Vintage 80s Bill Blass Pink Silk Fantasia Cocktail Dress

Collectibles : Vintage : Women's Clothing : Dresses

 

Vintage 80s silk cocktail or early evening dress from American master Bill Blass is nothing short of a wearable work of art. A textile masterpiece all by itself, the hand-dyed silk of the blouson top combines a controlled explosion of lush, dappled color with intricate, fluid pleats which fall from the neckline to the dropped waist. The bodice colors (fuchsia, lilac, peachy-orange, wine, and gold) shade to a deeper, umber-ground palette on the voluminous, sheer chiffon dolman sleeves, which are cuffed with the same charmeuse-finish silk as on the bodice. Self fabric buttons run down the back and fasten each cuff.

A wine satin band with off-center bow accents and defines the dropped waist, which yields to a straight skirt with alternating bands of chameuse (mottled fuchsia, blue and pale gold) with “stripes” of sheer, matching chiffon. The bodice is lined (neck to waist) in umber-brown crepe.

Label reads “BILL BLASS”; no size or fabric tags. Due to the loose, unfitted style of the blouson (ie “free” bust and waist measurements), sizing this is a bit tricky; best guide is probably to compare the hip measurement with your own: The sash (meant to sit on the high hip), measures 36” around, and 2 inches lower than that (the mid-hip measurement) is 38”. Shoulders are approzimately 15.5”; sleeves are 24”, and length is 41”. This is roughly comparable to a modern size 8. This outstanding example of design from an American fashion legend is in excellent condition.

Item ID: jn2