktail dress with black beaded bustier. BILL BLASS EVENING for Bergdorf Goodman. Body fabric composition: 51% triacetate, 30% rayon, 19% polyester. Trim : silk. Zip...

Category

1980s Chinese Bill Blass

Fushia and black satin bustier evening gown with beaded work  Bill Blass
Fushia and black satin bustier evening gown with beaded work  Bill Blass

Fushia and black satin bustier evening gown with beaded work Bill Blass

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Fushia and black satin bustier evening gown with beaded work. Boned. 2 zips in the middle back, one on the bustier one on the dress. Fabric composition: Satin polyester SIZE 8

Category

1980s Chinese Bill Blass

Silk printed cocktail dress and beadwork  BILL BLASS DRESS
Silk printed cocktail dress and beadwork  BILL BLASS DRESS

Silk printed cocktail dress and beadwork BILL BLASS DRESS

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Silk printed cocktail dress and beadwork on the neckline and cuffs. No fabric composition tag for the lining but it's probably rayon or acetate. SIZE L

Category

1980s Chinese Bill Blass

Purple velvet pencil skirt BILL BLASS Circa 1980's
Purple velvet pencil skirt BILL BLASS Circa 1980's

Purple velvet pencil skirt BILL BLASS Circa 1980's

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Purple velvet pencil skirt . No fabric composition tag but the lining is probably acetate. Zip and hook&eye closure on the left side. Gros-grain inside the waist. SIZE 12 (Us) but ...

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

Incredible Vintage Bill Blass Black Silk Chiffon Ruffled Sequin Boho 70s Dress
Incredible Vintage Bill Blass Black Silk Chiffon Ruffled Sequin Boho 70s Dress

Incredible Vintage Bill Blass Black Silk Chiffon Ruffled Sequin Boho 70s Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Absolutely insanely gorgeous vintage 1970s BILL BLASS black silk chiffon long sleeve dress! Features intricately detailed silk lace ruffles down the front of the dress, sleeves and c...

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1970s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Swimsuit - 1980s Vintage - Red & Navy Lycra - Faux Pockets + Buttons
Bill Blass Swimsuit - 1980s Vintage - Red & Navy Lycra - Faux Pockets + Buttons

Bill Blass Swimsuit - 1980s Vintage - Red & Navy Lycra - Faux Pockets + Buttons

By Bill Blass

Located in KENT, United Kingdom

Product details: Bill Blass - Red Seersucker Lycra Swimsuit - Gold Button Detail - x 2 Front Faux Pockets - Navy Plain Lycra Knicker Label: Bill Blass Era: c.1980 Fabric Content: Lyc...

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1980s American Bill Blass

1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone Belt
1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone Belt

1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone Belt

By Bill Blass

Located in Gresham, OR

1960 Bill Blass Documented Floral Print Silver Brocade Gown W/Rhinestone Belt. Wild botanical print border design is stunning! Beige silk taffeta lining, large balloon sleeves w/ broad cuffs. Rhinestone buckle belt with a full long maxi skirt...

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1960s American Bill Blass

BILL BLASS Black Lace Chiffon Gown with Nude Underlay Size 10 12
BILL BLASS Black Lace Chiffon Gown with Nude Underlay Size 10 12

BILL BLASS Black Lace Chiffon Gown with Nude Underlay Size 10 12

By Bill Blass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black silk chiffon with lace applique and nude underlay. Features sheer sleeves. There is a side zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition....

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20th Century American Bill Blass

1980s Bill Blass Navy Blue and White Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
1980s Bill Blass Navy Blue and White Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit

1980s Bill Blass Navy Blue and White Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic late 80s BILL BLASS navy blue and white nautical inspired one piece swimsuit or bodysuit ! Gold logo BB embossed buttons up the front and at each side of the waist. Perfect for...

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1990s American Bill Blass

Pale pink and beige tweed single breasted coat with tulle ruffle BILL BLASS NY
Pale pink and beige tweed single breasted coat with tulle ruffle BILL BLASS NY

Pale pink and beige tweed single breasted coat with tulle ruffle BILL BLASS NY

By Bill Blass

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Pale pink and beige tweed single breasted coat with tulle ruffle. Tweed composition: 37% nylon, 29% wool, 17% cotton, 17% polyester. Tulle ruffles edge. No fabric composition tag for...

