OSSIE CLARK for QUORUM / CELIA BIRTWELL floral moss crepe skirt
View Similar Items
OSSIE CLARK for QUORUM / CELIA BIRTWELL floral moss crepe skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 2 (US)Waist: 24 in (60.96 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:moss crepe
- Condition:very good (a few faint marks).
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU120409811657
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.
- early 1980's ISSEY MIYAKE block printed mini skirt with asymmetrical flounceBy Issey MiyakeLocated in San Fransisco, CAVivid, abstract-block printed, cotton-blend mini skirt with high waist and asymmetrical side flounce from Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a size 8 however this would...Category
1980s Japanese Skirts
- 2000's AZZEDINE ALAIA black pointelle knit skirt with ruffles & hidden shortsBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack mini skirt with ruffled, open-work pointelle knit tiers and hidden shorts from Azzedine Alaia dating to the 2000's. Labeled a size 'XS'. Approximate measurements: waist 23" and...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ruffled Skirts
- HOMMA draped black wool skirtLocated in San Fransisco, CAJet-black draped wool skirt designed by Homma. Japanese size 3. Approximate measurements: waist 28" and length 33-35". Zip and button closure at side of waist. Fabric content: 100% w...Category
Early 2000s Japanese Skirts
- 2007 RICK OWENS wishbone black draped silk RUNWAY skirtBy Rick OwensLocated in San Fransisco, CAJet-black, draped silk skirt designed by Rick Owens as seen on the 2007 'wishbone' runway collection. Skirt has a v-shape on the front, draped mermaid-style back and an elasticized w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirts
- 2000's JOHN GALLIANO black draped maxi skirt with 'shirt-sleeve' tiesBy John GallianoLocated in San Fransisco, CASoft-black, draped maxi skirt with unique 'shirt-sleeve' ties at back of waist designed by John Galliano dating to the early 2000's. Skirt has great movement when you walk. French si...Category
Early 2000s French Skirts
- 1970's SAINT LAURENT fuchsia and gold skirt with ruffled hem and long beltBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CAFuchsia and gold silk skirt with ruffled hem and long belt designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to the late 1970's. French size 36 however this also easily fit a French 38 or 40. A...Category
1970s French Pleated Skirts
- Giorgio Armani Black Rayon Crepe Skirt Size EU40 / US 6By Giorgio Armani Le CollezioniLocated in New York, NYGiorgio Armani Le Collezioni flirty little black skirt with draped open front that flows from fitted waistband. Fabric is a soft rayon ble...Category
1990s Italian Skirts
- Joseph Belted Sash Black Skirt Size UK LBy JosephLocated in New York, NYThis is a skirt full of delightful surprises. It moves with you. Hidden slits and flaps, wrapped belted waist gives a variety of options for styling. The long sash belt allows for...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bulgarian Skirts
$500 Sale Price28% Off - VERSACE S/S 1995 Vintage Runway Pleated Silk Mini SkirtBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in Berlin, BEVERSACE Vintage S/S 1995 Runway Pleated Silk Mini Skirt Brand: Versace Designer: Gianni Versace Collection / Year: Spring Summer 1995 Fabric: Silk Satin Color: Black Size: IT4...Category
1990s Italian A-Line Skirts
- AZZEDINE ALAÏA 1990s Navy Semi-Sheer Mini Skirt LBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Berlin, BEAzzedine Alaïa Vintage 1990s Semi-sheer Navy Mini Skirt Brand: Alaïa Designer: Azzedine Alaïa Collection / Year: 1990s Color: Navy Size: L Gorgeous vintage mini skirt by Azzedi...Category
1990s French A-Line Skirts
- AZZEDINE ALAÏA Vintage 1990s Mini Skirt SBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Berlin, BEAzzedine Alaïa Vintage 1990s Mini Skirt Brand: Alaïa Designer: Azzedine Alaïa Collection / Year: 1990s Fabric: Viscose / Rayon Color: Black Size: S E...Category
1990s French A-Line Skirts
- JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARCONS Leather Pleated SkirtBy Junya Watanabe Comme des GarçonsLocated in Berlin, BEAmazing pleated black leather skirt by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe. The luxurious leather skirt is made form a soft leather - it is fitted at the waistband and pleated at the b...Category
2010s Japanese Pleated Skirts