Bill Blass Group facts for kids
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| Founded | 1970 |
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| Headquarters | New York, NY |
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Key people
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Bill Blass - Founder |
The Bill Blass Group is a fashion company that used to be called Bill Blass Limited. It was started by a famous American designer named Bill Blass. This company is known for its stylish clothing and accessories.
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The Start of Bill Blass Fashion
Bill Blass began his journey in fashion design in 1959. By 1960, his name started appearing on clothing labels. This happened after the company he worked for merged with another one called Maurice Rentner.
Bill Blass Limited is Born
In 1970, Bill Blass bought the company and renamed it Bill Blass Limited. This was a big deal because he was the first American designer to put his own name on his designs. He also launched a more affordable clothing line called Blassport in 1972.
Becoming a Famous Brand
Throughout the 1970s, Bill Blass Limited became very popular. Many famous people, like Jacqueline Kennedy and Gloria Vanderbilt, wore his designs. The brand grew to include many different products. You could find Bill Blass swimwear, furs, luggage, perfume, and even chocolate! By 1998, the company had many different products, from furniture to handbags.
Bill Blass Retires
Bill Blass decided to retire around 1998. His last collection as the head designer was shown in September 1999. He sold his company in 2000. After he retired, other designers took over. Michaele Vollbracht was the head designer from 2003 to 2007.
Bill Blass was known for making American sportswear look very fancy and modern. He understood what his customers wanted. His designs often used bright colors and fancy decorations. They also showed a relaxed American style.
The Bill Blass Group Today
In 2007, a company called Nexcen Brands bought Bill Blass Limited. After this, the company became known as the Bill Blass Group. New designers were brought in to create both women's and men's clothing.
New Owners and Designers
In 2008, Peacock International Holdings bought the Bill Blass Group. They planned to bring back the fancy, custom-made clothing line that had been stopped. Jeffrey Monteiro became the head designer, working until 2012. Over the years, several designers worked for the brand.
A New Direction
From 2014 to 2019, Chris Benz was the Creative Director. He admired Bill Blass as a truly original American designer. However, Chris Benz later left the company. The Bill Blass Group continues to be a part of American fashion history.
