1970s Black Ossie Clark for Radley Maxi Dress
View Similar Items
1970s Black Ossie Clark for Radley Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 57 in (144.78 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Waist: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU13121355032
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.
- 1950s Cardinal Brown Silk Chiffon and Feather Trim DressLocated in London, GBThis gorgeous chestnut brown silk chiffon dress is from American boutique label Cardinal. The chiffon bodice is gathered into pleats with tiny covered buttons down the centre front a...Category
1950s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1950s Saks Fifth Avenue Embossed Wiggle Dress In Pastel ShadesBy Saks Fifth AvenueLocated in London, GBThis lovely 1950s pastel toned wiggle dress is labelled Saks Fifth Avenue and is in wonderful vintage condition. This piece is beautifully cut to suit an ...Category
1960s American Summer Dresses
- 1970s Nikos-Takis Couture Purple Wool and Chiffon DressBy Nikos and TakisLocated in London, GBThis extraordinary 1970s full length purple wool couture dress is by Greek couture dress is by celebrated Greek designer Nikos-Takis and is of excellent quality. This unusual piece f...Category
1970s Greek Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1980s Roots Blue Lace Cocktail Dress With Bow Detail and Structured BodiceBy RootsLocated in London, GBThis vivacious late 1980s sateen and lace cocktail dress in cobalt blue is by the famous London boutique Roots and is playful, dynamic and in excellent vintage condition. Sadly the ...Category
1980s British Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s Sambo Fashions Cotton Floral Print Dress With Full SkirtLocated in London, GBThis lovely 1950s cotton floral print dress is by collectable vintage brand "Sambo" fashions designed by Samuel Sherman and is of beautiful quality as well as in excellent vintage co...Category
1950s British Summer Dresses
- 1920s White Embroidered Cotton Tea DressLocated in London, GBThis exquisite antique 1920s hand embroidered cotton whitework tea dress is in absolutely astonishing vintage condition for a piece of this era, with no fl...Category
1920s British Wedding Dresses
- Nipon Boutique Black Velvet Halter Dress with Satin Ribbon Size US 6By Albert NiponLocated in New York, NYNipon Boutique black velvet cocktail dress with satin ribbon trim and bows tied at neck and back. Flirty six paneled dress body with flared bottom. Fu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses
- Adolfo Tropical Silk Jersey Strapless Dress with Half CapeletBy AdolfoLocated in New York, NYAdolfo strapless dress with bold green, indigo and white tropical floral print. Wonderfully tailored, with fitted bodice and draped open tulip front slit above the knee for movement...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Pastel Silk Chiffon Day / Evening DressBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYPretty pastel silk chiffon Leonard of Paris special occasion day / evening dress. Bodice has a ruffled capelet that flows from the center of the dress...Category
Late 20th Century French Day Dresses
- Jean Muir Emerald Green Viscose Jersey Cocktail DressBy Jean MuirLocated in New York, NYJean Muir emerald green jersey cocktail dress with long wrap sash. Sash may also be worn as long scarf around neck, and tied at lower back. Front of dress has asymmetrical pleating. ...Category
Late 20th Century British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Leonard of Paris Fuschia Multi Color Silk Chiffon Strapless GownBy Leonard of ParisLocated in New York, NYVintage Leonard of Paris bright and flirty ruffled silk chiffon cocktail dress / evening gown, unmarked size, approximately US 6. Featuring four layer...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Valentino Boutique Black Beaded Silk Chiffon Evening Gown Size US 6By ValentinoLocated in New York, NYLuxurious Valentino Boutique black silk evening gown with tiered ruffles, sweeping hemline and hand beaded and embroidered bodice. Two ruffles at bodice are hand beaded with tiny jet...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns