Bill Blass by Bill Blass c1978

Bill Blass for Women was launched in 1978 as a collaborative creation between the renowned American fashion designer Bill Blass and the global cosmetics giant Revlon. Bill Blass, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, was celebrated for his sophisticated and elegant designs, which were characterized by their classic American style and understated luxury. His foray into the world of fragrance with this perfume reflected his deep understanding of elegance and refinement.

The fragrance was introduced during a period when Bill Blass was solidifying his reputation as a key player in American fashion. Known for his high-profile designs and glamorous approach, Blass's foray into perfume was a natural extension of his brand's commitment to luxury and sophistication. The collaboration with Revlon, a company with a strong legacy in beauty and personal care products, was a strategic move that allowed Blass to leverage Revlon's extensive distribution network and expertise in fragrance creation.

Bill Blass for Women was designed to embody the same qualities that defined Blass's fashion creations: elegance, sophistication, and a touch of modernity. The perfume was crafted to appeal to women who appreciated classic beauty with a contemporary edge, offering a scent profile that was both refined and timeless. The fragrance's composition was intended to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, much like Blass's fashion designs, and it quickly became a notable addition to the world of high-end women's fragrances.

The association with Revlon ensured that Bill Blass for Women was well-received in the market, benefiting from Revlon's strong marketing and distribution capabilities. The perfume's launch in 1978 marked a significant moment in both Blass's career and in the fragrance industry, highlighting the intersection of high fashion and high fragrance.

For the launch of Bill Blass for Women in 1978, a carefully orchestrated event was held to introduce the new fragrance to both the press and Bill Blass's close circle of friends. The day began with a stylish brunch hosted at I. Magnin, a prestigious department store in New York City. I. Magnin was renowned for its high-end fashion and luxury goods, and its association with the event underscored the elegance and exclusivity of the new fragrance. The store, known for its sophisticated atmosphere and chic clientele, provided the perfect backdrop for the unveiling of Bill Blass's perfume. The press brunch was an opportunity for journalists and media representatives to experience the fragrance firsthand while enjoying a refined setting that complemented the luxurious nature of the perfume.

Later that day, Bill Blass hosted a more intimate gathering at a Bistro lunch for 33 of his friends. This more personal event allowed Blass to celebrate the launch with those closest to him, including influential figures from the fashion world and other notable guests. The bistro setting was likely chosen for its cozy, yet elegant ambiance, providing a relaxed environment where guests could enjoy the company of the designer and each other while discussing the new fragrance. The lunch was a chance for Blass to personally thank his friends for their support and to share the excitement of the perfume's launch in a more informal, yet still sophisticated, setting.

These events highlighted Bill Blass's commitment to both elegance and personal connections, showcasing his ability to blend high fashion with intimate, memorable experiences. The press brunch at I. Magnin and the bistro lunch for friends were designed to create a buzz around the fragrance while celebrating Blass's success and his relationships within the fashion industry.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women. It begins with a green, fruity top, followed by an exotic floral heart, resting on a sensual, powdery base. Floral bouquet composed of lily of the valley, mimosa, jonquil and hyacinth. Green notes add lightness and airiness. Floral fruity nuances are achieved with traces of spice, cinnamon and angelica. The base note is warmed with woody tones of vetiver, cypress and sandalwood.

• Top notes: angelica, pineapple, cinnamon, green notes, galbanum, hyacinth, bergamot and geranium
• Middle notes: jonquil, mimosa, carnation, tuberose, iris, orris root, jasmine, ylang-ylang and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes: cypress, sandalwood, amber, musk, benzoin, oakmoss, vetiver and cedar

Scent Profile:

Bill Blass by Bill Blass begins with an uplifting and fresh top note that instantly invigorates the senses. As you first experience this fragrance, the tangy, sweet aroma of pineapple emerges with a burst of vibrant fruitiness, evoking the sensation of biting into a juicy, sun-ripened fruit. This is complemented by the warm, spicy touch of cinnamon, adding a hint of exotic allure and depth to the initial sweetness. The green notes introduce a crisp, verdant freshness that feels like a breath of fresh air, reminiscent of a sunlit garden filled with lush foliage.

Galbanum adds a resinous, green quality that enhances the fragrance's earthy character, while hyacinth contributes a delicate, dewy floral note that adds a touch of lightness and sophistication. Bergamot brings a bright, citrusy brightness that sharpens the top notes, its zesty aroma cutting through the sweetness with a clean, refreshing edge. Geranium adds a subtle, green, and slightly rosy nuance, rounding out the top with its fresh and herbaceous scent.

As the fragrance transitions to its heart, you're enveloped in a rich and exotic floral bouquet. Jonquil introduces a soft, sweet, and slightly green floral note, its delicate scent adding depth to the floral blend. Mimosa follows with its light, powdery, and slightly sweet aroma, bringing a touch of elegance and softness. Carnation adds a spicy floral warmth that contrasts beautifully with the other florals. Tuberose contributes a creamy, rich floral note that feels both sensual and opulent. Iris and orris root add a velvety, powdery nuance, their refined scent adding sophistication to the heart. Jasmine introduces a lush, heady floral sweetness, while ylang-ylang adds an exotic, tropical touch, enhancing the floral complexity. Lily-of-the-valley brings a crisp, clean, and airy floral note that lightens and brightens the heart, adding a touch of freshness and purity.

The base of Bill Blass provides a warm and sensual conclusion to the fragrance. Cypress offers a crisp, woody aroma that adds a refreshing, slightly resinous depth. Sandalwood contributes a creamy, smooth woodiness, its rich, soothing scent blending seamlessly with the other base notes. Amber adds a warm, resinous glow that enhances the fragrance with its soft, golden warmth. Musk introduces a subtle, sensual warmth that lingers on the skin, creating an intimate and enduring finish. Benzoin adds a sweet, balsamic note, enriching the base with its warm, vanilla-like aroma. Oakmoss brings an earthy, mossy depth that adds complexity and tenacity to the fragrance. Vetiver and cedar round out the base with their woody, earthy tones, creating a rich, multifaceted finish that endures beautifully.

In Bill Blass, the combination of fresh, fruity top notes, exotic floral heart, and warm, sensual base notes results in a fragrance that is both uplifting and deeply comforting. The interplay of green freshness, floral richness, and woody warmth creates a scent that evolves gracefully over time, leaving a lasting impression that is both elegant and memorable.

Product Line:

The Bill Blass by Bill Blass product line was designed to offer a variety of ways to experience the fragrance, catering to different preferences and needs.

Perfume: The original fragrance was available in several sizes of perfume, ensuring that fans of the scent could enjoy it in their preferred concentration and quantity. The 0.25 oz and 0.50 oz parfum bottles were perfect for those who wanted a smaller, more portable option. For a more generous supply, the 1 oz parfum bottle provided a classic choice. Additionally, the 0.375 oz Touch of Blass Concentrate Purse bottle offered a convenient way to carry the fragrance for quick touch-ups throughout the day, ideal for those on the go.

Cologne Spray: The fragrance was also available in a range of cologne spray sizes, catering to various needs and preferences. The 0.30 oz cologne spray was a compact option for portability, while the 1 oz and 2 oz sprays offered more substantial amounts for regular use. The larger 2.85 oz cologne spray provided an ample supply, and the 2.85 oz cologne splash, with its open design, allowed for a more generous application, perfect for those who enjoy a more liberal use of their fragrance.

Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette: The Eau de Parfum Spray provided a more intense and long-lasting version of the fragrance, with its higher concentration of essential oils delivering a richer, more pronounced scent. The Eau de Toilette Spray offered a lighter, more refreshing alternative, ideal for daily wear or warmer climates.

