bill blass

Bill Blass Closes

Filed under: Apparel

It's the end of an era as American classic brand Bill Blass is set to fold. Blass died in 2002 but his brand has gone on with several designers, most recently, Peter Som, who left the company in October. The company will close its showroom at 550 Seventh Avenue and eliminate about 30 remaining jobs there. The NY Times reports that the company has been selling samples from Mr. Blass's collections and Manolo Blahnik shoes that were used in runway shows, at discounts of 90 percent. His archives will be headed to Indiana University in Bloomington.

Fashion Week Daily adds that while the line has disappeared from the e-commerce sites of Bergdorf Goodman, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue, the collection is still available on the floors in their department stores for those who want a last blast of Blass.

Tags: bill blass, peter som, PeterSom

Bill Blass New York Extends Line to Include Luxe Capsule for Fall 08

by Tracy Chait (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

The team at Bill Blass New York has announced in a press release that it will extend its fall line to include a luxe capsule group. The limited edition pieces include made-to-order looks like a mink topper and a metallic python trench. Available only through Blass sales consultants, the niche collection is design director Jose Solis's opportunity to make use of unique detailing and rare fabrics.

Chief Merchandising Officer Rodney Hutton likens the collection to "buying right from the runway." The limited edition pieces from last fall's collection sold out immediately, so if you've been picturing yourself in that python trench ever since we mentioned it, you'd best be dialing up Blass HQ at (800) 901-7895 ext. 214 to find out about the next private trunk show in your area. Check out the gallery for images from the Bill Blass fall '08 runway show, designed by is-he-or-isn't-he Peter Som.

Gallery: Bill Blass Fall 08