1970's OSSIE CLARK For QUORUM black bias-cut maxi gown with low back
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:OSSIE CLARK / Quorum
- Dimensions:Length: 58 in (147.32 cm)Marked Size: UK 14 (runs small) (UK)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:moss crepe
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Dress presents well. There is some slight relaxing at topstitching.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8119004572
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: Oakland, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1990's LEONARD of PARIS floral watercolor printed silk jersey babydoll dressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in San Fransisco, CAFloral-printed, silk-jersey babydoll dress in tones of grey and black designed by Leonard of Paris dating to the 1990's. No size is labeled however this would best fit a size S to M....Category
Late 20th Century French Babydoll Day Dresses
- 1990's ROMEO GIGLI brown velvet dress with asymmetrical hemlineBy Romeo GigliLocated in San Fransisco, CABrown velvet dress with v-neck and asymmetrical hemline from Romeo Gigli dating to the 1990's. Fits a size 6 or 8. Approximate measurements: shoulde...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- 1990's YVES SAINT LAURENT red cotton dress with black grosgrain trimBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CARed cotton mini dress with wide black grosgrain ribbon trim by Yves Saint dating to the 1990's. Labeled a French size 40. Dress measures approximately: 36” at bust, 32” at waist and...Category
1990s French Mini Dresses
- 1980's AZZEDINE ALAIA black seamed dress with full skirtBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack cotton dress with amazing seams and full skirt designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the 1980's. Labeled a French size 40 however this dress runs very small. Dress best fit a mo...Category
1980s French Maxi Dresses
- Celine By Phoebe Philo black knit dress with woven trim - newBy Celine, Phoebe PhiloLocated in San Fransisco, CAJet-black, floor length knit dress with raw collar and delicate woven hem designed by Phoebe Philo for Celine. Size S. Approximate measurements: shoulder 13...Category
2010s Italian Maxi Dresses
- 1970's EMILIO PUCCI archery print silk jersey dress with hand stitchingBy Emilio PucciLocated in San Fransisco, CAVivid yellow silk jersey dress with whimsical archery print and hand stitched and hand pleated detail designed by Emilio Pucci dating to the 1970's. Fits a US 4 or 6. Approximate mea...Category
1970s Italian Day Dresses
- 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
- Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Nomad Ethnic Tribal Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Indian DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Collector Catwalk Mesh Transparent Sheer Nomad Ethnic Tribal Indian Western Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Long Maxi Dress Extremely rare "Tatouages" dress from Jean Paul Gaultier! Museum piece! "Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All Time Jean Paul Gaultier, Spring/Summer 1994, October 1993: BoF’s Editor-at-Large journeys back to a show that fused Indian mysticism, 18th century silhouettes...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier JPG Soleil Golden Eagle Hawk Kendall Jenner Skirt Top SetBy Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Soleil Vintage Japanese Golden Eagle Koi Fish Kendall Jenner Wave Yellow Mesh Sheer Transparent Wrap T-shirt Skirt Top Dress Golden Japanese Eagle...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
- ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Textured Leather Bubble DressBy Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueenLocated in Berlin, BEIncredible Alexander McQueen textured leather dress with the most amazing dramatic silhouette. This high-quality dress has the most incredible round silhouette - It is made from a textured leather and features a round neckline with beautiful seam-line details, large round puff...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- SAINT LAURENT BY HEDI SLIMANE 2014 Black Leather Mini DressBy Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThe most incredible leather mini-dress by Saint Laurent from 2014, designed by Hedi Slimane. This exceptional sleeveless mini dress is made from a soft lamb leather and features gor...Category
2010s French Mini Dress