1960s Bill Blass Metallic Jacquard + Fox Fur Coat
View Similar Items
1960s Bill Blass Metallic Jacquard + Fox Fur Coat
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: XS-M (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Yucca Valley, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU407476292
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.
- Chanel 2004 Limited Edition Runway Hooded Leather Sport Biker Jacket M US8 FR 40By ChanelLocated in Miami, FLRare Chanel 2004 Limited Edition CC Runway Hooded Leather Sport Biker Jacket Size: Medium, US8, FR40 As seen on runway and Victoria Beckham (with white piping) Soft black lambskin...Category
Early 2000s Italian Jackets
- Mens Aviator Shearling Jacket in Brown - Size 40 UKBy Verheyen LondonLocated in London, GBAviator mens shearling jacket - Size uk 40 (medium) This is the classic aviator mens shearling jacket. Handmade in London, made with 100% Ita...Category
2010s Flight Jackets
- Gucci Macro GG Diamond Wool JacketBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZAmazing 100% wool Gucci jacket in Gucci's iconic GG monogram. Featuring a central zipper, side pockets, and ribbed cuffs at the sleeves completed by a nylon windbreaker style hood wh...Category
2010s Italian Coats
- Missoni Vintage Multicolor Oversized CoatBy MissoniLocated in Scottsdale, AZGive it up for the most amazing vintage Missoni coat! From the 1980's, in great condition, this is ready for a new home. This highly textured and ultra-plush coat...Category
1980s Italian Coats and Outerwear
- Chanel Wool Beige Tweed Long CoatBy ChanelLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis highly-tailored Chanel dream will leave you feeling your best! If you are not one who likes to be swallowed by your winter-wear, this is the perfect coat for you! Vintage from t...Category
Early 2000s French Coats and Outerwear
- John Anthony Black Sequin JacketBy John AnthonyLocated in Scottsdale, AZSnag this beautiful piece of John Anthony today! This is a very rare one of a kind and unique find that you need in your wardrobe! Zoom in on this jacket to not miss the intricate details. This is a highly textured black satin material is covered in beautiful black beading. It has a mock-neck collar with an optional hook closure, a mid-length, and a 3/4 arm length with wide sleeves. Pair this great jacket with Louis Vuitton heels, and a Balenciaga dress with an interesting and modern silhouette. About the designer: John Anthony founded John Anthony, Inc in 1971 after attending Academia delle Belle Arti in Rome, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He had high-profile clients like the wives of U.S. presidents, including Betty Ford...Category
1980s Italian Jackets