Ossie Clark extraordinary chiffon dress with Celia Birtwell print, c. 1968 - 69
View Similar Items
Ossie Clark extraordinary chiffon dress with Celia Birtwell print, c. 1968 - 69
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Chiffon
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14021371903
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.
- Christian Dior by John Galliano blue open-knit sleeveless bodycon dress, ss 2000By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Christian Dior blue open-knit bodycon dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Crew neck ▪ Knee-length ▪ Various knitted techniques used to create a shredded appearance to the fabric ▪...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren grey smock dress, ss 1983By Vivienne Westwood, Worlds EndLocated in London, GB▪ A rare Worlds End grey cotton smock dress ▪ Designed by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren ▪ Tain panel at the front skirt which can be worn as a shawl ▪ Drawstring neckline ...Category
1980s English Day Dresses
- Yohji Yamamoto black cotton draped maxi dress, ss 1998By Yohji YamamotoLocated in London, GB▪ Yohji Yamamoto black cotton maxi dress ▪ Asymmetric drapes around the bodice held in place by snap-button closures ▪ Shoulder straps with ro...Category
1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci by Tom Ford suede lace-up maxi dress with 'G' belt, ss 1996By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in London, GB▪ Gucci suede lace-up maxi dress and belt ▪ Designed by Tom Ford ▪ Deep v-neck with leather lace up fastening ▪ Large cape collar with natural edge ▪ Bishop sleeves with ruffled ...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gucci by Tom Ford bottle green pintuck leather shift dress, fw 1999By Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in London, GB▪ Gucci bottle green leather shift dress ▪ Designed by Tom Ford ▪ Pintuck detail ▪ Three-quarter circular flounce sleeves ▪ Black leather rosette on sle...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- BodyMap black viscose cotton jersey maxi dress, c. 1980sLocated in London, GB▪ BodyMap black jersey maxi dress ▪ 52% Viscose, 48% Cotton ▪ Three front button fastenings belted at the hips ▪ High neck with elastic collar ▪ Size Medium ▪ c. 1980sCategory
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Exquisite Vintage James Purcell BNWT $2, 300 Gray Pinstripe Dress Black CrystalsBy James PurcellLocated in San Diego, CAStriking vintage 1990s JAMES PURCELL charcoal gray pinstriped dress! Brand new, with original price tags attached of $2,265 (which is equivalent curren...Category
1990s Cocktail Dresses
- Gibo Early 2000s Italian Made Size 40 Black Cut - Out 3/4 Sleeves DressLocated in San Diego, CASexy early 2000s GIBO black cut-out 3/4 sleeves dress ! Features cut-out above the bust that ties at the center. Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. The perfect little b...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1990s Morgan Le Fay by Liliana Casbal Black Wool Minimalist Vintage 90s DressBy Morgan Le FayLocated in San Diego, CAMinimalist chic at its best in this 1990s MORGAN LE FAY by LILIANA CASBAL black wool sleeveless dress ! This dress is a prime example of the 90s Minimalist...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- Jackie Rogers Classic Black Satin Bias Cut DressBy Jackie RogersLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJackie Rogers classic silky black satin bias cut dress from the 1990s. The perfect black dress to dress up with jewelry and or a belt. The dress slips o...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s Black + Hot Pink Velvet Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Couture DressLocated in San Diego, CAGorgeous 1950s demi couture black velvet and hot pink silk fit n' flare dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Hot pink bow detail at left side. Matching pink fabric a...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s Large Plus Size Hand Painted Black Silk Woven Ribbon Vintage 50s DressLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful couture quality 1950s large size woven silk ribbon hand painted dress ! Features a flattering tailored bodice with a forgiving skirt. Hand painted flowers in blue, turquois...Category
1950s American 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.