Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re-launched it under his own name. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with luxurious materials and his evening wear in particular seemed to have a way of flattering the wearer. Even when the dress was as bold as this one is. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is an early piece of his work and with its glamorous metallic fabric it is just fantastic.

I love these pieces made out of metallic fabrics from the seventies and when a designer like Bill Blass got his hands on it the results were just magical. This feels very on par with the volume we are seeing on current runways but it is better as you will likely never see another one like it. The fabric has a gold metallic thread running through it and then there is a pink and taupe floral print that is screened over the creamy gold feeling base. The gold thread runs over the entire dress so it has a subtle shimmer from every angle. The bodice of the dress is finished with elastic around the upper edge so that you can wear it off of the shoulder. I love that this leaves your shoulders bare and exposed. This also allows the sleeves to take centre stage and they do. They are wonderfully full and pouf out over their elastic cuffs. The bust skims over you and then nips in at the waist. The dress comes with its original belt that is studded with little iridescent half dome beads set on a gold backdrop. This cinches in the waist and adds an extra bit of detailing. The skirt is cut to be very full and wide. At its current length it will likely fall to mid-calf to ankle depending on your height and there is fabric underneath to lengthen it if needed. It is a really an outstanding piece and beautifully constructed. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep ivory cream silk and closes with a hand set back metal zipper. The belt snaps to close and someone has added an extra pair of snaps at some point to be able to make it smaller. There is a good 6" of fabric turned up at the hem if you needed more length, however, there is a seam at the hem so that stitched line would still be there if you dropped the length. Elastic through the shoulders and cuffs. You can wear it on the shoulder as well 

Sleeves: 21" and will sit longer if worn off the shoulder
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14.5" from natural shoulder to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem w approx 6" under the hem as described above
Belt: adjusts from 26-29"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3904

Reference Photo: 1969-70 Maurice Rentner by Bill Blass Ad. Model: Pam Suthern.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.