Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. This has a similar feel to a dress I had in the shop a few years back that dated to 1971 and I suspect that this is from that same time period. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer. Even when the dress was as extravagant as this one is, he knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is the type of piece that you are only ever going to find in vintage.

This very early piece of his work and with its glamorous fabric and that dramatic feather collar I think it is some of his very best work ever. The dress is stunning and besides the actual beauty of it as a dress, the fabric is one of the best textiles I have ever seen. It is a soft light weight wool or wool mix and it is printed with a tremendously beautiful lion print that runs across its entire surface. Where the print sits on the front bodice it has been beaded to follow the print underneath. It is a subtle addition that you noticed the closer you get, but it is there and gives the dress the most amazing added tactile sensation. To offset the texture and extravagance of the print on that fabric, the actual lines of the dress are fairy simple. The bodice skims over the bust to the seamed waist that is slightly high. the sleeves are long and straight with a little notch at the end of each cuff. The neckline is high and scooped. The skirt falls from the waist to the floor in a gentle widening line. The neck is, of course where all of the true drama of the peace resides. Here we see that gorgeous feathered collar in all its glory. The collar is attached and the feathers on the collar have been hand dyed to match the colours of the dress. The effect is amazing and it is even better on person and on an actual body as all the elements really come to life. It is really one of the most dramatic pieces ever done by him. A true collectors piece. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a creamy silky rayon and closes with the back zipper. The feathers are stable and show no shedding. The bead work on the front is all done by hand. Ribbon edge inner hem and hand finishing throughout.

Sleeves: 22" and are 11" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from neck to waist
Total length: 57" from neck to hem with 2" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4973

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