Bill Blass Tweed Coat, 1970s
By Bill Blass
Located in Alford, MA
Brown tweed wrap coat by Bill Blass features wide lapels, menswear style patch pockets and a matching tweed belt with buckle. Deep back vent. Brown taffeta lining. Approximate size 6.
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.
Bill Blass Tweed Coat, 1970s
By Bill Blass
Located in Alford, MA
Brown tweed wrap coat by Bill Blass features wide lapels, menswear style patch pockets and a matching tweed belt with buckle. Deep back vent. Brown taffeta lining. Approximate size 6.
Vintage 1980s Bill Blass Red and Black One Shoulder Sequin Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1980s Bill Blass Red and Black One Shoulder Sequin Gown sequin one gown with slit on the side. Sexy and Fun Vintage cocktail dress. B:...
F/W 1997 Bill Blass Runway Camel Tone Lightweight Coat US10
By Bill Blass
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Bill Blass coat from the Fall/Winter 1997 collection is tailored from a lightweight camel-tone wool. The streamlined silhouette features a notched lapel, sculpted seams that def...
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”
1990 Bill Blass Persimmon Silk Crepe Column Gown w Asymmetrical Neckline Detail
By Bill Blass, Bill Blass for Neiman Marcus
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Bill Blass Persimmon Silk Crepe Column Gown w Asymmetrical Neckline Detail: Elegant, long and lean this classic American Beauty features a side slit and back zipper and is full...
$280Sale Price|20% Off
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...
BILL BLASS Circa 1980's-1990's Velvet and Navy Satin Contrast Gown Size 12
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black velvet with contrasting satin skirt. There is a center back zipper closure and button closures at the sleeve end. In excellent vintage c...
Vintage Bill Blass 1970s Taupe V Neck Jersey Cocktail Dress with Belt
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Bill Blass Taupe V neck Jersey Snake Skin Cocktail Dress with belt perfect for Holiday cocktail party. Bust; 34” / 27”
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.
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...
Bill Blass Ivory & Black Crepe De Chine Gown circa 1986
By Bill Blass
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite Bill Blass Ivory & Black Crepe De Chine Gown from circa 1986 exemplifies timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship, representing a classic piece of American high...
Bill Blass 1980s Black and Pink silk velvet cocktail dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980s Bill Blass Black Velvet and hot pink satin cocktail dress - 3/4 Sleeves - satin bow Fitted waist . Size Small Bust 36” / Waist 26” / Hip 40”
1980s Bill Blass Black crepe ruffle vintage cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy and chic Vintage Bill Blass 1980s little black crepe dress with ruffle V neck line and exposed back. This dress is trimmed in rows of black organza and lace ruffles. The dress ...
1970s Bill Blass One Shoulder Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Bill Blass one shoulder black crepe dress. Size: 4/6 Measurement: 35”/ Waist: 34” / Hip: 35” Dress length: 47” **small tiny flaw on the...
1980s Bill Blass Stylized Gold Lame Leopard Evening Sarong Style Skirt Suit
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Bill Blass Stylized Gold Lame Leopard Evening Sarong Style Skirt Suit: Beautiful, exotic and extravagant signature Blass piece for your New Year extravaganza. Lined in red silk...
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.
$885Sale Price|53% Off
Bill Blass Black Silk Crepe di Chine & French Lace Accented Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass simply beautiful and timeless elegant black silk crepe di chine accented with detailed French lace accented with micro black sequin evening cocktail dress is fully ...
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.
Bill Blass Black Silk Satin Strapless Cocktail Dress with Tailored Ruffles 2
By Bill Blass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bill Blass black silk satin strapless fitted cocktail dress with tailored ruffle at the bodice top. A classic and always in style, simple & elegant, this dress is perfect for any spe...
Vintage Bill Blass 1970s Black Silk Polka Dot Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Bill Blass Black silk polkadots long sleeve maxi gown. Dress has nude lining. Size: small/ 4 Bust: 34 inches/ Waist : 26”/ hip 40/ shoulde...
Bill Blass cream & burnt orange silk dress
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
This Bill Blass silk dress if fully lined with cream silk. The wonderful blend of cream and the burnt orange gives a warm appearance.There are fo...
BILL BLASS c.1980's Black Crepe Dramatic Puff Sleeve Peplum Skirt Party Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Thiensville, WI
BILL BLASS c.1980's Black Crepe Dramatic Puffed Sleeve Peplum Skirt Party Dress Circa: 1980’s Label(s): Bill Blass Collection III Designer: Bill Blass Style: Peplum dress Color(s):...
Bill Blass Blue & Purple Silk Strapless Bubble Gown w/Matching Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in Studio City, CA
Bill Blass watermark silk strapless gown in an impressionist swirl of blues, greens and purples. The fabric has been treated with what looks like a mixture of batik meets tie-dye. Th...
1980 Bill Blass Black Silk Crepe One-Shoulder Gown w/ Lace Skirt and Fuchsia Bow
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
A fantastic late 1970s to 1980 Bill Blass black silk crepe one-shoulder evening gown with a black lace flared skirt. At hip is a wide band of fuchsia silk taffeta side-slung structur...
Bill Blass/Bergdorf Goodman Warm Olive Green Double-Faced Cashmere Open Car Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass/Bergdorf Goodman warm olive green double-faced 2-ply cashmere open car coat features two set-in pockets in front. The interior of the two front pockets are finished...
$1,400Sale Price|24% Off
1980's Bill Blass Off the Shoulder Tri-Color Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sophisticated Bill Blass tri-color gown off the shoulder gown that dates from the 1980's. Upper body is black jersey. Unique drop waist color blocked satin skirt starts at the hips w...
Bill Blass "Fall Foliage" With Black Borders Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass "Fall Foliage" with black borders and finished with hand-rolled edges, measures 28 inches by 26 inches. Made in Italy.
