Bill Blass Suit - Deer Antler Buttons and Mohair?

[Helen Siwak]

Hello Everyone, I am new here and loving the information available! I have been collecting vintage items for my online store. Would like some help dating this Bill Blass 2 piece suit. I believe it is a mohair blend with deer antler buttons. The lining is incredibly silky soft and handstitched. The skirt has a ribbon that snaps around the waist and gives the skirt the feeling of floating. It is fantastically gorgeous. If it fit I would adore wearing it but much too big. Help me get the information needed to get this set on a woman who will love it too! Best wishes, Helen

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Nice suit - does it have shoulder pads? I think it's from the early '90s but if you can show close ups of each of the three labels it will help.

I wonder if the "floating" waistband was added so that a smaller person could wear the skirt? It doesn't look or sound original, is it hand sewn in?

I agree with horn for the buttons, but can't be sure of the fabric - is that a fabric label that I see above the union one?

 

[pastperfect2]

That Union label is 1974 - 1995, so that's one time span. He did do some really fine construction - I had an early 1990s evening gown that was amazingly well made and of high quality fabrics. This is a fairly conservative suit, with a rather structured, but not extreme shoulder. I'm thinking 1990, but I could be very wrong.

Hollis

 

[Helen Siwak]

Thank you ladies! I am putting it up today and will see what kind of feedback comes in. This is the kind of suit I wish I could put on a mannequin and display it is so fine. Even in the cold climate of Vancouver I couldn't imagine wearing a suit so thick and warm. Maybe to a gala in Antarctica! Best wishes, KK