NEW YORK, Jan. 8 // -- The legendary American fashion house Bill Blass Ltd. and First American Brands Inc. -- fragrance developers, marketers and distributors -- are pleased to announce the introduction of a new signature fragrance for women, aptly named Bill Blass.
In conjunction with Olympus Fashion Week, the fragrance will launch exclusively at nationwide Saks Fifth Avenue stores in February 2007.
First American Brands Inc. began a partnership with Bill Blass' creative director Michael Vollbracht in December 2005, working closely together to create the signature scent and bring the iconic Bill Blass name to the fragrance market.
"I was inspired to create a fragrance that captures the spirit of the modern Bill Blass woman," says Vollbracht. "She has a presence that is strong and confident with an innate sensuality that is unforgettable. She's soft and sexy. Without being overpowering, she knows who she is and how to get what she wants. Of course, she's chic and glamorous. That goes without saying."
The Bill Blass fragrance exemplifies the ultimate sophistication and allure of the Bill Blass woman. Opening with the crisp aroma of neroli petals, galbanum and green mandarin, its purely floral top notes and grassy interludes bring to mind the enchantment of a floral garden. The heart of the fragrance, a stimulating fusion of white hyacinth, lily of the valley, tuberose and jasmine, evokes the majesty and opulence of nature in spring bloom. The drydown of sensual musk and soft sandalwood complete the base notes, giving the scent a harmonious balance between floral and wood.
The bottle from Bill Blass completes the vision of classic elegance. Its shape, simple and sleek, is reminiscent of Bill Blass couture. Subtle details like an embossed, crystal-cut patterned glass base and a grosgrain ribbon tied at the neck give the bottle a signature Bill Blass look. "Bill Blass changed the face of American sportswear by using men's suit fabrics-particularly textured patterns-to create women's clothing," says Vollbracht. "We wanted the bottle to reflect this contrast, a blend of masculine and feminine. Its design is a nod to both the maverick and refined persona of the Bill Blass woman."
Antonio Lemma, President of First American Brands Inc., states, "Michael Vollbracht has brought new life to the house of Bill Blass, while maintaining the heart of the brand and its classic design tradition. We are so excited to be launching a fragrance with the house of Bill Blass, an American style icon that, today, holds international recognition and an undeniably established reputation."
The Bill Blass fragrance and bath line will launch exclusively at nationwide Saks Fifth Avenue stores in February 2007 and will include:
0.68oz Parfum Concentrate $150
2.7oz Eau de Parfum Spray $95
1.36oz Eau de Parfum Spray $65
5.0oz Body Lotion $48.50
6.8oz Body cream $95
6.8oz Body powder $60.00
Bath and Body Line
The bath and body line from Bill Blass is an extension of the elegant, floral fragrance. Intended for layering with the perfume, it opens with a rich, hydrating body lotion for long-lasting scented bliss. Its soothing counterpart, the Bill Blass body creme, is a rich, luxurious blend made of skin-nourishing, natural oils and extracts that soften, replenish and protect the skin. The silky body powder -- a vintage-inspired addition -- adds a sumptuous finishing touch to the bath and body series, encapsulating the feminine essence of the Bill Blass woman and her passion for indulgence.
About Bill Blass Ltd.
Bill Blass defines timeless American style. Founded by William Randolph Blass in 1970, Bill Blass Ltd. has -- from its inception -- offered women modern, sophisticated, tailored clothing. The company's reputation was built on elegant designs, executed in the finest fabrics. The company remains true to its design heritage by favoring the always fashionable over the fleetingly trendy. Over the years, the house has acquired a dedicated following of the world's most stylish women, making Bill Blass an internationally recognized brand. In 2002, Michael Vollbracht was designated creative director and continues to lead the house in a creative capacity. For more information, please visit http://www.billblass.com.
About First American Brands Inc.
First American Brands Inc., launched in 2001, has gained recognition as one of the fastest growing fragrance distribution companies in the U.S. Bringing a unique perspective to the fragrance industry, the company is widely acclaimed for its introduction of prestigious European brands to the U.S. market, as well as establishing licensing and distribution agreements with established American brands. With an emphasis on luxury, mass market and specialty stores, First American Brands Inc. holds exclusive fragrance distribution agreements with an array of brands including: Ferrari, Corvette and Rampage. In 2007, First American Brands will launch Bongo and Bill Blass fragrances for worldwide distribution.
For more information, please visit http://www.firstamericanbrands.com.
