1970s Ossie Clark Peach Moss Crepe Wrap Dress w/Deep V-Neck & Ruffle Trim
View Similar Items
1970s Ossie Clark Peach Moss Crepe Wrap Dress w/Deep V-Neck & Ruffle Trim
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 2-4 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Studio City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU357907272
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.
- 2003 S/S Alexander McQueen Sleeveless Sequin DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Studio City, CA2003 S/S Alexander McQueen "Irere" collection pale gold sequined sleeveless dress with concealed mother-of-pearl buttons and pleats at the hips, producing a graduated front hem which...Category
Early 2000s British Evening Dresses
- 1960s Fontana Sisters Haute Couture Metallic Cocktail DressLocated in Studio City, CAFontana Sisters haute couture cocktail dress made with metallic thread - the thread has oxidized, giving the dress it's unusual, amazing look. Has pane...Category
1960s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$1,250 Sale Price21% Off - 1970's Pauline Trigere Gold & Copper Brocade Evening Gown w/Rhinestone DetailBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Pauline Trigere gold & copper brocade evening gown featuring rhinestone detail at top of shoulders. In excellent condition. No size tag, please consult measurements. MEASUREM...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
$925 Sale Price48% Off - Missoni Yellow & Copper Metallic Strapless Jacquard GownBy MissoniLocated in Studio City, CAMissoni strapless metallic jacquard gown in a palette of creme, yellow and metallic-copper. Featuring a geometric design, the gown has a straight ne...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Evening Dresses and G...
- Alexander McQueen Crystal Kaleidoscope Dress w/Cape S/S 2009 Natural DistinctionBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Studio City, CAAlexander Mcqueen 2009 S/S crystal kaleidoscope print mini dress w/cape in rainbow colors from the iconic "Natural Dis-tinction, Un-natural Selection...Category
Early 2000s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
$4,060 Sale Price30% Off - Valentino Blue Navy Silk Gown w/Keyhole Neckline & Open BackBy ValentinoLocated in Studio City, CAValentino navy silk gown with blush pink trim at the neckline and with a keyhole opening, pleated skirt, self belt and open back. Size 40, 100% silk. In excellent condition. Please c...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace SS 1995 butterfly runway dressBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBIconic and super rare dress in one of Versaces most iconic prints ever - the butterfly print. This dress in the white butterfly print was worn on the runway...Category
1990s European Cocktail Dresses
$4,503 Sale Price20% Off - Issey Miyake Brown Gold Fringe Runway Japanese Pleats Please Dress GownBy Issey MiyakeLocated in PARIS, FRIssey Miyake Brown Gold Fringe Deconstructed Shredded Runway Japanese Kimono Geisha Pleats Please Dress Tunic Excellent condition, collector brown/gold fringe Dress...Category
1990s Japanese Evening Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Nomad Ethnic Tribal Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Indian DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Collector Catwalk Mesh Transparent Sheer Nomad Ethnic Tribal Indian Western Aztec Tattoo Tatouages Long Maxi Dress Extremely rare "Tatouages" dress from Jean Paul Gaultier! Museum piece! "Tim Blanks’ Top Fashion Shows of All Time Jean Paul Gaultier, Spring/Summer 1994, October 1993: BoF’s Editor-at-Large journeys back to a show that fused Indian mysticism, 18th century silhouettes...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
$1,999 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Price Upon Request