Vintage Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell Print 1970s Brown Pink Poppy Print Midi Dress
View Similar Items
Vintage Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell Print 1970s Brown Pink Poppy Print Midi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:Ossie Clark / Celia Birtwell
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small - Small Medium (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 52 in (132.08 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6622328123
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.
- NWT 1990s Donna Karan Size 8 Black Metallic Rayon Off - Shoulder Vintage DressBy Donna KaranLocated in San Diego, CAChic brand new with original store tags late 90s DONNA KARAN black metallic rayon off-shoulder dress ! Features a soft luxurious textured metallic rayo...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Jill Richards Black + Nude Silk Chiffon French Lace Vintage 80s DressBy Jill RichardsLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful Avant Garde 1980s JILL RICHARDS black and nude French lace and silk chiffon long sleeve cocktail dress ! Features a nude underlay on the bodice, with black French lace over...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1990s Calvin Klein Collection Black Rayon Jersey Draped Neck Vintage 90s GownBy Calvin Klein CollectionLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful and classic vintage ( early 90s ) CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION black rayon matte jersey long sleeve draped neck gown / maxi dress ! This is such a classic, yet fashionable gem t...Category
1990s American Evening Gowns
- 1980s Pauline Trigere Black Wool Silk Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 80s DressBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in San Diego, CAAvant Garde 1980s PAULINE TRIGERE black wool and silk taffeta dress ! Features a tailored wool bodice with taffeta panel down the center. Full taffeta puff sleeves add just the right...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
$1,156 Sale Price20% Off - 1960s Mamselle by Betty Carol Black and White Houndstooth Wool 60s A Line DressBy Betty CarolLocated in San Diego, CAChic MAMSELLE by BETTY CAROL black and white wool mini houndstooth print A-Line wool dress ! Features a pretty scooped v-neck with black embroidery. Empire style waist with embroider...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1990s Linda Segal Size 10 Black and White Cotton One Shoulder Vintage 90s DressBy Linda SegalLocated in San Diego, CASexy 1990s LINDA SEGAL black and white cotton picque one shoulder vintage mini dress ! Features a flattering zig zag print on the front with a solid black ...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- CHANEL Avantgardistic Black Ruched Knit Dress 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHLovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years Wonderful knit "Chanel" logo plate on hip Simp...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Informal Dresses
- NEW Chanel Black Crochet Knit Dress including Slip Dress 38By ChanelLocated in Switzerland, CHLovely new interpretation of the timeless Chanel classic little black dress A true Chanel signature piece that will last for many years So versatile - dress it up with a slip dress for a formal yet seductive look and pair it with high heels or throw it over a swimsuit for a great casual look Wonderful crochet knit Closes with Chanel "CC" logo button on back Simply slips on Made in France Dry Clean Only Size 38 New & unworn Complete with slip dress, Chanel tags...Category
2010s French Informal Dresses
$1,399 Sale Price30% Off - Courreges 1960s vintage black 100% silk smock boned bustier dressBy Courrèges, André CourrègesLocated in Antwerp, BEBeautiful vintage black silk boned bustier dress by Courreges Lined, Courrèges size 0 Measurements are taken flat Ua to Ua 15inch/38cm(x2) - Waist 12inch/30,5cm(x2) - Hip17inch/43cm...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
$375 Sale Price50% Off - Leonard Paris 1970s vintage signed 100% silk jersey floral print maxi dressBy Leonard, Leonard of ParisLocated in Antwerp, BESigned Leonard Paris 1970s vintage maxi dress featuring bell sleeves and made in a botanical printed 100% silk jersey. The dress is labeled size 4 but can accommodate a variety of si...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- A Dolce & Gabbana Little Jewelry Black Dress, Italian Circa 2005By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 2005 France Small black dress with boat neckline applied of jewelry of the Milanese designer Dolce Gabbana and dating from 2000/2010. Black jersey in stretch. Neckline and sho...Category
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
- CHRISTIAN DIOR Black 3D Crochet Knit Ribbed Dress with Ruches Dior Logo Plate 40By Christian DiorLocated in Switzerland, CHAn extremely luxurious and versatile CHRISTIAN DIOR classic signature piece that will last you for years Gorgeous, almost couture-like piece hand-...Category
2010s French Cocktail Dresses
$979 Sale Price45% Off