Bill Blass Fall 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week The Tents at Bryant Park February 7, 2008 Written by Wendy R. Williams Photographed by Cindy Ord

Peter Som presented his first collection for Bill Blass at Fall 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Som also presented his own Peter Som line during Fashion Week with two shows, his regularly scheduled show plus a special show for American Express customers.

It is always difficult to follow in the footsteps of a famous designer such as Bill Blass (think Halston) and Bill Blass' line is especially hard to reinterpret because Blass was such a seventies' icon for the ladies-who-lunch (think Nancy Reagan).

So how did Som do? Very well indeed. Som designed a well bred line for the Blass customer. There was plenty of daytime wear made from rich natural fabrics in shades of gray complete with throw-back neck bows and mannish-looking brief cases. But he also gently nudged the line forward to appeal to a more adventurous customer with his off white ruffled and pony-skin-from-feathers looking cocktail gowns.

Peter Som took a good look at the Bill Blass customer and designed a line that will dress her from morning till night. And that is the true genius of all fashion - know your customer. Neiman Marcus should be very pleased with the new Bill Blass.