1970's Bill Blass Spring Green Lattice Work Evening Gown
View Similar Items
1970's Bill Blass Spring Green Lattice Work Evening Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 62 in (157.48 cm)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:100% polyester
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3481417263
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.
- ROBERTO CAVALLI Embellished Blue Sequin Evening Gown Long Dress US 2 4 / IT 40By Roberto CavalliLocated in Goshen, KYSize: Italian 40 (US 2/4) Brand: Roberto Cavalli Color: Cobalt Blue Season: 2013 Collection Composition: Silk ; Lined Features: Embellished detail throughout Plunge neck Slight tra...Category
2010s Evening Gowns
- Vintage 1960's Aqua Beaded Lace Dress UK 10-12 US 6-8Located in Cheltenham, GBThis mesmerising 1960's aqua coloured dress, embellished with a pale blue overlay of floral lace, which is in turn decorated with pearlescent glass beads, iridescent sequins and pearls, is the perfect statement piece for your cocktail wardrobe. The high collared neckline is fully embellished with pearlescent glass beads and scattered pearlescent plastic beads, which set off the neckline and triangular collar feature along the top of the bodice.The simple shoulder line, sets off the sleeveless cut. The fitted bodice boasts tailored darts along the bust-line and a cinched in waistline. The elegant long-line of the skirt, is finished with a side slit along the right hand side side seam. The lace base of the dress is fully embellished with and accented by pearlescent glass beads and iridescent sequins, completing this dress in an iconic silhouette. This dress is fully like in aqua colour nylon. Label: None Measurements Of The Dress Armpit to Armpit: up to 36 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 15 inches Shoulder to Hem: 55 inches Waist: up to 30 inches Hips: up to 36 inches Fastenings: 19 inch metal zip and two hook and eyes Size: UK 10-12 US 6-8 Condition: The dress is in near perfect vintage condition. Light bead loss along the high collar edges of the dress. Light yellowing along the armpits of the dress. Light and gentle beadwork loss throughout the length of the dress . Gentle beadwork loss along the hemline. These minor details are not apparent when the dress is being worn and only noticeable upon closer inspection. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the condition report. Fastenings: This dress fastens to the back with a 20.5 inch metal zip and a hook and eye Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned Fabric: Nylon lining, glass beads, pearlescent sequins, plastic pearlised beads, lace Vintage garments have been previously worn and lovingly cared for, they may however have a blemish or two. Here at Willow Hilson...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Ice Blue Chiffon and Lace Pleated Dress UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBAn eye-catching piece to behold this original 1960's dress, rendered in a blue floral lace which is in turn embellished with blue pearlescent beads, small pale blue glass bead and si...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- Alexander McQueen S/S 2010 "Plato's Atlantis" Aquatic Alien Hybrid Print DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Chicago, ILDesigned by Alexander McQueen for the spring/summer 2010 collection, titled "Plato's Atlantis". This collection envisioned a future of human reversion to an animal state, how life wo...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Versace Jeans Snakeskin Jersey DressBy Versace Jeans CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAFeel like a queen in this Jersey fabric, Versace Jeans Couture Snakeskin Jersey Dress. Perfect for summer, and most occasions - this colorful animal print with cut out shoulders Jers...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Tam Blue Sheer Maxi DressBy Vivienne TamLocated in Waterford, MIBlue sheer maxi gown. Short sleeve. Lined. *Condition: excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— Shoulder to Shoulder...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns