1980's Ossie Clark Purple Velvet Burnout Chiffon Dress
View Similar Items
1980's Ossie Clark Purple Velvet Burnout Chiffon Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 50.9 in (129.29 cm)Marked Size: 2 (US)Bust: 29 in (73.66 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)Hip: 35.6 in (90.43 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:In very good vintage condition with very minor seam splitting at underarm (not noticeable when worn).
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3084218459002
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.
- S/S 1992 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Metallic Above-Knee Sheath DressBy Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 1992 Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld iridescent above-knee sheath dress. White dress with iridescent, metallic chevron pattern weave throughout. Fabric Contents: 42% Cotton; 39% Rayon; ...Category
1990s Day Dresses
- S/S 2009 Maison Martin Margiela Red Jersey Asymmetrical Drape DressBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 2009 Maison Martin Margiela red jersey asymmetrical drape dress. Asymmetrical stretch jersey dress with cap sleeve on left side and elbow-length left sleeve, with asymmetrical dr...Category
Early 2000s Day Dresses
- 1990's Helmut Lang Black Long Sleeve Mesh Mini DressBy Helmut LangLocated in North Hollywood, CA1990's Helmut Lang black mesh mini dress with black sleeves. Long sleeve crew neck mini shift dress with black layered sleeves that start just below the shoulders. Mesh overlay conti...Category
1990s Day Dresses
- A/W 2001 John Galliano Green and Gray Tartan Silk Chiffon Slip DressBy John GallianoLocated in North Hollywood, CAA/W 2001 John Galliano green and gray tartan silk chiffon slip dress. Semi-sheer midi bias cut cowl neck slip dress with double spaghetti straps and handkerchief hem. Gradient dark g...Category
Early 2000s Day Dresses
- 1970's Emanuel Ungaro Ecru Strapless Lace Sheath DressBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in North Hollywood, CA1970's Emanuel Ungaro ecru strapless lace sheath mini dress. Fitted strapless mini dress with gathered, draped lace throughout and nude lining. Small bow details. Concealed back zip ...Category
1970s Day Dresses
- 1990's Geoffrey Beene Ecru Striped Corset Strapless Cocktail DressBy Geoffrey BeeneLocated in North Hollywood, CA1990's Geoffrey Beene ecru striped corset strapless cocktail dress. Cream dress with full skirt, featuring large pleats. Can be styled with or without spaghetti straps depending on d...Category
1990s Day Dresses
- Comme Des Garçons Button-up Black Chiffon Shirt DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Berlin, BEComme Des Garçons Button-up Black Shirt Dress Brand: Comme Des Garçons Designer: Rei Kawakubo Collection/Year: 2000s Fabric: Cotton / Chiffon Color: Black Size: XS Japanese desig...Category
2010s Japanese Casual Dresses
- Vintage 1920's Gold Beaded Sequin Dress Flapper Dress UK 6-8 US 2-4Located in Cheltenham, GBFull of opulent original details, rendered in the most luxurious fashion, this rare 1920's piece is a beauty to behold and never again find. The rounded neckline of the dress, is fr...Category
1920s European Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage 1920's Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Bow Dress UK 12 US 8Located in Cheltenham, GBFull of opulent original details, rendered in the most luxurious fashion, this rare 1920's piece is a beauty to behold. On a base of black silk chiffon and embellished with glass bea...Category
1920s European Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Late 1950's Black Christian Dior Dress UK 8 US 4By Christian DiorLocated in Cheltenham, GBThis collectible and rare late 1950's Christian Dior dress, rendered in a deep black wool crepe, showcases the iconic silhouette of the era, whilst remaining to this day a classic an...Category
1950s European Cocktail Dresses
- Chanel Resort 2013 DressBy ChanelLocated in Brooklyn, NYBehold this exquisite Chanel pale pink dress, a radiant gem plucked from the illustrious resort 2013 collection, as famously showcased on the elegant runway by none other than the ca...Category
2010s Day Dresses
- Versace Spring 1996 dressBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful Gianni Versace Couture 60s inspired cream dress from Spring Summer 1996 collection. The dress is knee length, with thin adjustable belts including classic Versace...Category
1990s Day Dresses