Ossie Clark Summer Vibrant Purple Moss Crepe Gown Vintage 1970's London
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 60 in (152.4 cm)Marked Size: 10 (UK)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Moss Crepe
- Condition:Excellent Condition.
- Seller Location:Carmel, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU13062441767
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Carmel, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Explicit HOT SEX Top DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Carmel, CAThis iconic piece, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Jean Paul Gaultier Femme in the 1990's, is showcased in taupe with navy letters throughout, as well as navy stitching at the tri...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Moschino Couture Question Mark Dress 1988-89By MoschinoLocated in Carmel, CAMoschino Couture Question Mark Dress 1988-89 Franco Moschino lifetime rare question mark dress from the late 1980's. Purchased at Ralph Davies in San Franc...Category
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Dress 2005By Junya Watanabe, Comme des GarçonsLocated in Carmel, CAJunya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Dress 2005 Dress is made from 100% lightweight wool and seams are coated with rubber to conceal the seam edg...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Aesthetic Day Dresses
- 1970's Pierre Cardin Mod Structured Wool Navy Blue A Line DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in Carmel, CAVintage 1970's wool dress has a back zipper closure, button closures at the cuffs, decorative bow at the shoulder, A-line silhouette, and ruching at the sleeves. Dress has some norma...Category
1970s Evening Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta 2008 Raffia Dress & Bolero with Bead, Sequin EmbellishingBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Carmel, CAOscar de la Renta dress and bolero set 2008 Spring Collection—featured in a brown and forest green color with raffia throughout the cotton-blend fabric and bead and sequin Appliqué. ...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chanel Silk Blend Watercolor Caftan Maxi DressBy ChanelLocated in Carmel, CAChanel caftan dress featured in soft watercolors with a self-tie around the waist. From the 2011 C cruise collection. Dress Size is UNI and is composed o...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Maxi Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood & Malcolm McLaren World's End Clint Eastwood Dress 1984-85By Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne WestwoodLocated in Los Angeles, CAResurrection Vintage is excited to offer an iconic vintage Vintage Westwood McLaren Worlds End denim tunic featuring Greco rubber embossment throughou...Category
1980s English Day Dresses
- 1960s Navy Mod Knit DressLocated in San Francisco, CA1960s navy blue knit A-line/shift knit dress with square patch pockets over the chest, a dramatic 3-toned stripe nehru collar, and trim down to the hip. The back of the dress has a z...Category
1960s Day Dresses
- 1930'S Purple Rayon Crepe Vionnet Style Ingenious Twisting Bias Seamed Gown As-Located in New York, NY1930'S Purple Rayon Crepe Vionnet Style Ingenious Twisting Bias Seamed Gown As-Is For DesignCategory
1930s Formal Gowns
- 1930S Purple Sheer Rayon Blend Lace GownLocated in New York, NY1930S Purple Sheer Rayon Blend Lace GownCategory
1930s Casual Dresses
- 1980s Samir Electric Blue Lurex + Black Lace Handkerchief Hem Vintage 80s DressBy SAMIRLocated in San Diego, CASexy 1980s SAMIR metallic electric blue lurex and black lace handkerchief hem slinky spaghetti strap dress ! Features a flattering ruched body, with ...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1920S Blue & Red Cotton Workwear Geo Printed Apron DressLocated in New York, NY1920S Blue & Red Cotton Workwear Geo Printed Apron DressCategory
1920s Casual Dresses