Bill Blass designer Michael Vollbracht did away with the older models (like Karen Bjornson and Pat Cleveland) this season, saying, “the editors got my point.” The point being that he, like Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, was not going to forget Blass’ standby older customers by drastically changing the house towards a more younger look. The collection he presented today was much more developed and improved than the one shown in February, but it didn’t seem signature Blass. Instead it seemed a mish-mash of other designers. It also had a much younger slant than previous Blass collections. There were many short dresses and suits, with frills, ruffles, bows, and lace, and in candy colors. I haven’t heard much about the sales of the line, so I wonder how well it’s doing, and if the tried-and-true “Blass woman” likes Vollbracht’s interpretation of the house.
