Quorum by Ossie Clark pleated black jersey evening gown, circa 1965-68
View Similar Items
Quorum by Ossie Clark pleated black jersey evening gown, circa 1965-68
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small (EU)Waist: 27 in (68.58 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:We are not sure on the fabric content but it feels beautiful almost like a silk jersey - it is definitely of a high quality.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14021909983
Ossie Clark
It’s hardly an exaggeration to say that neither the Swinging Sixties nor the hippie looks of the 1970s would have been what they were if not for Ossie Clark, who popularized the flamboyant fashion synonymous with the eras.
Born Raymond Clark in 1942, the designer moved as a boy to Oswaldtwistle, the source of his lifelong nickname. Clark began studies in architecture at just 13, a foundation that instilled in him the lessons of proportion and scale that would inform his day dresses, suits and other unique clothing decades later.
After learning tailoring, pattern cutting and more important technical skills at the Regional College of Art in Manchester (now the Manchester School of Art), Clark attended London’s prestigious Royal College of Art. There, he began a lifelong friendship with the artist David Hockney, who would eventually paint a portrait of Clark and his wife and partner, Celia Birtwell, also a designer.
Clark’s graduation show in 1964, featuring at least one garment decorated with a line of light bulbs, made instant waves in the fashion world, foreshadowing the career he would have as a boundary-pushing creative. He landed his first feature in British Vogue just months later and was a veritable instant addition to the London fashion scene. While he was still a student, Clark’s designs were being sold in the famous London boutique Quorum, and Henri Bendel had brought his collection to New York. His fashions soon became inextricably linked with the famous “Chelsea Girls” of the decade.
Clark’s clothing ran the gamut from free-flowing garments in muted hues to graphic patterns in bold colors informed by a fascination with Pop art and flora. He collaborated with Birtwell for most of his career, incorporating her dynamic Art Deco–inspired prints in his work before the couple parted in the 1970s. Clark favored crepes and chiffons and paid close attention to small details, often eschewing simple zippers in favor of, say, fabric-covered buttons. At the end of the 1960s, Clark adjusted hemlines to the maxi length and introduced a line of chiffon dresses intended to be worn over a nude body.
Clark’s penchant for flowing pants, bell sleeves and fringe is largely regarded as popularizing the archetype of 1970s fashion in London and the United States — influence bolstered, no doubt, by his dressing such A-list clients as Mick Jagger, Liza Minelli and The Beatles. A gifted draper, he was known for his uniquely flattering fits. As footwear icon Manolo Blahnik once said, “He created an incredible magic with the body and achieved what fashion should do — produce desire.”
Find vintage Ossie Clark evening dresses, blouses, day dresses and more on 1stDibs.
- Givenchy silk chiffon corseted evening dress, c. 2007By Givenchy, Riccardo TisciLocated in London, GBA Givenchy silk chiffon evening dress from the Spring/Summer 2007 collection. The nude dress of silk chiffon features an attached red silk corset around the waist. Fr 38 -Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace black and white polkadot silk ruffled shirt dress, ss 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace black and white polkadot printed silk shirt dress with ruffled trim. Spring-Summer 1993Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood black screen printed lurex figure hugging dress, fw 1997By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood figure hugging evening dress in black lurex with grey screen printed pattern. Bias cut sleeves, drapes and folds around hips with button ...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Couture blue silk mini evening dress with gold embellishments, c. 1960sLocated in London, GBPresenting a vintage blue silk evening mini dress, a true treasure of opulence and glamour. This exquisite dress is adorned with gold circular mirrored disks and beads, adding a touc...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- BodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressLocated in London, GBBodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressCategory
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent black lace and tulle crystal cocktail dress, fw 1993By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBYves Saint Laurent black lace and tulle cocktail dress with crystal buttons, detachable silk slip dress, silk bow belt and ruffled collar, skirt and cuffs. Fall-Winter 1993Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Black Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Black Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
Named after a ...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - ALAÏA 1990 black knitted mini dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Genève, CHAlaïa knitted mini dress with sheer raised edge skirt -Back closing with a hidden set zipper -Long sleeves -Nude knitted lining -Made in Italy -100% V...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dress
- ALBERTO BINI 1990 leather mini dress with gold tone Lion NEW with tagBy AlbertoLocated in Genève, CHThis vintage dress from Alberto Bini is coming directly from the 90s, and it's also a beautiful ode to Versace universe. -Lion detail in metal gold tone ...Category
1980s French Mini Dress
- Vintage 2000s Alexander McQueen Dress that Transforms to a Crop Top or CorsetBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Malibu, CAVintage ALEXANDER MCQUEEN transformer dress. This rare and stunning early 2000s dress transforms from a sheath dress to a tank to a crop top corset style top. Leather trim, silk, a...Category
Early 2000s Cocktail Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.