Bill Blass pleated silk black and tan stripe dress 1970s
View Similar Items
Bill Blass pleated silk black and tan stripe dress 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2844721681
Bill Blass
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.
- Vintage Valentino cream and black silk polka dot chiffon dress 1980sBy Valentino, Valentino GaravaniLocated in West Palm Beach, FLValentino, Miss V cream and black silk chiffon polka dot dress...Next to Valentino "red", navy and off white polka dots are a recurring theme in many of Valentino's designs...The simplicity of this dress will take it from casual to dressy with the addition of accessories, half the fun of dressing! Bateau neckline dress...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Hermes printed silk twill sheath dress 1970s 42By HermèsLocated in West Palm Beach, FLHermes printed silk twill sheath dress size 42 from the 1970s...Jewel neckline dress closes with zippers at either shoulder and a side zipper...Fully lined in silk...Beautiful navy g...Category
1970s French Sheath Dresses
- Carolyne Roehm black and white polka dot strapless dress and jacket 1990sBy Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm black and white silk polka dot strapless dress and jacket fro the 1990s. Fitted torso boned strapless dress has a double ruffle hem and closes at the back with a zipp...Category
1990s American Day Dresses
- Fendi Silky Black Jersey Pleated Bat Wing Turtle Neck Dress 40By FendiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLFendi silky black jersey pleated bat wing turtle neck dress marked size 40. Pull on stretch jersey dress has a turtle neck, long bat wing style, with pleats at the underside of the u...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Azzedine Alaia Rare Fall 1992 Brown & Green Argyle Knit Body Con Dress MediumBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAzzedine Alaia rare Fall 1992 brown & green argyle knit body con dress marked size medium. Silky rayon knit dress features a wide oval neckline with long tight sleeves. The body of ...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana Sheer Black & White Nylon Athleisure Over size Top & Maxi SkirtBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLDolce & Gabbana sheer black & white nylon athleisure oversize top & elastic waist gathered maxi skirt. Black lined in white top & skirt are sheer but not totally see through. Round ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Casual Dresses
- Adolfo Tropical Silk Jersey Strapless Dress with Half CapeletBy AdolfoLocated in New York, NYAdolfo strapless dress with bold green, indigo and white tropical floral print. Wonderfully tailored, with fitted bodice and draped open tulip front slit above the knee for movement...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- SAINT LAURENT BY HEDI SLIMANE 2014 Black Leather Mini DressBy Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThe most incredible leather mini-dress by Saint Laurent from 2014, designed by Hedi Slimane. This exceptional sleeveless mini dress is made from a soft lamb leather and features gor...Category
2010s French Mini Dress
- Vintage Dolce & Gabbana black mini dress with crystal trim details S/S1995By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBVintage Dolce & Gabbana black mini dress with crystal details S/S1995. The dress is in good condition just light signs of use around the crystals. ▪ Black rayon chiffon with lining ▪...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dress
$1,207 Sale Price48% Off - Genny Fall Winter 1994/95 Mini Dress Flared Sleeve Documented IT44 Small /MediumBy GennyLocated in Los Angeles, CAGenny Wool Minidress Documented Autunno-Inverno 1994/95 (Autumn Winter 94/95) Knee length Minidress/Shift dress Flared sleeve Bateau neckline A-line , structured shape Dark brown ...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dresses
- Nina Ricci 'Boutique' Paris Black and White Wool DressBy Nina RicciLocated in Sharon, CTOffering a Nina Ricci 'Boutique' 100% Wool Dress. Rolled collar and rolled hem. Fully lined.Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Yohji Yamamoto Black Leather Coat DressBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in Sharon, CTBeautiful avant garde leather and wool blend black outer coat dress.Category
Early 2000s Japanese Tunics and Wrap Dresses