Category

1990s American Bill Blass

BILL BLASS Black and Brown Sequin Ombre Skirt Size 6
BILL BLASS Black and Brown Sequin Ombre Skirt Size 6

BILL BLASS Black and Brown Sequin Ombre Skirt Size 6

By Bill Blass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Bill Blass design is composed of a black to brown sequin ombre. There is a side zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for pers...

Category

20th Century American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Classic Leopard Print Silk Blouse
Bill Blass Classic Leopard Print Silk Blouse

Bill Blass Classic Leopard Print Silk Blouse

By Bill Blass

Located in New Hope, PA

A gorgeous leopard print makes this classic style blouse a real standout. The blouse has a round neckline, long sleeves, a finished hem with slits on both sides and fabric covered bu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Bill Blass

Bill Blass TuxedoSatinTrim Bold Shoulder WoolCrepe Black Cocktail Dress 1970s
Bill Blass TuxedoSatinTrim Bold Shoulder WoolCrepe Black Cocktail Dress 1970s

Bill Blass TuxedoSatinTrim Bold Shoulder WoolCrepe Black Cocktail Dress 1970s

By Bill Blass

Located in Chicago, IL

Around 1970 when Bill Blass introduced his eponymous brand after becoming a leading couture fashion designer among New York City society, he created this sleek tuxedo-like ecru-satin...

Category

1970s American Bill Blass

1988 Bill Blass Black Lace and Hot Pink Cocktail Dress
1988 Bill Blass Black Lace and Hot Pink Cocktail Dress

1988 Bill Blass Black Lace and Hot Pink Cocktail Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

1988 Bill Blass Black Lace knee length cocktail dress with hot pink satin bustle. 3/4 sleeves. Bust: 36” Waist 29” Hip 40” Shoulder to hem 38”

Category

1980s French Bill Blass

Bill Blass Custom Emerald Cocktail Strapless Dress & Vest for Martha PB Size 8
Bill Blass Custom Emerald Cocktail Strapless Dress & Vest for Martha PB Size 8

Bill Blass Custom Emerald Cocktail Strapless Dress & Vest for Martha PB Size 8

By Bill Blass

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Oh 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 duchess silk satin pencil skirt. The dress has a built in bustier with boning that has a separate zipper. The dress then zips up separately on the satin and velvet. The cover up is a wool (maybe with cashmere blend) vest with large buttons, meant to be worn open, one button closed or even off shoulder Blass style. Size and fabric tag removed, appears to be a modern 6-8. Beautifully made. Dress is entirely lined. Center back slit on dress. Vest: Bust: 37”. Waist: 34” Hip: 36”. Length: 23”. Retailed for over $3500. Bio: Mr. Bill Blass William Ralph Blass (June 22, 1922 – June 12, 2002) was an American fashion designer. He was the recipient of many fashion awards, including seven Coty Awards and the Fashion Institute of Technology's Lifetime Achievement Award (1999). Early life Blass was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Ralph Aldrich Blass, a traveling hardware salesman, and his wife, Ethyl (Keyser) Blass. In his autobiography, Blass wrote that the margins in his school books were filled with sketches of Hollywood-inspired fashions instead of notes. At fifteen, he began sewing and selling evening gowns for $25 each to a New York manufacturer. At seventeen he had saved enough money to move to Manhattan and study fashion. At eighteen, he was the first male to win Mademoiselle's Design for Living award. He spent his salary of $30 a week on clothing, shoes and elegant meals. In 1943, Blass enlisted in the Army. Due to his intelligence and talent, he was assigned to the 603rd Camouflage Battalion, which came to be known as the Ghost Army. Its mission was to deceive the German Army into believing the Allies were positioned in fake locations, for example by using dummy...

Category

1990s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Ruffle Trimmed Shirt Dress
Bill Blass Ruffle Trimmed Shirt Dress

Bill Blass Ruffle Trimmed Shirt Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Bill Blass Ruffle Trimmed Shirt Dress in heavy silk crepe with large diamonte buttons. Easy straight cut with large shoulder pads with ruffle trimmed plack...

Category

1980s American Bill Blass

Vintage Bill Blass Size 16 Blue + White Nautical Plus Size Linen Dress
Vintage Bill Blass Size 16 Blue + White Nautical Plus Size Linen Dress

Vintage Bill Blass Size 16 Blue + White Nautical Plus Size Linen Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic vintage BILL BLASS Size 16 blue and white nautical long sleeved linen dress! Features the finest of Irish linens that is super soft and flattering. Beautiful shade of blue looks great on any skin tone. Fully lined. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Can easily be dressed up or down, belted or alone. In great unworn condition. Made in USA Marked Size US 16...

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Late 20th Century American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Abstract silk scarf
Bill Blass Abstract silk scarf

Bill Blass Abstract silk scarf

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Bill Blass Abstract print silk scarf measures 32" x 32" with hand-rolled edges.

Category

1980s Italian Bill Blass

Bill Blass Navy & White Silk scarf
Bill Blass Navy & White Silk scarf

Bill Blass Navy & White Silk scarf

By Bill Blass

Located in New York, NY

Bill Blass Navy & White silk scarf has rolled edges. Scarf measures 13" x 58" with his signature logo.

Category

1970s Japanese Bill Blass

Bill Blass Mocha Chiffon Pleated Gown w/ Belt
Bill Blass Mocha Chiffon Pleated Gown w/ Belt

Bill Blass Mocha Chiffon Pleated Gown w/ Belt

By Bill Blass

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Bill Blass (label missing) 1970's pleated mocha chiffon evening gown. The gown has spaghetti straps and an unlined skirt. Zips up the back and has a matching skinny mocha suede belt ...

Category

1970s American Bill Blass

1990s BILL BLASS Brown Beaded Long Sleeves Cocktail Dress
1990s BILL BLASS Brown Beaded Long Sleeves Cocktail Dress

1990s BILL BLASS Brown Beaded Long Sleeves Cocktail Dress

By Bill Blass

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Vintage 90s Bill Blass Brown Printed Beaded Embellished metallic sequin long sleeve cocktail dress . Dress has elastic waist and fully lined in silk. ...

Category

1990s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass Black Jersey Dress with Fringe Trimmed Sexy High Slit
Bill Blass Black Jersey Dress with Fringe Trimmed Sexy High Slit

Bill Blass Black Jersey Dress with Fringe Trimmed Sexy High Slit

By Bill Blass

Located in New Hope, PA

Sleek and elegant, this black silk crepe dress from Bill Blass is a little bit sexy too! The fringe trimmed skirt is slit right up to the waistline. The dress has a scoop neckline th...

Category

1970s American Bill Blass

Bill Blass fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Bill Blass fashion available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Geoffrey Beene, Pauline Trigère, and Donna Karan appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Bill Blass fashion from top boutiques around the world. Bill Blass fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,350 and tops out at $2,950, while the average work can sell for $1,950.
Questions About Bill Blass
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, at this time Bill Blass underwear styles are no longer in production. However, many secondhand options for clothing and footwear are still available to purchase, and new items can be found on the brand’s official website as well as by way of authorized retailers. Always purchase Bill Blass garments from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Browse a selection of authentic Bill Blass clothing on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Bill Blass was a fashion designer who launched his own brand in 1970. He was born on June 22, 1922, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and died on June 12, 2022, in New Preston, Connecticut. You can find a collection of Bill Blass apparel on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Bill Blass is an American fashion designer widely credited as a pioneer of the relaxed and elegant look favored in the late 20th century. Blass was one of the first American designers to print his name on his designs, and his collections of menswear and women’s wear expanded to include other items and accessories over the years. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1987. Shop a wide range of Bill Blass pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To buy Bill Blass clothing, you'll need to shop for vintage pieces, as the brand no longer produces apparel. Reputable online platforms are likely the best places to shop, as brick-and-mortar vintage clothing stores may not always have Bill Blass pieces available. You'll find a collection of Bill Blass on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Bill Blass clothing can be purchased through various authorized retailers as well as on the brand’s official website. Always purchase Bill Blass garments from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Shop a large collection of authentic Bill Blass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, at this time Bill Blass scarves are no longer in production. However, enterprising shoppers can find vintage options in thrift stores and on certain online platforms. Always purchase Bill Blass garments from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Browse a selection of authentic Bill Blass scarves on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    No, Bill Blass no longer makes clothing and many of the accessories it was known for, such as patterned scarves. As of December 2021, the brand's offerings include only bags and shoes. However, you can buy vintage Bill Blass apparel from reputable online platforms. You'll find a collection of Bill Blass on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No — as of early 2022, Bill Blass clothing is no longer in production, but footwear and bags can be found on the brand’s official website. Older Bill Blass garments can be found at flea markets and on websites that specialize in the sales of vintage apparel and accessories. Always purchase Bill Blass clothing from a reputable seller to ensure authenticity. Browse a selection of authentic Bill Blass garments on 1stDibs.