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 F/W 1997 Velvet Hand Silk Screened Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An electrifying coat from the Bill Blass F/W 1997 runway collection. This velvet coat draws upon inspirations of 1920's silk screened velvets reminiscent of Fortuny and Gallenga. The...
Bill Blass Cashmere Black and Cream Tattersall Plaid Jacket and Skirt Suit
By Bill Blass
Located in New Hope, PA
This luscious cashmere tattersall plaid Bill Blass skirt suit is so good it whispers quiet luxury. The cream and black tattersall fabric is so very soft to the touch, and it is ful...
$790Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage late 90s BILL BLASS couture nude silk chiffon paisley print full length evening dress with dramatic train! This is an ori...
Bill Blass Floral Print Silk Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in New Hope, PA
Bill Blass designed this gorgeous silk dress in the 1980's using a beautiful floral silk in shades of pink, rose, green and yellow on a creamy white background. The dress has a low c...
Bill Blass Cross Back Dress 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey dress from Bill Blass. It is semi fitted with a full gathered skirt. The back is bare to just below the waist with the exception of straps which meet at a me...
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...
Stunning Vintage Bill Blass Lipstick Red Strapless Silk Mermaid Dress / Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage Bill Blass red silk Mermaid dress! Vibrant liptick red color, with intriicate stitching, which produce an unbelievable sexy fit! Su...
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...
Bill Blass Grey Beaded Shell Top
By Bill Blass
Located in Ardmore, PA
Bill Blass Grey Beaded Shell Top Hand-Beaded Silk-lined
Bill Blass Vintage Sheer Black Lace Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Darling vintage sheer black lace dress by Bill Blass. Sweetheart neckline with sheer sleeves and upper back. Rear zip and hook closure. The mark...
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...
Bill Blass Vintage Size 12 / 14 Black Silk Chiffon 1990s Long Sleeve 90s Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS for BERGDORF GOODMAN couture quality black evening dress! Luxurious black silk chiffon. Black on black polka dot bodice, with semi sheer black chiffon above the front and back bodice, and on the long sleeves. Button closure at sleeve cuffs. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Slit at bottom center chiffon hem makes this gem perfect for dancing! The perfect timeless black chiffon American couture...
Bill Blass Demi Couture Gold Bronze Brown Faux Fur Vintage Gown, 1960s
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational 60s BILL BLASS demi couture long sleeve faux fur evening gown! Features flower prints in gold, rose gold, and brown on metallic silk. Long s...
1990s Bill Blass Multi color Lace silk Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Late 90s Bill Blass Brown, Purple and Green Long sleeve lace gown. Perfect for Black tie, or wedding. - silk charmeuse - lace fit size 4 Measurements: Bust fit 34” / Waist 27” /Hip ...
Bill Blass 1960s Vintage Silk Metallic 60s Mink Trimmed Dress Jacket Swing Coat
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage 1960s BILL BLASS metallic silk A-Line dress or jacket! Features fabulous abstract prints in warm hues of gold, brown, silver, and bronze throughout. Soft brown mi...
1970s Bill Blass Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon Rhinestone Strapless Gown + Shawl
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite vintage late 70s Bill Blass Couture chocolate brown silk chiffon rhinestone encrusted evening gown and large matching shawl / wrap ! Features multiple layers of luxurious s...
Bill Blass Beaded Black Velvet Jacket with Pure White Beaded Trim
By Bill Blass
Located in New Hope, PA
Bill Blass designed this beautiful beaded black velvet jacket and the detail is just amazing! The body of the jacket is covered with alternating rows of white beads surrounded by b...
Beautiful Bill Blass Vintage Sz 6 / 8 Navy Blue Silk Satin 90s Gown + Shawl
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1990s BILL BLASS Couture navy blue silk satin strapless mermaid gown and matching shawl. Strapless bodice features a super soft silk velvet in navy. Interior support holds ...
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”
1990s Bill Blass Size 8 10 Raspberry Pink Beige Silk Chiffon + Mohair Lace Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s vintage BILL BLASS raspberry pink and beige taupe beaded sleeveless cocktail dress! Features an ultra soft raspberry pink silk chiffon, with a beige / taupe mohair wool...
$460Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Bill Blass Brown White One Shoulder Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 70s BILL BLASS chocolate brown and white one shoulder swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a sloped with stripe at waistband, and above the bust. Built i...
Bill Blass Vintage Quilted Silk Pink Polka Dot Jacket + Skirt Dress Suit
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage pink and gray polka dotted quilted skirt suit by Bill Blass. Short sleeve button up jacket with a peplum shape and matching pencil skirt with a side slit. Both pieces are ful...
Bill Blass Rust Beaded Shell Top
By Bill Blass
Located in Ardmore, PA
Bill Blass Rust Beaded Shell Top US Size 8 Silk-lined Zipper closure with faux-button detail
Beautiful Vintage Bill Blass Couture Silk Taffeta Lace Long Sleeve Evening Gown
By Bill Blass, Attributed to Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage BILL BLASS couture black silk taffeta and lace evening gown! Features luxurious black silk taffeta, with black French lace...
Bill Blass Vintage Black Soutache Evening Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Bill Blass black evening dress with a soutache bodice and asymmetric front slit. Details: Fully Lined Side Zip Hook Closure/ Front Button Closure Marked Size: 6 Estimated S...
Bill Blass Navy Blue Sequin Sailor Cocktail Dress, 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Truly incredible flirty little Bill Blass cocktail dress. Seemingly one of a kind and so flirty! We love a '80s does '40s moment. You can't get much better than a navy sequin matched...
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...
1990s Bill Blass Vintage French Dove Gray Off Shoulder Silk Jersey Evening Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 90s BILL BLASS off-the-shoulder Grecian evening dress! Perfect French Grey color compliments nearly any skin tone. Soft silk je...
