Bill Blass Floral Silk Crepe Pantsuit and Patrick Kelly Animal Print Dress to Sell With Sotheby’s

The upcoming fashion sale from Sotheby’s will feature iconic designs and rare items from America’s renowned designers and fashion collectors. Some of the lots have been donated by Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) members. Leading the catalog is a Bill Blass floral silk crepe pantsuit. It is made of Italian heavy silk crepe with a multicolor repeating floral pattern. This classic pantsuit is the original sample from the Blass Studio created by Blass’ head tailor, Roberto Della Valle. Sotheby’s notes that the design was inspired by “Ladies Who Lunch,” and the pantsuit has been donated by Yvonne Miller.

Also available in this sale is a stretch velvet animal print dress designed in 1989 by Patrick Kelly. The American fashion designer started designing and sewing clothes in his teenage years. He became the first American member of the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter in the 1990s. His designs exude humor with references to Black folklore and pop culture. A vintage pink silk top dating back to 1970 is also available. It was made by American fashion designer Stephen Burrows, famously called the ‘King of Jersey.’ Burrows rose to prominence with his graphic, color-blocked dresses made of matte jersey in the 1970s. Visit Sotheby’s to view the complete CFDA: Defining American Style catalog and register to bid.