BILL BLASS Black Chiffon Gown with Gold Lame Bodice Size 12
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass design is composed of a black chiffon with gold lame metallic bodice. There is a center back zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-referen...
Bill Blass Large Iconic "Majestic Palsey" Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass large iconic "Majestic Palsey" silk scarf finished with rolled edges, measures 36 inches by 35 inches. Made in Japan.
Bill Blass "Autumn Foliage" With Gray Borders Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass "Autumn Foliage" accented with gray borders, and finished with hand-rolled edges, measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Made in Italy.
S/S 1995 Bill Blass Runway Pink White Tweed Short Sleeve Belted Skirt Suit US4
By Bill Blass
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Bill Blass skirt suit from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection is crafted in pink and white woven tweed with a clean, structured silhouette. The short-sleeved jacket features a no...
Vintage Bill Blass evening blazer, 1970's
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bill Blass evening blazer with sequin embellishments Size – not listed, S-M Bust – 82 cm / 32.25″ Waist – 77,5 cm / 30.5″ Shoulder – 37 cm / 14.5″ Length: 54 cm / 21.25″ Sl...
Bill Blass Fall 1984 Beaded Fringe Bronze & Gold Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Dress is in excellent vintage condition. There are a few loose threads, but these can be trimmed and do not interfere with the overall look of the dress. There is one butt...
Bill Blass Color Blocked Satin Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Studio City, CA
A Bill Blass purple, brown and green satin dress with a crinoline under the skirt. No size tag - so please consult measurements. In excellent condition. MEASUREMENTS: Bust - 34" E...
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...
BILL BLASS Black Silk Cocktail Draped Dress with Rose Detail Size 2
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass dress is composed of a black silk. Features a wrap style with side drape and rose accent. There are hook and closures with snaps. In great vintage condition. ...
Bill Blass Black Long Sleeve Silk Gown with Gathered Satin Hem Size 8-10
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black silk. Features a gathered satin hem detail, long sleeves, and a center back zipper closure. In excellent condition. Made in USA. **...
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....
$285Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage BILL BLASS Size One Size Grey Brown Animal Print Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage BILL BLASS coat comes in a grey & brown animal print faux fur featuring a large lapel, front pockets, and a hook & loop closure. Good P...
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...
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. The coat and dress are fully lined in nylon fabric of the the same shade. Marked...
Bill Blass Long Sequin Skirt Black to Brown Ombre Size 6
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful Bill Blass floor length sequin skirt with a black to brown ombre. Features a center back zipper. Made in USA. Measures (Approximately) Size 6 Length: 41.5" ...
Bill Blass Black Silk Organza and Tulle Skirt Size 8
By Bill Blass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful, short black evening skirt with a 4'' wide hip to waist band made out of knit horsehair. From the hip to the bottom of the skirt is a very delicate and elegant carved out a...
Bill Blass Striped Sequined Top
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass, sequins, on chiffon, pastel toned, striped top having a jeweled neckline, narrow silhouette, and long sleeves. Top ends above the hip with a back zipper closure.
S/S 1996 Bill Blass Runway Black Ribbon Lace Semi-Sheer Mini Dress US6
By Bill Blass
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Bill Blass dress from the Spring/Summer 1996 collection features intricate black ribbon lace over a tan lining, creating a striking contrast. T...
Bill Blass Black Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Gown Size 10
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black silk adorned with silver and champagne hued beads on the bodice. Features a center front drape detail, long sleeves, and a center back cl...
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Bill Blass Black Babydoll Dress Size 8
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bill Blass Black Babydoll Dress Product details: Black striped textured pattern Featuring spaghetti straps, measure 6" on the front and 10.5" on ...
Vintage 1980s Bill Blass Blue Jean Dark Indigo 80s Denim Fitted Blazer Jacket
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous classic vintage 80s BILL BLASS dark denim blue jean boyfriend blazer jacket! Sharp tailored fit with a single brass Bill Blass embossed button. Pocket at left breast and at...
$910Sale Price|35% Off
Two Bill Blass Couture Beaded Tops. New Still Retaining Their Original Pricetag
By Bill Blass, Bill Blass for Neiman Marcus
Located in Buchanan, MI
Two Bill Blass Couture Beaded Tops. New Still Retaining Their Original Pricetags. Priced Per Top. THE FIRST Nude silk chiffon with red thread circle embroidered...
$339Sale Price|20% Off
BILL BLASS Size M Black Silk Shoulder Cut Out Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Francisco, CA
BILL BLASS cocktail dress comes in a black silk featuring a turtleneck, shoulder cut out detail, long sleeves, and a back zipper closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: Si...
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...
1990s Bill Blass Size 8 For Saks 5th Avenue Brown Vintage 90s Collarless Blazer
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s Bill Blass for Saks Fifth Avenue brown tweed wool blazer jacket ! Features five buttons up the front. Brilliantly tailored for a sleek, stylish fit. Fully lined in bro...
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...
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Bill Blass Spring 1991 Vintage Black Silk Lace Cocktail Dress Rare Vintage
By Bill Blass
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Bill Blass black silk and lace cocktail dress from the designer's celebrated Spring 1991 Ready-to-Wear collection, presented on the runway on October 29, 1990. A...
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
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...
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 trim designed by Bill Blass dating to the late 1970's, early...
Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in London, GB
A chic and easy to wear vintage silk dress by Bill Blass . The dress is in a wonderful combination of spots and stripe detail. It has a button front and cuffs, and a lined skirt. The...
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...
Printed silk cocktail dress with beaded neckless and cuff Bill Blass
By Bill Blass
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed silk cocktail dress with beaded neckless and cuf. Thin silver lurex thread. SIZE L