1970s Bill Blass Taupe V Neck Jersey Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 4/6 (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU42617577792
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beverly Hills, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Dolce Gabbana Herringbone Wool CoatBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Beverly Hills, CA90s Dolce Gabbana Herringbone wool coat lined in silk. fit size 4/6. Marked size 42 italianCategory
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
- 1970s Silk Jersey Multi Color Abstract Print Maxi dressLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Multi Color ( purple, pink, blue , and yellow ) abstract print silk jersey dress with long sash. Dress can be worn 2 way see pictures attached. You can style it as Halter dres...Category
1970s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Ted Lapidus grey silk plissè halter dressBy Ted LapidusLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Ted Lapidus grey silk plissè halter summer dress with panel at the back. drop waist style. Bust: 34 Waist: 30" small - mediumCategory
1970s French Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1970s GUCCI Creme and Blue Plaid Linen 70s Day DressBy GucciLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage 1970s Gucci creme and blue plaid linen dress. Bust: 36"/ Waist: 32"/ Hip: 36"/ Length: 42"Category
1970s Italian Casual Dresses
- 1970s Bill Tice Purple and White Striped One Shoulder Silk DressBy Bill TiceLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Bill Tice one shoulder purple and white striped one shoulder silk dress. Perfect for summer. Bust: 34, Waist: 25"Category
1970s American Casual Dresses
- 1970s Purple Multi Color Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress with Blouse SetBy Nieman MarcusLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Neiman Marcus made in france Floral print in purple, yellow, green and orange Silk crepe 2 pcs spaghetti strap dress with blouse. Size: 4 for Dress/ Blouse fit size 6-8 Measure...Category
1970s French Maxi Dress
- DOLCE & GABBANA - Vintage Rose Pink Silk Satin Sleveless Dress | Size 2US 34EUBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Cuggiono, MIIt is a pre-owned Dolce & Gabbana midi dress in pastel rose-pink, featuring a pleated half-circle skirt, a scoop neckline, two side pockets and a zip on the back side with hook-and-e...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Sass & Bide Silk Crepe 3 Way Maxi Harness Bustier Dress AU 8 US 2Located in PUTNEY, NSWDress Crepe Embellished Contrasting trims SilkCategory
Early 2000s Australian Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Lilac & Gold Lurex Keyhole Dress UK 12-14 US 8-10Located in Cheltenham, GBA classic silhouette rendered in a lilac cotton weave with a gold lurex thread geometric woven pattern, this eye-catching 1960's dress is just the piece for your cocktail wardrobe. The stylised rounded mandarin collar is framed by a simple shoulder line and a sleeveless cut. The detailed bodice is accented by three teardrop shaped keyhole features along the front of the neckline. The fitted bodice is accented tailored darts along the bust-line and a fitted waistline. The timeless A line cut of the skirt, completes this dress in an iconic 1960's silhouette. Label: None Measurements of the Dress: Armpit to Armpit: up to 36 inches Shoulder to Hem: 52 inches Waist: up to 32 inches Hips: up to 41 inches Fastenings: This dress fastens with a 21 inch plastic zip and two hook and eyes along the nape Size: UK 12-14 US 8-10 Condition: This dress is in perfect vintage condition, with very gentle wear to the fabric along the back of the collar. Washing instructions: This garment should be dry cleaned Fabric: lurex woven thread, cotton 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 1950's Pink Swirling Satin & Tulle Dress UK 6 US 2Located in Cheltenham, GBThis iconic 1950's dress, rendered in layers of pink tulle, with delicate circular satin details, is just the piece for that special occasion. The strapless cut of the dress, featu...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 2003FW Gianni Versace runway gownBy Gianni VersaceLocated in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZHIntroducing a breathtaking masterpiece: the mesmerizing purple Gianni Versace gown, expertly crafted by the visionary designer Donatella Versace. This remarkable creation hails from ...Category
Early 2000s Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Blumarine, Strapless draped dressBy BlumarineLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLBlumarine, Strapless draped dress in grey. This item is new - unworn. With zipper on the side • CONDITION: new - unworn • SIZE: IT40 - XS • MEASUREM...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns