Bill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and then 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. He knew how to walk that line perfectly. This is a very chic and sexy example of his work from this time period and it is even better in person. 

The dress is made out of a feather light silk chiffon that is bias cut and backed in a second layer of silk that has the same pretty print over its surface. This layering of the print creates a really pretty depth and added dimension to the dress. Both layers are cut on the bias and the layers float over each other perfectly to drape over the body. It is incredible. The dress is as light as a feather and feels like heaven once on the body. The dress curves over the shoulders and the neckline plunges down between the breasts with a pretty ruffle following the neckline. The back has the same V and ruffle treatment. It cleverly closes at the base of the V and you could probably wear this either way around. It skims over the bust and then from there the dress falls in an extravagant swoosh to the floor with an easy cut over the waist and hips. The bias cut lets it drape over the body underneath but at the same time it feels insanely comfortable on because the fabric weighs ounces. I have added a taupe grosgrain ribbon at the waist to cinch it in more but also shot it without so you could see that as well. It works either way. The skirt widens out as it nears the floor and there are extra long draping panels that extend past the hemline for the perfect and prettiest finish. Excellent condition. 

Made from a layer of silk chiffon topping an inner silk layer as described above. It closes with a hidden set zipper. The ribbon at the waist is not original to the dress but will be included. The bias cut has some give and the comfortable range of measurements are listed below. The dress appears to have been worn very little if at all.

Bust: 18-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 62" from the top of the shoulder to actual hem and then the panels extend up to 12" beyond that

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD4823

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