bill blass
Fall 1977 Bill Blass Couture Full Pink Silk Satin Skirt & Black Top Dress Set
I am very pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity.
This gorgeous ball gown skirt and top set is a wonderful example of the work that Blass was doing in this time period. We were able to date it exactly with a family photo that my client shared with me. Additionally, a version of the skirt with a different top appeared in the September issue of Vogue that year on none other then Jerry Hall. The skirt is made out of a vivid hot pink silk satin that is edged in a wide black silk ribbon at the hem. The color in person is even better then how it photoed and has more depth and richness in real life. It has a detachable wide silk satin sash that has a large bow at the front and ties that trail almost to the hem of the skirt. The skirt is very full and I have styled it with a full length crinoline under the skirt for these shots (I also included a shot of it without so that you can see that it is still very full). The fullness that you see once it is sitting over the underskirt is all done through the way it is cut. The choice of the silk satin also helps it to hold the shape while still keeping it fairly light in weight. The top that goes with it is made out of a baby soft, light cashmere feeling wool that has a slight texture running through it. It is made with elastic through the waist which makes it insanely comfortable to wear. I love that you can wear it tucked in or with the hip peplum out and than add the belt for more shape to it regardless of which way you decide on. Each sleeve is very full and voluminous. The cuffs end in a ruffle of the same fabric for a wonderful effect. The neckline is finished with that same ruffle and at the back it hooks into place down a long slit opening that runs from the neck to about midway down the back. You could probably even wear the top the other way around if you preferred. The volume and drama of the three pieces worn all together is amazing. Having the three pieces also makes it so versatile as you can wear it all together for the full Blass look, or mix and match with other modern pieces from your wardrobe. It is beautifully made and wonderfully extravagant. Excellent condition
The top is unlined and the skirt fully lined in a matching colored silk. The skirt closes with a metal and nylon zipper and a hook & eye at the waist. The top slips on with elastic through the waist. It has hook & eye down the back and each cuff buttons to close with a fabric covered button and loop. The sash closes with hook and eye.
Top
Sleeves: approx 26" with no defined shoulder seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 14-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 24" from neck to hem and the elastic waist falls at approx 17"
Skirt
Waist: 13.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 46" from waist to hem
Matching cummerbund: 30" from end to end and the hooks could easily be moved up or down as needed
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# DD3284
Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1977 Bill Blass Presentation. / (3) Jerry Hall in Bill Blass, Vogue US, September 1977. Photo by Chris Von Wagenheim. / (4-6) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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