Bill Blass Fall 1984 Beaded Fringe Bronze & Gold Cocktail Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (NA)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3435222006802
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: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label Black One Shoulder Long DressBy Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Los Angeles, CAExperience the timeless sophistication of Ralph Lauren Purple Label with this exquisite black one shoulder dress. Crafted from the finest material, this show-stopping piece is exudin...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
- Ralph Lauren Black Silk Chiffon Dress With Gold Braided StrapsBy Ralph LaurenLocated in Los Angeles, CATake a daring plunge into opulence with this Ralph Lauren Black Silk Chiffon, featuring luxe gold and black braided straps for a touch of grandeur. Embrace courage and style with the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Giorgio's of Beverly Hills Berry Boho DressBy Giorgio Beverly HillsLocated in Los Angeles, CAFeel the luxurious embrace of Giorgio's of Beverly Hills' Berry Boho Dress. Crafted with berry colored angel wings, ruffles, and a square neck, this dress is sure to add a touch of s...Category
1970s Evening Dresses
- Simin Couture One Shoulder with Black Stitching DressLocated in Los Angeles, CAMake a statement in the Simin Couture One Shoulder Dress. Featuring elegant black floral embroidery on white silk chiffon, this dress exudes sophistication. With its cutout sides and...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses
- Jane Marquis 1960's Style White Gown With TrainLocated in Los Angeles, CAWalk down the aisle in sophisticated elegance with the Jane Marquis 1960's Style White Gown With Train. Featuring classic lines and 1" straps, th...Category
1960s Wedding Dresses
- Atelier Versace Couture Metallic Gold Open Back DressBy Atelier VersaceLocated in Los Angeles, CAOur floor skimming Atelier Versace Couture dress is a stunning, one of a kind, piece of history to own for your next special occasion. This dress can be worn as an extremely unique bridal gown, or, the ultimate special occasion and red carpet gown. It features a halter neckline, plunging V-neck, and, open cross back. The dress is made from gold metal threading and crystal accents. Create a show...Category
1990s Evening Gowns
- Louis Feraud Vintage Circa 80's Velvet DressBy Louis FeraudLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLouis Feraud vintage circa 80's eggplant velvet dress with sashCategory
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Roger Freres Black Lace and Green Silk Taffeta Gown-10-Circa 70'sBy Roger FreresLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRoger Freres Black Lace and Green Silk Taffeta Gown - Sz 10 - Circa 70's Additional Measurements: Bust 40" Waist 30" Shoulder to Shoulder 16" Sleeve length 25" Length 59"Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- Vicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44. This beautiful dress is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous black lace over a white nylon blend, a built-i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Floral Detail On Back - 42By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Organza Floral Detail On Back - 42. This special gown is in excellent condition. This dress features a purple silk taffeta material...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Carolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4By Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4. This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It is short sleeved and has side ruching with rhinestone buttons ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Satin & Velvet Color Block Dress-Size 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Color-Block Dress - 8. This dress is in excellent condition and is long sleeved. The top part is velvet and the ...Category
1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns