Ossie Clark printed ivory dress, circa 1968
View Similar Items
Ossie Clark printed ivory dress, circa 1968
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 49.22 in (125 cm)Bust: 33.08 in (84 cm)Waist: 26.78 in (68 cm)Hip: 33.47 in (85 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 14.97 in (38 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Excellent condition with no obvious marks, tears nor any alterations and bears the original label, tie front and fabric matched buttons.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 1002641stDibs: LU724552602
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.
- 1970S Purple & Blue Floral Rayon Boho Loose Size DressLocated in New York, NY1970S Purple & Blue Floral Rayon Boho Loose Size DressCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- 1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningLocated in New York, NY1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- Vintage 1930's Cartwright Ivory Striped Silk Rayon Cut-Out Maxi Dress & JacketLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThe vibrant rainbow-stripe used on this ivory silk rayon 1930's "Cartwright" designer dress ensemble has a whimsical allure that I find irresistible. The sleeveless bodice has a flir...Category
1930s American Aesthetic Day Dresses
- Vintage Sita Cotton Boho DressLocated in London, GBA fun vintage dress for summer. In a bright turquoise with a multi colour trim on the neckline, sleaves and tiers of fabric. The dress has a pocket on either side.Category
1970s Indian Day Dresses
$196 Sale Price20% Off - Rikma 1970s Wooden Macrame Striped DressBy RikmaLocated in Scottsdale, AZYour go-to dress is her, Circa 1970s! This Rikma maxi dress is made from 100% Cotton and features a vibrant three color stripe pattern (red, orange, purple), a v-neckline, a small sl...Category
1970s Israeli Maxi Dresses
- Pinko Stripe short jumpsuit dressLocated in Bilbao, ESPinko Stripe short jumpsuit dress 100% Viscose size Small In 2011, during the launch of its new PINKO Uniqueness range, PINKO became one of the pioneers of the “See Now Buy Now” tre...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jumpsuits