I am very pleased to begin presenting a collection of Bill Blass pieces from a woman who was a close personal friend of Mr. Blass for many years. Many of these pieces were custom made or tweaked specifically for her and all of them are in exquisite condition, having been stored and cared for properly over the years. These are rare and hard to find example of his work from the late 1970s and into the 1980s. Some may be the only version of its kind that were made. The family would also like it to be known that their portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to charity.

This stunning suit is made from a light silk lame that has a leopard print covering the surface of both pieces. This gives it a lovely exotic feel to it. Both pieces have a golden, metallic sheen from the fine gold lurex that runs through the silk. I love the colors that have been used on the leopard print. It combines a startling red and purple worked into the spots that are set on shades of green and then topped with the gold. The jacket is sleekly constructed with padded shoulders and long sleeves. The body of the jacket curves in slightly at the waist and then flares out above the hip. Little slash pockets sit on either side and flat gold buttons run down the front. Each sleeve is finished with three more flat gold buttons. The quality of the piece shows in that those button holes are all properly finished and the buttons are functional buttons on the sleeves as well, not just decorative. Each pocket has the same care put into its construction. The skirt wraps and hooks to close. It is unlined and this creates a feeling of weightless and a contrast to the structure of the jacket. It also leaves a long, high opening along one side so you see some leg when you sit or walk. The final perfect finish is the red silk lining of the jacket that gives a starling contrast when you see it. Excellent condition

The jacket is fully lined in a red silk and the skirt is unlined. The skirt warps to close and hooks and snaps into place. You could easily move these to adjust the waist as required. The jacket buttons to close. It looks to have been worn very little if at all

Jacket
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from waist to hem

Skirt
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam, but will open more
Length: 43" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3258

Reference Photo: (1-4) Fall 1989 Bill Blass Runway.  /  (5) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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