Bill Blass Glass Beaded Tiered Bib Necklace c 1970
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c 1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:University City, MO
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7361779593
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: University City, MO
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Opulent Art Deco Glass Beaded Sautoir Necklace ca 1930Located in University City, MOOpulent art deco glass beaded sautoir necklace ca 1930s The elegant necklace is embellished with tiny glass micro beads that create a rose mosai...Category
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
- Gorgeous Carved Serpentine Koi Fish Necklace with Enamel and Freshwater Pearls.Located in University City, MOThis piece is simply beautiful. The Koi fish is finely carved from celadon green serpentine and is paired with a matching carved serpentine dragon bead o...Category
Vintage 1980s Unknown Romantic Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsFreshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
- Chinese Export Vermeil Silver Enameled Dragon Fish Necklace. Apatite. 1980s.Located in University City, MOThis amazing Chinese necklace features an enameled Chiwen; also known as a dragon fish. The fish is made of nine separately hinged sections so she moves an...Category
Vintage 1980s Chinese Aesthetic Movement Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsVermeil
- Artisan Stone Turquoise Color Howlite Statement Necklace c 1990Located in University City, MOArtisan stone turquoise color howlite statement necklace c 1990s The massive necklace is designed with a collection of organic sliced smooth dyed turquoise color tiles The large sca...Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Artisan Beaded Necklaces
- Opulent Art Deco Crystal Drop Necklace c 1940sLocated in University City, MOOpulent Art Deco crystal drop chain necklace c 1940s The elegant necklace is embellished with brilliant faceted crystals that dangle from a delicate brass metal chain The tier...Category
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
- Italian Resin Beaded Bib Statement Necklace Designed by Pono c 1980sLocated in University City, MOItalian resin beaded bib statement necklace designed by Pono circa 1980s The unique large scale bib necklace is comprised of five strands of resin beads in various sizes & colors t...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces
- Navajo, Geometric, Elements, necklace, by Melanie Yazzie Kingman Turquoise beadsBy Melanie YazzieLocated in Santa Fe, NMNavajo, Geometric, Elements, necklace, by Melanie Yazzie, Kingman Turquoise beads Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, p...Category
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsTurquoise, Silver, Sterling Silver
- Morning Walker with Plants, Melanie Yazzie, necklace, cast sterling silver onyxBy Melanie YazzieLocated in Santa Fe, NMMorning Walker with Plants necklace, Melanie Yazzie cast sterling silver onyx Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, paint...Category
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsOnyx, Sterling Silver
- Butterflies necklace designed by Melanie A. Yazzie, Navajo, silver, onxy beadsBy Melanie YazzieLocated in Santa Fe, NMButterflies necklace designed by Melanie A. Yazzie, Navajo, silver, onxy beads Melanie A. Yazzie (Navajo-Diné) is a highly regarded multimedia artist known for her printmaking, pain...Category
2010s American Artist Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsOnyx, Sterling Silver, Silver
- Blue Beaded Murano glass fashion necklaceBy Paola B.Located in Dallas, TXMarine blue and sky blue Murano glass beads costume necklace. Unique, hand made by artist Paola B. in Venise, Italy, 2010s. The artist is a member of Venezia Vetro Acqua e Terra, and...Category
2010s Italian Artist Beaded Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Gold Murano Glass Beaded Fashion NecklaceBy Paola B.Located in Dallas, TXGold and yellow hues Murano glass beads costume necklace. Unique, hand made by artist Paola B. in Venise, Italy, 2010s. The artist is a member of Ve...Category
2010s Italian Artist Beaded Necklaces
- Black and Pearly Murano glass pendant necklaceLocated in Dallas, TXMurano glass pendant Black, Gold, Silver and Pearly White necklace, Italy 2000s. The Murano glass convex ornement is stamped: Murano glass. Excellent condition.Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces