Ossie Clark moss crepe and satin full length evening dress, circa 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition; Very good , excellent minor repair on lower part of skirt (not noticeable ) Measurements; Bust:32inch waist:28inch Shoulder:14inch Sleeve: 10inch Total length; 56ich.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU917122252212
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Yves Saint Laurent sequins alter neck evening maxi dress. C. 1970sBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in London, GBYves Saint Laurent said “ I love black because it affirms, designs, and styles. A woman in a black dress is a pencil stroke”. Black liquid velvet material features with discretion , ...Category
1970s European Maxi Dress
- Christian Dior London velvet and taffeta mini evening dress. C.1960sBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBThe French fashion house which dates back to the 1940s, has been providing customers all over the world with some of the most beautiful garments, whether it's a ready-to-wear dress f...Category
1960s European Evening Dresses
- Valentino fuchsia wool coat, circa 1980By ValentinoLocated in London, GBThis Valentino coat is constructed from pink cable ribbed wool cloth. It has a flattering swing cut and would be a wonderful option for evenings. Featuring a black cotton velvet sta...Category
1980s Italian Swing Coats
- Unlabelled Madame Grès iridescent lilac silk evening jumpsuit circa 1970sBy Madame GresLocated in London, GBMadame Grés was not well known by the general public. However the French designer’s long career spanned from the early 1920s to the 1980s. Grés’ contribution to the history of f...Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- Louis Feraud black and white visual illusion tailored maxi dress. Circa 1970By Louis FeraudLocated in London, GBLouis Feraud visual illusion dress Throughout his career, which started in the 1950s, Louis Feraud dressed very chic women and actresses, including Ingrid Bergman and Elisabeth Taylor...Category
1970s English Maxi Dress
- Saint Laurent “ Art collection Matisse “ribbed maxi skirt ensemble. c.1980sBy Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBYves Saint Laurent’s relationship to art is often refered to as a dialogue with art and a tribute to various artists But Saint Laurent wasn’t just copying artists such as Mondrian, P...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Gianni Versace metallic gold leather mini dress, fw 1994By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace metallic gold leather mini dress ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Fall-Winter 1994 ▪ Croc-embossed ▪ Diagonal front zipper ▪ 2 front pockets ▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - UK...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit bodycon dress and cardigan set, fw 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit dress and cardigan 2 piece set ▪ Sleeveless bodycon maxi dress with lining ▪ Long-sleeve full-length cardigan ▪ Gold Medusa buttons ▪ Can be wo...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet and gold foil printed dress, fw 1990By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet evening dress ▪ Gold foil neoclassical print inspired by Andre-Charles Boulle ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Lilac & Multicolor Patbo One-Shoulder Floral Print Dress Size US 0Located in New York, NYLilac and multicolor floral print one-shoulder tiered ruffle dress by Patbo. Belt at waist. Zip closure at side. 26" bust, 24" waist, 51" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Matthew Williamson Navy Blue Smocked Waist Detail Embellished Neck Sleeveless DrBy Matthew WilliamsonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2When you feel like looking fantastic, pick this dress from Matthew Williamson. This sleeveless outfit exudes modernity and elegance with its beautifully embellished neck and interest...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Emilio Pucci Blue Silk DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Paris, FREmilio Pucci blue silk jersey printed dress featuring an iconic geometric print, a front gathered detail. Composition: 100% silk Estimated size IT42/38fr/US6 /UK10 Made in Italy. In...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses