Rare Ossie Clark mini dress with Candy Flower print by Celia Birtwell c. 1969
View Similar Items
Rare Ossie Clark mini dress with Candy Flower print by Celia Birtwell c. 1969
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14021047962
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.
- Azzedine Alaia navy knitted virgin wool bodycon hooded dress, fw 1986By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GB▪ Azzedine Alaia knitted virgin wool dress ▪ Single zip fastening circles the body starting at the right hip and ending at the left breast ▪ Integral hood with scarf ending on one si...Category
1980s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 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
- Miu Miu by Miuccia Prada green wool fleece slip dress with crystals, ss 1998By Miu Miu, PradaLocated in London, GB▪ Miu Miu wool fleece slip dress ▪ Designed by Miuccia Prada ▪ Allover flat-back crystals ▪ Lace-up ties to the front opening ▪ Loose fit ▪ Fully line...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Martin Margiela artisanal dress made from reclaimed vintage dresses, fw 1993By Maison Martin MargielaLocated in London, GB▪ Rare Martin Margiela artisanal maxi dress ▪ Made from a patchwork of damaged 1940s dresses sourced by the designer at the flea markets in Paris ▪ Small - Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1993 ...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- 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
- Azzedine Alaïa green and black wool jersey wrap dress, fw 1982By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GB▪ Azzedine Alaïa wool jersey wrap dress ▪ Green long-sleeve bodice ▪ Black knee-length wrap skirt ▪ Black patent leather straps with metal buckle ▪ Press studs at the center-back o...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 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
$1,999 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Lanvin long velvet dress 60s/70sBy Lanvin ParisLocated in Rubiera, RELANVIN 22. Faubourg St. Honoré _ PARIS 60s/70s Long printed velvet dress with large shocking pink and ruby red roses on a brown and gray background Round ne...Category
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Antik Batik Green Wool Sequins Boho Chic Tunic DressLocated in Brindisi, BtAntik Batik 2000s woman dress. Boho chic dress, long tunic model. Green color with sequin applications from green to purple. 100% transparent wool fabric. ...Category
Early 2000s Indian Caftans
- Moschino 2000s Black Wool Sheath Dress LBDBy Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Brindisi, BtMoschino Cheap and Chic vintage 2000s black sheath dress is a timeless piece made from high-quality wool. The dress is elegant and sophisticated...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sheath Dresses
- Louis Feraud Paris vintage black blue red abstract print jersey midi maxi dressBy Louis Feraud ParisLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage Louis Feraud Paris long vintage dress Black with blue, red and beige abstract style print Long sleeves Crew neck Stretch fabr...Category
Late 20th Century German Informal Dresses
- Tom Ford black one shoulder oversized slouch cashmere sweater midi dressBy Tom FordLocated in Paris, FRLOVE LALI Vintage Tom Ford black one shoulder sweater dress in cashmere Long sleeves with thumb holes at the cuffs Slouch style dress that ...Category
2010s Italian Casual 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.