Bill Blass

Bill Blass wanted to preserve and utilize the resources that documented his work.

Bill Blass wanted to preserve and utilize the resources that documented his work and eventually would be of value in maintaining his intellectual property and his licensing arrangements. The work began with an assessment and recommendations report and was followed with an implementation effort that included appraisal, processing, cataloging and creation of finding aids. Over the years in which Winthrop worked on the collections they grew to include drawings and working sketches of couture garments; photographs (prints, negatives, transparencies, and digital images); 'look books'; runway documentation; runway show videos; advertisements; editorial coverage and interviews; scrapbooks; Blass's correspondence and project and subject files; artifacts (awards, etc.); licensing agreements and licensee samples and packaging; and business records. Winthrop personnel also provided extensive reference and research services and worked with BB Ltd. staff in responding to media inquiries; advertising requirements; licensee staff and designers; museum, exhibit, and movie requests; scholars' inquiries and research needs. Winthrop developed the Bill Blass Archives database which provided access to the documentation as well as couture garments and images and captured relevant data concerning year, season, fabrics, and design elements. Winthrop prepared for and managed moves of the Bill Blass Archives four times and planned space and equipment for the holdings in each instance. The Bill Blass Archives was sold along with the company following Mr. Blass's death in 2002.