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 Black and Bronze Sequin Long Sleeve Gown - 10 - 1970's
By Bill Blass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bill Blass Black and Bronze Sequin Long Sleeve Gown - 10 - 1970's. This gorgeous gown has arrived in time for the holiday season. It has a sleek look with shoulder pads and an ombre ...
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
1970s Bill Blass Black Lace and Silk Tafetta Maxi Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1970s Bill Blass Black Lace long sleeve dress with silk taffeta skirt and black ribbon sash. Perfect for black tie event. Size: Medium B...
Bill Blass "Multi Flags" Rectangle Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass detailed and multi-color "Multi Flags" rectangle silk scarf measures 11" x 58", finished with rolled-edges. Made in Japan.
1970s BILL BLASS Purple V Neck Jersey Gown with Mink Cuff
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Bill Blass Purple long Sleeve V Neck Jersey Gown with Long Sleeve Mink Cuff. V neck and Belt Bust 36”-38” Waist 30” Hip : 40” / length 58”
Bill Blass Bold Multi-Color "Multi-Stripes & Polka Dots" Fringed Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderfully bold multi-color "Multi-Stripes & Polka Dots" silk scarf with fringe edges, measures 11 inches by 58 inches. Made...
Bill Blass Black Label Coat Cashmere Blend Lord & Taylor Vintage Mens Sz R42
By Bill Blass
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Bill Blass Black Label Cashmere Blend coat, likely made in the 90s. Made from a black cashmere wool blend, it features classic styling and construction w...
Vintage Bill Blass Silk Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in London, GB
A chic and colourful dress by Bill Blass. The dress is in a colourful print of pink,blue,green and orange with bead decortaion. It has a drop waist and pleats at the hem. It is fully...
1990s Bill Blass Logo Mania White + Gold Vintage 90s Sweatshirt Dress Medium
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome vintage 1990s BILL BLASS white and gold 'LOGO MANIA' embroidered cotton sweatshirt dress! Features the signature BB logo embroidered in gold above the bust. POCKETS at each s...
Bill Blass Cotton Black & White Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
This Bill Blass cotton scarf measures 20" x 20 1/2", accented with hand-rolled edges.
Bill Blass Black & White with Floral Print Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass black & white with floral print silk scarf measures 30 1/2" x 32", finished with hand-rolled edges.
Bill Blass Black Wool Sheath
By Bill Blass
Located in Alford, MA
LBD by Bill Blass can take you anywhere, dressed up or down. In black wool crepe, the simple sheath dress is distinguished by a wrap front overskirt gathered on one side. High neck a...
Bill Blass Warm Browns and Ivory "Multi Profile" Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass "Limited Edition" wonderfully detailed in warm shades of browns and ivory "Multi Profile" silk jacquard scarf is accented with hand-rolled edges. Made in Italy. Sma...
Bill Blass Multi-Color Rectangle Floral with Fringe Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderful combination of multi-colors floral rectangle silk scarf measures 11" x 56". Edges are hand-rolled with fringed ends. Made in Japan.
Rare Iconic Bill Blass Taupe & Ivory with Rainbow Stripes Borders Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
This rare iconic Bill Blass taupe and ivory accented with rainbow stripes borders and hand-rolled edges measures 29 inches by 28 inches. Made in Japan.
Bill Blass Midnight Blue Border with Whimsical Multi-Color "Feathers" Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderfully elegant and whimsical multi-color "Feathers" surrounded with midnight blue borders silk scarf, measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Made in Japan.
Bill Blass Wonderfully Vivid Fuchsia & Tangerine "Royal Emblem" Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderfully vivid fuchsia combined with rich tangerine "Royal Emblem" silk scarf accented with hand-rolled edges, measures 30 inches by ...
Bill Blass Bold Print Shades of Lavender Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass silk scarf in bold print with wonderful shades of lavender measures 10" x 51".
BILL BLASS Color Block Contrast Velvet Gown wth Sequin & Beaded Sleeves Size 6-8
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Bill Blass gown is composed of a black velvet and features sequin sleeves with beading. There is a center back zipper closure, shoulder pads, and boat style neckline. In excell...
Bill Blass Jacket Brown Leather Riding Blazer Never Worn 1990s
By Bill Blass
Located in Wallkill, NY
Great Dark Brown Bill Blass Leather Jacket. Pleated Faux Belt with a 3-button closure. Nice size lapel. Great versatile Jacket - Purchased and stored away and never worn. Measures up to 36 chest...
Bill Blass Multi "Autumn Shades" Floral Silk Scarf with Fringed Edges
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderful multi-colors of "Autumn Shades" floral silk scarf is accented with fringed edges and measures 11 1/2" x 59". Made in Japan.
Bill Blass Fuchsia, Navy and White Floral Silk Scarf with Hand-Rolled Edges
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass fuchsia, navy and white floral print silk scarf measures 30" x 30" and finished with hand-rolled edges.
1990'S BILL BLASS Silk Demi Couture Vest, Shirt, & Chiffon Blouse Ensemble XL
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
1990'S BILL BLASS Silk Demi Couture Vest, Shirt, & Chiffon Blouse Ensemble XL
1990 Bill Blass Butter Yellow Cotton Twill & Navy Blue French Lace Mini Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Bill Blass butter yellow cotton twill strapless cocktail dress with gorgeous French navy blue lace overlay: Bodice is quite structured for superb shaping and security, having ...
Bill Blass Silk Lame Op-Art Leopard Print Long Skirt and Suit Jacket, 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
An exciting 1980s Bill Blass silk lame op-art leopard print long skirt and suit jacket set: The leopard print is shot through with a rainbow of neon colors in the eyes of the leopar...
1990s Bill Blass Couture Black Bow Sleeveless Cocktail Dress US8
By Bill Blass
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an elegant vintage Bill Blass little black dress. From the 1990s, this sleek dress features a v-neckline lined in lace, a bow that wraps around the waist and concealed poc...
$312Sale Price|20% Off
BILL BLASS Size 2 Silver Black Silk Metallic Double Breasted Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in San Francisco, CA
BILL BLASS coat comes in a silver & black metallic silk featuring a notch lapel, slit pockets, and a double breasted closure. New with tags. Marked: 2 Measurements: Shoulder...
Iconic Bill Blass Black & White Checkered Signature Logo Silk Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Bill Blass black & White checkered signature logo silk scarf measures 23 inches by 23 inches, with hand-rolled edges. Made in Italy.
Bill Blass Coco Brown with Leopard Borders Silk and Silk Chiffon Scarf
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Bill Blass wonderfully elegant coco brown with leopard print borders silk and silk chiffon scarf accented with hand-rolled edges, measures 22 inches by 22 inches. Made in Italy.