Ossie Clark 'Pretty Woman' peekaboo blouse with print by Celia Birtwell, c. 1972
View Similar Items
Ossie Clark 'Pretty Woman' peekaboo blouse with print by Celia Birtwell, c. 1972
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1402940252
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.
- Margiela pink cotton oversized deconstructed folded shirt, ss 2001By Maison Martin MargielaLocated in London, GB▪ Martin Margiela pink oversized shirt ▪ 100% Cotton ▪ Oversized fit ▪ Deconstructed design with sewn folds ▪ Embroidered four-leaf clover ▪ Size Medium ▪ Spring-Summer 2001Category
Early 2000s Italian Blouses
- Vivienne Westwood draped chiffon blouse, ss 1993By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood draped chiffon printed blouse Spring-Summer 1993Category
1990s British Blouses
- Vivienne Westwood blue and white striped back to front blouse, ss 1989By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood blue and white striped back to front blouse with metallic gold motifs on the cuffs Spring-Summer 1989Category
1980s British Blouses
- Worlds End pink cotton 'Punkature' oversized blouse, ss 1983By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBWorlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren. Pink cotton oversized blouse. Oversized turn up cuffs with Velcro fastening, signature using Bla...Category
1980s British Blouses
- Martin Margiela white and black striped inverted overlocked vest, ss 1991By Maison Martin MargielaLocated in London, GBPresenting an extraordinary archival Martin Margiela inverted vest top from the Spring-Summer 1991 collection, a key piece that marks the inception of Martin's illustrious career and...Category
1990s Italian Blouses
- Vivienne Westwood 'Cut, Slash & Pull' blue voile oversized shirt dress, ss 1991By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood; dusty blue cotton voile oversized blouse with large bishop sleeves, pointed collar, and ascending hemline from front. Signature slashes throughout the whole blouse...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chantal Thomass Vintage 1990's Backless Lace Up Floral ShirtBy Chantal ThomassLocated in Berlin, BEChantal Thomass Vintage 1990's Lace Up Floral Shirt Brand: Chantal Thomass Designer: Chantal Thomass Collection/Year: 1990's Fabric: Cotton Color: Grey Size: Approx S Chantal Thoma...Category
1990s French Blouses
- KhaiteLocated in Toronto, CAElevate your winter wardrobe with the Saint Laurent red skiing leggings—a seamless blend of haute couture and practical sportswear. Meticulously crafted to marry luxury with function...Category
2010s Turkish Blouses
$1,950 - VALENTION white viscose LACE Short Sleeve Shirt Blouse 40 SBy ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CHValentino sheer short-sleeve round-neck lace top in white viscose (38%), cotton (34%) and polyamide (28%). Lined in white tulle. Keyhole and button clo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Blouses
- JIL SANDER white cotton OPEN BACK HALTER Shirt 36 SBy Jil SanderLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Jil Sander open back halter neck top in white cotton (100%). Opens with two buttons and a leather belt at the neck. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent conditio...Category
2010s Blouses
- SAINT LAURENT ivory & multicolor silk DOTTED PUSSY BOW Blouse Shirt 36 XSBy Saint LaurentLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Saint Laurent bow collar blouse in ivory and multicolor polka-dot printed silk (100%). Half placket button style blouse with long sleeves and single button cuffs. Has ...Category
2010s Blouses
- CHANEL yellow & multi 2017 CUBA OFF SHOULDER KNIT Shirt MBy ChanelLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Chanel 2017 Cuba Off-Shoulder Knit Top in ochre, turquoise, brown, cream and pink cotton (100%). Opens with a gold-tone zipper at the back and has 2 decorative embelli...Category
2010s Blouses
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.