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)