Bill Blass Striped Sequined Top
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 19 in (48.26 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU443987943
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Multi tone Silk BlouseBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, multi-tone, patterned, silk peasant blouse, having an exaggerated, deep flounced neckline detail and full sleeves that bell at the wrists.Category
1980s French Blouses and Tops
- Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Collection TunicBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, RIve Gauche, red and black, chrysanthemum pattern tunic from his Chinese Collection. Tunic has button closure on the right shoulder.Category
1970s Tunics
- Yves Saint Laurent Patterned Silk Jacquard BlouseBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, rust/orange tone, silk jacquard printed, Lavalière, long sleeve blouse, C. late 70's.Category
1970s French Blouses and Tops
- Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé Printed Silk TunicBy Karl Lagerfeld for ChloeLocated in New York, NYKarl Lagerfeld, for Chloé, small patterned, brick red, peasant stye, tunic, in a light weight, crinkled silk, with 3/4 balloon sleeves and a tie at the neckline.Category
1970s French Tunics
- Oscar de la Renta Sequined and Chiffon GownBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in New York, NYOscar de la Renta, taupe colored, chiffon,gown with a bateau neckline, and a spiral, silver sequin overall pattern embellishment.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Samuel Winston Floral Pattern Dress C. 1960By Samuel WinstonLocated in New York, NYSamuel Winston, crinkled silk, impressionistic, soft tones, floral pattern, dress having a bateau neckline, cap sleeve, fitted bodice, and full gathered skirt. Tubular self belt ties...Category
1960s American Day Dresses
- Vintage Chanel Cream Silk Charmeuse Blouse w/Neckties & Pleated TrimBy Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Chanel cream silk charmeuse blouse with knife pleated trim at the neckties and sleeve cuffs. Features hidden button closures down center front and goldtone CC logo buttons at...Category
1980s French Blouses and Tops
- Etro 2000s Women’s Size 46 / US 10 12 Colorful Paisley Striped Y2K Silk BlouseBy EtroLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful never worn women’s ETRO early 2000s Y2K colorful paisley print long sleeve silk shirt blouse ! Features paisley prints in vibrant colors of purple, yellow, mint green, blue...Category
Early 2000s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Vintage Valentino Pink Silk BlouseBy ValentinoLocated in London, GBA pretty pink textured silk blouse by Valentino, Valentino Boutique. The blouse has a round neckline, with pleats on the front. The sleaves are tapered with zip openings. It has slit...Category
1980s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Vintage Yves Saint Laurent , Rive Gauche Floral TopBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in London, GBA pretty and easy to wear vintage top by Yves Saint Laurent , Rive Gauche . The top has a white background with a blue, grey and brown floral print. Size 36 Measurements: Bust up to ...Category
1980s French Blouses and Tops
- Dries Van Noten Ivory Button Front Short Sleeve TopBy Dries van NotenLocated in Los Angeles, CAResurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Dries Van Noten ivory top featuring an asymmetrical front, button front closure, and multi-c...Category
Early 2000s Belgian Shirts
- 1990s Betsey Johnson Rose Print Cotton Chiffon Semi Sheer Crop Top Mini DressBy Betsey JohnsonLocated in San Diego, CARare early 90s vintage BETSEY JOHNSON pink, ivory and green rose flower print cotton and chiffon crop top / mini dress ! Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Cotton/Lycra...Category
1990s American Crop Tops