Iconic Ossie Clark shocking red moss crepe evening gown c. 1974
View Similar Items
Iconic Ossie Clark shocking red moss crepe evening gown c. 1974
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 6-8 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1402767072
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.
- BodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressLocated in London, GBBodyMap 1982-1986 green spandex bodycon dressCategory
1980s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace black spandex bell bottom jumpsuit, S / S 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB- Black ribbed spandex - Zip fastening Spring-Summer 1993Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Alaia Spring-Summer 1996 beaded lemon knit cocktail sequin dressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAzzedine Alaia Spring-Summer 1996 beaded lemon knit cocktail sequin dressCategory
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent Autumn-Winter 1987 black lace flamenco evening dressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GBYves Saint Laurent Autumn-Winter 1987 black lace flamenco evening dress with ruffled trimCategory
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Tom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressBy Tom FordLocated in London, GBTom Ford for Gucci Spring-Summer 2000 beaded python print shift dressCategory
1990s Italian Shift Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Couture blue silk mini evening dress with gold embellishments, c. 1960sLocated in London, GBPresenting a vintage blue silk evening mini dress, a true treasure of opulence and glamour. This exquisite dress is adorned with gold circular mirrored disks and beads, adding a touc...Category
1960s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 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
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Giambattista Valli Ivory Crepe Sleeveless Wedding Gown Dress EU 40By Giambattista ValliLocated in New York, NYElegant Giambattista Valli ivory crepe sleeveless wedding gown has a delicate fitted bust, darts to accentuate the length of waist, which is finished with a stitched ribbon at the wa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$2,000 Sale Price20% Off - Roberto Cavalli Tiger Print Jersey Cocktail / Dinner Dress Size 46 EUBy Roberto CavalliLocated in New York, NYRoberto Cavalli tiger print ivory jersey cocktail dress with 3/4 length sleeves. This fun dress is form fitted, gathered at the bust with beautiful...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- WILLIAM PEARSON Designer Vintage Floral Green Dress Ribbon Ruffle Off Shoulder 8Located in Asheville, NCWilliam Pearson, Floral Pattern, Double Layered Lining, Could be off Shoulder or on Shoulder, Satin Ribbon Tie in Back, Satin Ribbon Along Bottom, Full Skirt, Ribbed Top Material, Zi...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
$360 Sale Price20% Off - Rare CEIL CHAPMAN 1950s Vintage Black Satin COUTURE Cocktail Dress XS/SBy Ceil ChapmanLocated in Asheville, NCCeil Chapman, 1950's Era, Pleated Front and Back Panels, Front Bow, Open Top Puff Sleeves with Bows on Ends, Round Neck, Bone In Front and Sides, Back Zipper, Hook and Eye Black Clos...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
$1,750 Sale Price30% Off
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.