Ossie Clark green silk screen printed off the shoulder dress, ca. 1976
View Similar Items
Ossie Clark green silk screen printed off the shoulder dress, ca. 1976
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: FR 40 - UK 12 - IT 44 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Print by Celia Birtwell
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Image 10 - pin hole on yoke Image 11 - example of cracking of paint on the dress throughout; this should not be considered a flaw. It is a natural process for paint printed onto fabric.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU143115617012
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.
- Rare 1980's Thierry Mugler "Show those Legs" Halter Hi Low Evening DressBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Los Angeles, CACirca 1980's Thierry Mugler rare kelly green shantung silk form fitting halter dress. Edgy hi fashion silhouette with strong lean lines; stylish hi...Category
1980s French Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
- 1960S Lime Green Psychedelic Cotton Mod Shift DressLocated in New York, NY1960S Lime Green Psychedelic Cotton Mod Shift DressCategory
1960s Casual Dresses
- 1970S Turquoise & Pink Cotton Hawaii Tropical Surf Beach Wrap Dress Swim CoverLocated in New York, NY1970S Turquoise & Pink Cotton Hawaii Tropical Surf Beach Wrap Dress Swim Cover UpCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- Versace Jeans Couture vintage 1990s stretch Tarzan & Jane jungle print dressBy Gianni Versace, Versace Jeans CoutureLocated in Antwerp, BEGianni Versace, he was, he is and will always be one of the best designers ever. Rare and desirable vintage 1990s Versace Jeans Couture stretch Tarzan & Jane bright jungle print (gre...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970s Fredericks of Hollywood Kelly Green Vintage Jersey 70s Maxi DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s FREDERICK’S OF HOLLYWOOD kelly green jersey maxi dress ! Features the perfect green color that can be worn all year. Knotted applique at center chest. Hidden zipper up the...Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
$636 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage Eletra Casadei 90s Size Large Betty Boop Birth of Venus Novelty DressBy Casadei, Eletra CasadeiLocated in San Diego, CASuper rare Limited Edition ELETRA CASADEI vintage 1990s Betty Boop, "Birth of Venus," novelty print slip dress! Features the classic artistic print, wi...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses