Early and rare Ossie Clark Snakeskin Jacket c. 1966
View Similar Items
Early and rare Ossie Clark Snakeskin Jacket c. 1966
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 6 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Snakeskin
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1402754652
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.
- Gianni Versace cheetah print faux fur jacket and dress ensemble, c. 1990sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBA Gianni Versace jacket and dress ensemble from the 1990s made for the 'Versus' line. The swing jacket is double breasted and fastens with th...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- An early Gianni Versace leopard print fur gillet c. 1980sBy Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBThis is an early Gianni Versace fur gillet in a leopard print from the 1980s. The gillet is made of soft rabbit fur and has a 2 leather button closu...Category
1980s Italian Jackets
- Men's Vivienne Westwood red cotton jacquard button-up jacket, fw 1997By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Men's Vivienne Westwood button-up jacket ▪ Cotton jacquard in a fire patterned design ▪ Curved Raglan sleeves ▪ Cotton lining ▪ Size 50 ▪ ...Category
1990s Italian Jackets
- Koji Tatsuno chiffon smocked jacket with incased dried roses, fw 1991Located in London, GB▪ Koji Tatsuno chiffon smocked jacket ▪ 100% Polyester ▪ Incased dried rose buds ▪ Hook front fastenings ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter 1991Category
1990s British Jackets
- Vivienne Westwood Autumn-Winter 2002 brocade bondage evening jacketBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood Autumn-Winter 2002 brocade bondage evening jacket - leg of mutton sleeve with two-way zippers - extra long belt - bondage strapsCategory
Early 2000s British Jackets
- Worlds End tan leather Pirates double breasted waistcoat, fw 1981Located in London, GBWorlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren. Unisex tan leather double breasted waistcoat. Mandarin collar, ruffled hem with raw finish, matching leather buttons and cream co...Category
1980s British Jackets
- Example by Missoni Cotton Jacket NWOTBy MissoniLocated in Capri, ITExample by Missoni Cotton Jacket totally made in italy Size 48Category
1990s Italian Jackets
- Versace classic greek geometric blazerBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Capri, ITVersace classic greek geometric blazer totally made in italy in size 52Category
1990s Italian Jackets
- HERMES terra cotta brown cashmere LONG VEST Jacket 38 SBy HermèsLocated in Zürich, CHHermès vest in terra cotta cashmere (100%) with fron flap pocket with white stiching. Closes on the front with buttons. Unlined. Has been worn and is in excellent condition. Tag Si...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Jackets
- Pierre Carding beige black wool jacket / cardiganBy Pierre CardinLocated in Capri, ITPierre Carding beige black wool jacket / cardigan size MCategory
1990s French Jackets
$214 Sale Price20% Off - 1980S MISSONI Earth Tone Wool Blend Knit Dress With Matching VestBy MissoniLocated in New York, NY1980S MISSONI Earth Tone Wool Blend Knit Dress With Matching VestCategory
1980s Vests
- Gallara handmade wool jacketLocated in Capri, ITGallara handmade wool jacket totally handmade in italy in size 44 total lenght 74 cm shoulder to hem 58 cmCategory
1990s Italian Jackets
$135 Sale Price31% 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.