Early 1970s Bill Blass Couture Hand Beaded Lion Print Dress w Elaborate Feather Collar z-archive-1920s It closes with a low

It closes with a low back zipper and a hook and eye at the top of the neck

The lace there is backed with an extra layer of silk chiffon so that you can wear it without being completely see-through

The front has a pretty squared off neckline and notched front

It would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration

Early 1970s Bill Blass Couture Hand Beaded Lion Print Dress w Elaborate Feather Collar z-archive-1920s It closes with a lowBill Blass launched his label in 1970 when he bought out the Maurice Rentner label and re launched it under his own name. This has a similar feel to a dress I had in the shop a few years back that dated to 1971 and I suspect that this is from that same time period. Blass was arguably one of the most famous of the American designers. His forte was the ability to mix simple styles with unexpected materials in way that was very flattering to the wearer.