Bill Blass names new creative directors

NEW YORK Bill Blass announced today that it has appointed Peter Som as creative director of the company's women's division and Michael Bastian as creative director for menswear. Som will oversee the entire women's design teams for Bill Blass licensed and wholly owned businesses, including the ready-to-wear collection. He will assume his new role beginning with the pre-fall 2008 women's collection. Prabal Gurung, who has been at Blass for four years, will remain design director for the collection reporting to Som. Bastian will design and oversee a men's high-end collection for the brand to be launched at a later date as well as all licensed and wholly owned menswear categories. While assuming responsibilities in these roles, Som and Bastian will continue designing for their own namesake fashion houses.

Som launched his first collection of women's wear in spring 2001 after honing his skills in the design rooms of Bill Blass, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors.

The former men's fashion director for Bergdorf Goodman, Michael Bastian launched his own menswear collection in 2006 after noticing a void in the men's designer market for classic American apparel produced at a luxury level and with a modern fit. He was a nominee for the 2007 CFDA Newcomer Menswear Designer of the Year award, as well as a recently announced finalist for this year's CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund award.