Vintage Bill Blass 1990s Size 6 Lipstick Red One Shoulder 90s Silk Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 90s BILL BLASS for Saks 5th Avenue lipstick red one shoulder silk dress! Features a flattering fit with a spaghetti strap on the left sh...
Bill Blass Vintage Red and Gold Silk Lurex Asian Inspired Gown, 1970s
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing and super rare vintage 1970s BILL BLASS gold metallic lurex and silk evening dress! Bright red abstract silk designs throughout, with the ones on the sleeve a semi sheer silk...
1980s Bill Blass Size 10 / 12 Flamenco One Piece Convertible Halter Swimsut
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing late 80s BILL BLASS flamenco style one piece convertible halter swimsuit or bodysuit ! Features a black bodice with pink, yellow and blue ruffles. Hidden interior buttons att...
Bill Blass Black Cutout Mesh Halter Swimsuit Bodysuit, 1990s
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage BILL BLASS black mesh cut-out one piece swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a convertible strap, which means you can wear it as a halter, or strapless! Cut-out mesh detail on...
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...
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 ...
1970s Bill Blass Ombre Sequin Long-Sleeved Maxi Gown w Ostrich Feather Bib
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Bill Blass Ombre Sequin Long-Sleeved Maxi Gown w Ostrich Feather Bib: A gorgeous ombre from bronze & gold to jade & emerald green. Simple and stunning, with an unexpected natu...
Bill Blass Organza and Lace Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Bill Blass Organza and Lace Cocktail Dress. Black silk organza with lace inserts with self belt. Faux bolero design with puffed short skirt. Back zi...
Bill Blass Silk Cut Velvet Dress 1990s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black semi sheer silk dress by Bill Blass covered with black velvet dots with grey centers. It is sleeveless with a crew neckline, a blouson bodice with a black velvet be...
Vintage Bill Blass Size 14 Gray Silk Chiffon Beautiful Rose Print Kimono Jacket
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage BILL BLASS rose printed gray silk chiffon kimono jacket! Full wide angel sleeves. Open front style, which looks great belted. So much detail was considered in the c...
Bill Blass Vintage Black + White Lace Strapless Cocktail Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage black lace cocktail dress with white tambour embroidery by Bill Blass. Details: Fully Lined Back Zip and Hook Closure Strapless Ma...
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...
1970s Bill Blass Coral Silk Twill Evening Gown with Sculptural Twist Drape
By Bill Blass
Located in Kingston, NY
A rare and exceptionally elegant late-1970s Bill Blass evening gown, crafted in luminous coral silk twill that captures light with the soft sheen of poured satin. This is Blass at hi...
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...
Bill Blass Unworn Deadstock Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Brown wool tailored skirt suit with the original tags still attached! By Bill Blass. Details: Fully Lined Shoulder Pads Sewn Into Lining Button Closure on Jacket/ Side Zip an...
$1,387Sale Price|26% Off
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...
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...
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
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...
1980s Bill Blass Sz 12 14 Zebra Print Black White One Piece Swimsuit / Bodysuit
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Roar in this 80s vintage BILL BLASS zebras animal print black and white one piece swimsuit / bodysuit ! Features a high neck for extra support wih an open back. Great for the beach, ...
1992 Bill Blass Silk & Lurex Blocked Animal-Pattern Lame Cocktail Dress w Sash
By Bill Blass
Located in Gresham, OR
1982 Bill Blass Silk & Lurex Blocked Animal-Pattern Lame Cocktail Dress w Wrap Sash: Cleverly blocked and seamed gold and black lame with a copper leopard sleeve with a bold, contra...
Amazing Vintage Bill Blass Royal Blue Avant Garde One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage BILL BLASS royal blue one piece swimsuit or bodysuit! Features attached 'ropes' in the same fabric drape across the front and back bust. Criss cross back hooks clo...
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Bill Blass Swimsuit Sarong 1990s Black and Hunter Green 90s Wrap Skirt
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic BILL BLASS black and hunter forest green swimsuit cover up! Wraps around the waist, or can be tied at one shoulder as a dress. The perfect acces...
Vintage Bill Blass Size 6 Black and White Gingham 1980s Silk Taffeta 80s Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 80s BILL BLASS Size 6 black and white gingham silk taffeta dress with hot pink bows. Fit and flare style with a boned tailored b...
Bill Blass Vintage Yellow and Black Lace Halter Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in Sparks, NV
Unworn with the original store tags still attached! Vintage yellow and black lace halter dress by Bill Blass. Full flared skirt and open back. Det...
Bill Blass Vintage Size 14 Black Virgin Wool Chic Blazer Jacket
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1990s BILL BLASS for SAKS 5th AVENUE black lightweight virgin wool size 14 jacket! Flattering tailored fit that is extremely flattering. Fo...
Vintage Bill Blass Size 10 12 Black Chantilly Silk Satin Lace 1990s Evening Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 90s BILL BLASS black chantilly lace, silk and satin long sleeve evening gown ! Features nude chiffon under the bodice....
$971Sale Price|25% Off
Fabulous Bill Blass Sz 6 1990s Black and White Crochet Vintage 90s Sheath Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous 1990s BILL BLASS black and white ivory knee length sheath dress! White crepe body with hand embroidered black crochet overlay. Tailored bodice with a pencil fitting skirt. S...
NWT 1990s Bill Blass Size 10 Brown + Gold Alligator Vintage One Piece Swimsuit
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
New with tags (NWT) vintage 90s BILL BLASS one piece swimsuit or bodysuit! Features a chic alligator / crocodile flattering fit. Shades of brown, rust a...
1970s BILL BLASS Black Long Sleeve Silk 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 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 ...