1988 Bill Blass Runway Documented Green Silk Dress and Beaded Bolero
This incredible ensemble walked the runway for Bill Blass for the spring / summer 1988 collection and was worn by the super model Iman Bowie. Comprising a strapless dress and heavily embellished bolero jacket, it truly demonstrates the genius of one of America's best known talents.
The bolero is cut in a boxy, cropped waistcoat style. It is collarless and sleeveless and embellished all over. The beadwork is mesmerising and playful; it shows a pot of flowers, scattered chilli peppers and tomatoes and a vine detailed with blooms, all rendered in vibrant, expertly stitched beads and sequins. The bolero is lined in black satin for a comfortable luxurious wear. The dress is strapless and has a boned corset top. The bustier top is crafted from black linen with two horizontal stripes in red grosgrain ribbon. The red grosgrain at the waist is finished with a sash and large bow in deep plum purple grosgrain. The skirt is cut to a cocooning playful shape which finishes at the knee. This is rendered in emerald green silk satin and is also lined in green satin to create volume. The colours of the gown are picked out from the bolero and complement it perfectly. The dress fastens at the back with a hidden tonal black zip and hook-and-eye clasp. The original label remains featuring the iconic Bill Blass script.
This piece is in excellent archival vintage condition. We noted only the tiniest pull at the bottom of the zip at the rear of the dress. Labelled a US 10, this is very small in modern sizing and no evidence of alterations are noted. We think this would best suit up to a UK size 10 or US 6.
Notes on Designer: William Ralph Blass was an American fashion designer and head of fashion house Bill Blass. The label was beloved by American high society during the 1970s and 1980s, being worn by individuals such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Kissinger and Gloria Vanderbilt.
MEASUREMENTS DRESS
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
HIP -50 in. (127 cm)
LENGTH - 32 in. (81 cm)
MEASUREMENTS BOLERO
BUST - 38 in. (97 cm)
WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 15 in. (38 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
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F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
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