Adieu to Blass?

Bill Blass has announced that they are going to shutter their doors. The company will be shutting down the showroom and letting go of the 30 remaining employees by the end of the week. This move isn't surprising considering parent company Next Cen lacked the funds to fully see though Peter Som's vision, hence he left the company in October and hadn't yet been replaced. Due to unstability of the brand, buyers were reluctant to buy any of this brand for their stores.

The company was set to turn 50 next year and it sends a sad message to the design world. Blass was the epitome of clean, wearable, modern American style. Former Bill Blass designer Michael Vollbracht tells the NY Times “The demise of Bill Blass is not just saddening. It’s another rude awakening to this industry, I think.”

Guess it goes to show in these current economic times, Iconic American Brand or not, you are not exempt from going under.

Next Cen is still looking to sell the Blass name but who knows when and if Bill Blass will be revived again.

More Sample Sales

Who: Kenneth Cole
What: Ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories are priced at $10 to $85
Where: 261 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave
When: Now through 10/31 Tues., Thurs. (10–7), Wed., Fri. (10–6).

Who: Bill Blass
What: Grab Peter Som's final collection of ladylike clothes for Bill Blass from 70-90% off. Pants, skirts, sweaters, tops, and dresses range from $100-$300. There is also a $30 rack.
When: Now through 10/29
Where: 550 Seventh Ave., nr. 39th St., twelfth fl.; Tues.–Wed. (10–5).

Below Sales via Daily Candy:

What: Vivienne Tam
Why: Save up to 75 percent. Silver metallic Aphrodite dress for $150 (reg. $795); taffeta rose applique dress for $120 (reg. $495).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 260 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 3rd flr. (212-840-6470).

What: Hayden-Harnett
Why: Forty-70 percent off fall 2008 collections and accessories.
When: Nov. 5-8. Wed.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Edgo Noho, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette Sts. (718-383-4450).

What: Tibi
Why: Lambswool sweater cape for $104 (reg. $414); crepe long-sleeve gown for $200 (reg. $784); silk shift dress for $80 (reg. $320); belted cape jacket for $140 (reg. $559).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Penthouse 15, 336 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 15th flr. (212-966-3773).

What: Fred Perry
Why: Yuptastic shoes and accessories for guys and gals. Cash only.
When: Nov. 4-9. Thurs., Fri., Mon. & Tues., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 547 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves. (212-736-3030).

What: Shoshanna & Anlo
Why: Seventy-five percent off fall 2008, swimwear, and denim.
When: Nov. 5 & 6. Wed., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422.