Not Your Mother’s Bill Blass

May 30, 2008

Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the former Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.

Bill Blass NY: Green Leaf Dress“It’s not your mother’s Bill Blass.” This was my first thought as I perused the Bill Blass New York line at a private trunk show last week. Cristina Schwartz, a sales representative for the iconic line, invited me to view the collection at her lovely Carmel Valley home. I hadn’t seen any Bill Blass styles for many years, so I didn’t know what to expect, but wanted to check out the famous designer’s current endeavor. Let me tell you, it is fabulous. It was hard to concentrate on my interview with Cristina when all I wanted to do was try on several gorgeous pieces!

Bill Blass New York is not sold in retail stores. The line is sold only by independent sales consultants that hold seasonal trunk shows and fashion shows. They do four collections each year, and in my opinion, they have something to offer for every age.

Bill Blass New York is a bridge or secondary line, (the couture line can be found at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue) but it is definitely designer quality. The fabrics are amazing and the details are beautifully unique. The colors of the spring and summer lines are incredibly vibrant and gorgeous. Jose Solis, the design director, grew up in Miami, Florida. He worked under Anne Klein and Ralph Lauren and designed for Emanuel Ungaro and Oscar de la Renta. He says, “Growing up in Miami, it was all about color and in my Cuban culture, it is all about feminine clothing.” Jose’s style for the Bill Blass New York collection is classically modern and timeless, yet relevant and feminine. He wants this line to appeal to mothers and their daughters-this maintains the legend of the Bill Blass name while keeping it updated.

Bill Blass is known as one of the great American designers enjoying more than five decades of success. His design lines included clothing, swimwear, luggage, perfume and even chocolate, and his clothing was always known for being comfortable yet fashionable. According to the New York Times, “He took American sportswear to its highest level, giving it a clean, modern, impeccable style. He probably, more than any designer, knew his customer and understood her.”

Bill Blass NY: Black Shorts Bill Blass NY: Floral Sarong Bill Blass NY: Butter Stripe Top

Here are 12 things you (probably) didn’t know about Bill Blass:

  1. Bill Blass was recognized by Women’s Wear Daily as one of the top 10 most recognized brand names.
  2. He was the first to invent the trunk show.
  3. He was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
  4. He started his own company in 1970.
  5. He helped pay his way through fashion school by selling his sketches for $25.
  6. Mr. Blass personally designed his last collection in the year 2000.
  7. He served in WWII in a secret army unit.
  8. Bill Blass was the first designer to brand his name on a variety of products including the 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV.
  9. He has a room named after him at the New York Public Library.
  10. He thought his legacy would be his famous meatloaf recipe.
  11. In 1999, Bill Blass sold his company, Bill Blass Limited, for $50 million.
  12. Mr. Blass passed away in 2002, at 80 years old, after a two year battle with throat cancer. Ever the philanthropist, he left half of his estate to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Bill Blass NY: Mango Dress Bill Blass NY: Iris Blouse & Teak Faille Skirt Bill Blass NY: Sleeveless Black Matte Jersey
Bill Blass NY: Sea-blue Mornengo Dress According to www.BillBlassNewYork.com, the Bill Blass name has always been synonymous with American style. Bill Blass New York brings this heritage to us today through private trunk shows, hosted by extensively trained sales consultants such as Cristina Schwartz. To see this lovely, sophisticated sportswear collection, please call Cristina at (858) 344-6585 to make an appointment

INSIDE SCOOP: Check out fresh new creations and the latest summer fashions by TRE Clothing and Paradise Grille in Del Mar at a special fashion show and luncheon on Friday, June 6 at 11:30. This annual event, which is sure to sell out, features a raffle drawing as well as a special discount packet for every guest. Proceeds go to the Jenna Druck Foundation’s Young Women Leadership Program. Tickets are $50 per person and reservations are required. Call (858) 350-0808 for more information.