Ensemble

Designer Bill Blass American

1975

Not on view

Bill Blass began his New York fashion career in 1946 working for Maurice Rentner where he gained notoriety for his elegant womenswear. In 1970 Blass purchased the company and renamed it Bill Blass Limited which he expanded to include numerous licenses, ranging from perfume and luggage to car models. Blass's legacy is that of impeccable and wearable sportswear for men and women, commonly utilizing camel hair and cashmere as seen here. This ensemble characterizes the American style for which Blass is remembered. The imitation bone buttons provide a twist on the classic blazer while picking up the color of the pants.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Title: Ensemble
Design House: Bill Blass Ltd. (American, founded 1970)
Designer: Bill Blass (American, Fort Wayne, Indiana 1922–2002 New Preston, Connecticut)
Date: 1975
Culture: American
Medium: cotton, wool, silk
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Bill Blass Ltd., 1976
Object Number: 2009.300.976a–f
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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