Bill Blass couture black velvet dress with oversized ivory ribbon and bow from 1979. Such a special, iconic piece. I have only seen this dress for sale once online and that was for $1,800. A version without the bow in another color is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Sleek black velvet strapless dress with a stunning wide ivory silk ribbon running along the side. A large black bow with fringed edge completes the look. The body of the dress is made from a plush black velvet that gives it depth and an incredible rich and lush feeling. This fabric choice has enough of a weight to it that it holds the shape wonderfully and feels so very high end once on the body. It has a wrapped effect at the hem and this allows a bit of leg to show as you walk or sit. Its simplicity, combined with that over the top glamour of the ivory, is part of its appeal and it looks amazing once on. Fully lined in a black silk with a lightly boned inner bust corset w/ it’s own zipper. Outer dress closes with a hidden zipper in back.

In great condition with one minor flaw, a very small split in the seam right under the bottom of the zipper in the back (see closeup). would be an easy fix. Price reduced accordingly because of this. zipper fully functional.

No size tag. XS to S. See measurements below:

chest: 14.5”

Waist: 13”

Hips: 16.75”

Total length: 42” at longest point in back. 34.5” in front from top to top of slit when laying flat + closed

Comes with vintage print ad from Vogue.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Raleigh, NC.