A Group of Bill Blass and Bill Blass for Maurice Retner Dresses and Suits, 1960s-1980s

Sold to benefit the Art Acquisition Fund at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfield.

The first; a Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner black sleeveless dress with knot detail at neck, pleated skirt, and back zip closure.
Label: Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner

The second; a Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner cropped beige linen jacket with front button closure and decorative buttoned panels at side waist.
Label: Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner

The third; a Bill Blass off-white day dress with black pin dot and brown polka dot print, pleated short sleeves, pleated skirt, banded panel from mid to low waist, and back button and snap closure.
Label: Bill Blass

The fourth; a Bill Blass suit consisting of a collarless glen check coat with three slit pockets at hip and front button closure, together with a houndstooth pencil skirt with vent at back hem and side zip closure.
Coat label: Bill Blass
Coat label size: 10
Skirt unlabeled.

The fifth; a Bill Blass suit consisting of a grey tweed oversized coat with dolman sleeves, single-welt pockets and front button closure, together with a pair of houndstooth narrow straight leg pants with front pleats, side seam pockets, and side zip closure.
Coat label: Bill Blass
Pants label: Bill Blass
Pants size label: 8

Approximate Flat Measurements Across the Front:

BLACK DRESS
Bust: 17.5"

Waist: 14.5"

Hips: 19"

Length (from underarm): 30.75"

BEIGE JACKET
Bust: 19"

Shoulder: 16.75"

Sleeve: 19.75"

Waist: 17.5"

Length (from underarm): 8"

POLKA DOT DRESS
Bust: 17.5"

Shoulder: 16.25"

Sleeve: 9.25"

Waist: 13.5"

Hips: 17.75"

Length (from underarm): 29.75"

COLLARLESS COAT
Bust: 21"

Shoulder: 17"

Sleeve: 23.5"

Waist: 21"

Hips: 21.5"

Length (from underarm): 24"

HOUNDSTOOTH SKIRT
Waist: 13"

Hips: 17"

Length (from underarm): 23"

DOLMAN SLEEVE COAT
Bust: 24"

Shoulder: 23" to ends of shoulder pads

Sleeve: 21.75" from shoulder pad

Waist: 25"

Hips: 25.5"

Length (from underarm): 36"

HOUNDSTOOTH PANTS
Waist: 13"
Hips: 18"

Length: 42.5" from waist

Inseam: 31"

Condition:
BLACK DRESS: Very good condition, thread loops at waist for belt but no belt included.
BEIGE JACKET: Very good condition, light yellowing to edge of back of collar, two pinhead-sized spots of soiling to upper back.
POLKA DOT DRESS: Very good condition. One small spot of soiling inside a pleat in front of skirt.
COLLARLESS COAT: Very good condition. Three pinhead-sized repairs to textile at midback.
HOUNDSTOOTH SKIRT: Very good condition. One area of soiling on lining near back vent.
DOLMAN SLEEVE COAT: Very good condition, with no visible condition issues.
HOUNDSTOOTH PANTS: Very good condition, with no visible condition issues.

The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. As everything is sold 'as is', we suggest that you request a more detailed condition report and additional photo. This can be obtained via the INQUIRE button or by email at [email protected]. Condition is a matter of opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Michael Hall

Cataloguer, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312 280 1212

Beatrice Levine

Account Executive

[email protected]312 280 1212

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Haute Couture & Luxury Fall Fashion (Online Only)

A Group of Bill Blass and Bill Blass for Maurice Retner Dresses and Suits, 1960s-1980s

Sold to benefit the Art Acquisition Fund at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfield.

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