Designer Spotlight: Bill Blass
Blass studied at Parsons School of Art and Design in New York, funded by his winnings from a Chicago Tribune dress design contest, and later by his commissioned sketches for Seventh Avenue garment houses. Blass’ career and education were interrupted by WWII, where he was assigned to US 603rd Camouflage Battalion, a part of the famous “Ghost Army” Allied collaboration known for their creative deception techniques.
After the war, Blass remained in New York, working under Anne Klein, Anna Miller, and Maurice Rentner. In 1970, Blass purchased and renamed Renter’s firm.
Blass achieved internationally recognition when he joined the American team of designers -consisting of Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Anne Klein with Donna Karan- that was to face off against the French team of designers -Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy- in the infamous “Battle of Versailles” fashion show.
Blass was well known for his couture take on sportswear. He would make traditional cuts in luxurious fabrics, with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. His opulent sportswear was unparalleled, and in pairing a cashmere cardigan with a silk gown, he found new innovative ways to mix it into his formalwear. Blass was also known to be very hands on with his business, lending his pieces for benefits, and touring and making appearances in department stores that were putting out his new lines.
Also in Adore MRS. Couture
Designer Spotlight: Madame Gres
Designer Spotlight: Roy Halston Frowick
Halston was thrown into the limelight when Jacqueline Kennedy wore his pillbox hat to John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Soon Halston expanded into women’s wear, creating both couture and ready-to-wear fashion catering to the fashionable and elite jet set. Halston also accepted the honor of designing the 1976 US Olympic team uniforms, redesigned Braniff Airlines’ uniforms in 1977, and created uniforms for the New York Police Department and the Girl Scouts in 1978.
Halston was innovative, using slinky knit material and ultrasuedes, and introducing a halter dress design that elongated a wearer’s silhouette. He pioneered the sensual and soft draped looks associated with disco and his beloved Studio 54.
