Printed silk cocktail dress with beaded neckless and cuff Bill Blass
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Length: 40.95 in (104 cm)Marked Size: L (US)Bust: 40.16 in (102 cm)Waist: 39.38 in (100 cm)Hip: 39.38 in (100 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 23.63 in (60 cm)
- Style:Circa 1960 (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Zip in the middle back.
- Condition:Cuff diameter = 24 cm.
- Seller Location:Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
- Reference Number:
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: SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Christian Dior printed chiffon long dressBy Christian DiorLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRChristian Dior vintage long dress in multicoloured printed chiffon with matching stole sewn with multicoloured swan stripes. Marc Bohan for Christian Di...Category
1970s French Cocktail Dresses
- Chanel vintage chiffon cocktail dressBy Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRVintage printed chiffon and gold chain bustier cocktail's dress with Chanel "boutique" label Back width = 40cm French Size 40Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- Off-white bustier wedding dress with furs on the waist Lillie RubinBy Lillie RubinLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FROff-White bustier evening ( or wedding) dress with furs on the waist. Boned. Zip and hook&eye in the middle back. Hook&eye on the furs in the middle back...Category
Early 20th Century American Wedding Dresses
- Pale pink evening dress with beadwork zip and rhinestone MargaretsLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRPale pink evening dress with embroideries and rhinestone. SIZE L (Fr 40)Category
1960s Hong Kong Evening Dresses
- Evening dress in pink and white flowers printed jacquard with shawl André LaugBy André LaugLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FREvening dress in pink and white flowers printed jacquard with shawl. Wrap skirt. Pink Organza ruffles on the edge of the shawl. Show piece. Number...Category
1980s Italian Evening Dresses
- Circa 1960's cocktail dress in silver lurex and jewelry buttons EresLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRCirca 1960's cocktail dress in silver lurex and jewelry buttons. Silk and organza lining. SIZE MCategory
1960s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- Extremely Rare Mariano Fortuny Cotton DelphosBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis extraordinarily rare dress is made of finely pleated white cotton. Few cotton pleated Fortuny dresses have been documented and survived.
Named after a Greek clas...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Vintage 1950's Howard Greer Lace and Rhinestone Embellished Dress UK 8 US 4By Howard GreerLocated in Cheltenham, GBThis magnificent 1950's Chantilly lace and silk dress, in a palette of cream lace and apricot silk lining, accented by claw set silver rhinestones, this Howard Greer dress is a rare ...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Versace Heritage Legging in Dark Orchid & Sun Baroque Print SZ 38By VersaceLocated in PUTNEY, NSWVersace Medusa Renaissance print leggings A colourful take on Versace's signature Greek-inspired motif, the Medusa Renaissance is present throughout the house's SS22 collection, as s...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Pale Pink Organza Silk Embroidered Sleeveless Dress XLBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Elegant and simply breathtaking, this Oscar de la Renta creation is an absolute masterpiece. It has been crafted from pure silk organza and comes in a lovely shade of pale pink. This...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roberto Cavalli Multicolor Printed Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress MBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Add an element of elegance to your summer outfit by wearing this gorgeous dress from Roberto Cavalli. This dress can be matched with statement accessori...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Theory Cream Cashmere Knit Open Front Long Cardigan SBy TheoryLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2From the label Theory, this well-made long cardigan is a must-have in your wardrobe. This cream creation is styled with long sleeves, an open front, and a fine neckline. Tailored fro...Category
2010s European Evening Dresses and Gowns