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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Bill Blass Glass Beaded Tiered Bib Necklace c 1970
By Bill Blass
Located in University City, MO
Bill Blass glass beaded tiered bib necklace c 1970 The stylish necklace is designed with three graduated rows of heavy gauge gilt metal chains Interspersed within the graduate...
Gilt Metal
Fine Untreated Apple-Green Chrysoprase Beaded Necklace 18"
Located in Chesterland, OH
The length of the necklace is 18 inches ( 45.7 cm). The size of the smooth, high-quality round beads is 13 - 14 mm. The color of this stone is apple-green. Authentic, natural color. No thermal or other mechanical treatments were used. The necklace is fastened with a very comfortable sterling silver clasp with a natural Chrysoprase...
Chrysophrase, Sterling Silver
$3,200
W 1.03 in L 1.66 in
Natural Kunzite Earrings Pair 2 Pieces Carved Drops Gemstone for Jewelry Making
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Weight: 178.15 Carats Size: 26x42 MM Pieces: 2 Strand: 1 Per Quantity Gemstone For Jewelry Making
Kunzite, Other
Long necklace with about 110 carats natural tanzanites, rubies and Tahiti pearls
By 15DEGREESLONDON
Located in Boostedt, SH
This necklace is a highlight just in the context of its meaning and the mutual support of the natural ruby with the tanzanite. The beads fit beautifully in color with this purple/red...
Vintage Qing Dynasty Jade Bead Necklace with 14K Gold Clasp, 18"
Located in Chesterland, OH
The jade beads on this necklace are undyed, untreated natural creamy honey tan jades of excellent quality. The jade beads are old. Each bead is cut and polished by hand. Presumably, the jade beads belong to the period of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). It's important to note that while the beads are very old, the necklace itself was assembled much later, as indicated by the use of a modern clasp. The tiny beads between the jade are solid 14K gold. The necklace is fastened with a vintage 14K gold clasp...
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold
16.5" Black Diamond (15.00ct) & South Sea Pearl Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A striking balance of contrast and glow. This necklace features faceted black diamond beads that shimmer with subtle intensity, accented by polished 14K yellow gold bead spacers and ...
Black Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Syna Multi-Colored Tourmaline Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold Syna necklace is compromised of luminous tourmaline beads in an array of colors, held together by hand-twisted wirework. The polished tourmaline cabochons are well-matc...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This vintage necklace is crafted in 14k white gold and features a delicate strand of 7.5mm pearls accented with 0.09tcw of diamonds. The diamonds add subtle sparkle, complementing th...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$865
W 0.6 in L 18.51 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Logo CD Graduated Spherical Beads Pearls Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Graduated Spherical Circle Round Beads Lustrous Faux Pearls Logo CD Crystals Necklace, Silver Plated Very good condition. High quality. 100% Genuine. M...
Silver Plate
20" Natural Black Diamond (45.00ct) Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A sleek expression of modern luxury. This strand features faceted round black diamond beads that catch the light from every angle, creating a refined play of brilliance. Accented wit...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Simulated Pearl Graduated Strand Necklace 18" - 10k Beads
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Simulated Pearls Cut: Beads Color: White Simulated Simulated Pearls Cut: Beads Color: White Simulated Simulated Pearls Cut: Beads ...
Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
Carved Carnelian Yellow Gold Enamel Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco carved carnelian and enamel handmade pendant necklace. Experience the luxury of timeless elegance. Two oval carved orange carnelians which are conntected by two 14k yellow gold enameled...
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Dangle Garnet Bead Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Red dangling Beads 008
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant Dangle Garnet Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Approx Weight 6.0 Grams Length approx 16' Inch Natural Garnet beads and Pear Shape/Tear drop Tear Drops Approx Size: 10 X 6 mm Round B...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold