This three-piece suit exhibits the strong influence of Chanel’s simple yet elegant designs on American fashion. In 1954 Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reissued her trademark three-piece suit, consisting of a cardigan-style jacket and an A-line skirt with a matching blouse. Blass, like Chanel, designed with the modern woman in mind, creating easy-to-wear, timeless classics with refined detailing.

In 1959 Bill Blass became head designer at Maurice Rentner, who at the time was one of the most respected businessmen in the New York fashion scene. An early example of Blass’s work, the fully lined pink wool tweed jacket has quilted lapels and attached cuffs, which provides the illusion of a long-sleeved blouse worn underneath. The matching pink silk blouse, however, is actually a fitted sleeveless shell with an attached tie.