Body Products: To complement the fragrance, a range of body products was available. The Perfumed Dusting Powder allowed for a light, fragrant touch on the skin, adding a soft, powdery finish to the overall scent experience. The Stimulating Body Shampoo and Smoothing Body Crème were designed to infuse the skin and hair with the fragrance while providing luxurious care. The Body Lotion offered a hydrating option to keep the skin moisturized and scented, while the Refreshing Body Finish provided a light, invigorating burst of fragrance, perfect for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.

Overall, the Bill Blass by Bill Blass product line offered a comprehensive array of options for experiencing the fragrance in various forms, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the scent in their preferred concentration and application method.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Bill Blass for Women, the original fragrance launched in 1978, has been discontinued for many years. The fragrance, initially produced under the name Bill Blass Perfumes, Inc., featured elegant packaging that marked the early days of its introduction. By 1985, the branding evolved, and boxes began to show Bill Blass, Inc., reflecting the broader range of the designer’s ventures and the growing prominence of his name in the world of luxury.

In 1990, the distribution of the fragrance shifted to Prestige Fragrances, a move that aimed to enhance its market reach and visibility. Unfortunately, these efforts, the original Bill Blass perfume eventually fell out of production, and it has been unavailable for purchase from mainstream retailers for quite some time. The discontinuation of the fragrance marked the end of an era for a scent that had once been a symbol of refined elegance and sophistication. While the original Bill Blass fragrance is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through these timeless notes, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated olfactory world of the late 1970s. Despite its discontinuation, it remains accessible online, where enthusiasts and collectors can still find bottles of this classic perfume.  

 

In 2006, a new fragrance under the Bill Blass name was introduced, but don't get confused, it bore no resemblance to the 1978 version. This new iteration represented a complete departure from the original scent, reflecting a different olfactory vision and catering to contemporary tastes.

The new "The Fragrance from Bill Blass" is classified as a floral fragrance for women.  

• Top notes: green mandarin, galbanum and neroli
• Middle notes: tuberose, white hyacinth, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes: sandalwood and musk

Scent Profile:

Imagine you're stepping into a sunlit garden where the air is filled with the invigorating scents of nature. The new "The Fragrance from Bill Blass" opens with a burst of green mandarin, its zesty citrus aroma instantly refreshing. As you breathe in, the bright, tangy sweetness of the mandarin blends seamlessly with the crisp, slightly resinous scent of galbanum. This green note adds a touch of herbaceous richness, like the first hint of a spring breeze rustling through fresh foliage. Complementing these is the delicate yet vibrant aroma of neroli, which brings a floral citrus brightness, reminiscent of orange blossoms in full bloom, adding a layer of elegance and freshness.

As the initial citrus notes start to fade, the fragrance evolves into a luxurious bouquet of tuberose, white hyacinth, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley. The tuberose exudes a rich, creamy floral essence with a hint of sweetness, enveloping you in its opulent, almost heady scent. White hyacinth adds a touch of green and crispness, like dew-kissed petals in the morning light. The jasmine infuses the heart with its classic, intoxicatingly floral aroma, offering a warm, sensual note that mingles beautifully with the delicate, fresh fragrance of lily-of-the-valley. Together, these middle notes create a sophisticated and harmonious floral symphony that captures the essence of feminine grace.

As the fragrance settles, it reveals its base notes, where sandalwood and musk come into play. The sandalwood offers a creamy, woody aroma that grounds the fragrance with its warm, smooth texture, reminiscent of a well-worn leather chair in a cozy study. This is beautifully complemented by musk, which adds a soft, sensual undertone that lingers on the skin, providing a subtle, earthy depth. The combination of sandalwood and musk creates a lasting impression, giving the fragrance a comforting and enduring warmth that gently wraps you in its embrace.

In "The Fragrance from Bill Blass," each note comes together to create a balanced and refined floral experience, where the fresh and vibrant top notes gracefully transition into a rich, floral heart, all anchored by a warm, sensual base.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE ORIGINAL BILL BLASS PERFUME