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.
1990s Bill Blass Size 12 Black Crepe Keyhole Racerback Vintage 90s Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
This perfect vintage little black dress was designed by none other than BILL BLASS! Features a flattering fit that has some stretch. Keyhole detail above the bust. Racer back design ...
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 Marked Size: 6 Estimated Size: S-M ...
1990s Bill Blass Size 6 8 Black Silk Lace Cut Out Vintage 90s Long Sleeve Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and classic vintage early 1990s BILL BLASS black silk and lace cut-out dress ! This is not just your ordinary everyday black dress--this one is very special! Features sheer...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Bill Blass Dress with Circle Insets 1980s
By Bill Blass
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black dress from Bill Blass. It has long sleeves with zipper wrists and a subtle A line skirt. It is semi fitted with large silk circular insets on each side waist match...
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...
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...
1970s Bill Blass Black + Ivory Camellia Flowers Open Back Vintage 70s Gown Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational early 1970s BILL BLASS black and ivory camellia flower open back long sleeve silk taffeta 70s gown! Features a fitted high neck bodice with an ope...
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 ...
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 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 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...
Gorgeous Bill Blass Couture Vintage 1970s Royal Blue Silk Satin Belted 70s Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage BILL BLASS Couture royal blue silk satin dress! This gem was completely hand-sewn, and is numbered. Features a fitted bo...
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 Black & White red striped baby doll dress W/ pockets, 1980s Size 4
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. The bodice is a knit, the skirt is a heavier Taffeta Silky Material. Bill Blass tag and Bergdorf Goodman labels. There are some marks on the skirt, the one in the front is basically hidden behind the pleat . Measuring Up to 36 inch bust----Up to 25 inch waist ---Hips open ---37.5 inch down the front. Size 4. 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.
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 ...
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....
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...
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...
Bill Blass by Michael Vollbracht Black and White Lace Tulip Hem 2000s Dress
By Bill Blass, Michaele Vollbracht
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant and rare early 2000s BILL BLASS by MICHAEL VOLLBRACHT black and white lace cocktail dress. This is an extra special piece, as Michael Voll...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
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”
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...
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...
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:...
1970s Bill Blass Pink Metallic Sequin Long Sleeve Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 70s Bill Blass Pink Metallic Sequin Long Sleeve gown. Zipper at the back. Some missing sequins but not significant. Bust: 36 inches Size: SM-MED
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...
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
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...
Bill Blass Navy and White Polka Dot Dress with Navy and White Striped Trim
By Bill Blass
Located in New Hope, PA
This charming Bill Blass dress has a wonderful combination of patterns and shapes. The dress is navy and white silk polka dots, edged with diagonal and vertical striped navy and whi...
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...
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...
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 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...