1973 Ossie Clark Ivory Red Block-Color Wool Jacket & Maxi Skirt Dress Ensemble
View Similar Items
1973 Ossie Clark Ivory Red Block-Color Wool Jacket & Maxi Skirt Dress Ensemble
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 24 in (60.96 cm)Hip: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Style:Maxi (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wool
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU309980962
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.
- Vintage 1960's Galanos Couture Ivory Silk Satin Low-Plunge Long Sleeve JumpsuitBy Galanos, James GalanosLocated in Beverly Hills, CAA gorgeous Galanos Couture ivory-creme silk satin jumpsuit dating back to the mid 1960's. Dedication to excellence in craftsmanship and design was ...Category
1960s American Jumpsuits
- Vintage 1950's Lilli Diamond Silver Lamé Beaded Strapless Dress and Swing JacketBy Lilli DiamondLocated in Beverly Hills, CAA seductive and highly stylized 1950's sparkling silver lamé dress ensemble by the famous Lilli Diamond label. The silhouette is classic pin-up "femm...Category
1950s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1971 Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Beaded Blue Velvet Jumpsuit and JacketBy Pierre BalmainLocated in Beverly Hills, CAExquisite Pierre Balmain Haute-Couture dark blue silk-velvet jumpsuit ensemble dating back to his opulent 1971 collection. This iconic designer created a very sculptural quality whic...Category
1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1970s Valentino Novelty Acorn Print Velvet Swing Jacket & Maxi Skirt SetBy ValentinoLocated in Beverly Hills, CAValentino’s work is timeless and dramatic. This early Valentino boutique creation, dating back to his fall-winter 1977 collection, is very unique in many ways. The novelty chestnut r...Category
1970s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1960s Burke Amey Couture Black Wool Green Silk Appliqué 3-Piece Mod SuitBy Burke-AmeyLocated in Beverly Hills, CAUltra chic and super sophisticated Burke-Amey graphic appliqué 3-piece ensemble dating back to their 1968-69 fall/winter collection. Burke-Amey was started in 1959 by designer Ronald...Category
1960s American Skirt Suits
- Vintage 1970s Sant' Angelo Burgundy Draped Chiffon Bodysuit & Fringed Maxi SkirtBy Giorgio di Sant' AngeloLocated in Beverly Hills, CAIncredibly stunning and highly desirable Giorgio Sant' Angelo designer bodysuit ensemble dating back to the late 1970's. He first hit the fashion scene when Diana Vreeland asked him to design clothing for a desert location shoot that starred Verushka in 1968. This shoot is legendary and his clothing was instantly sought out by all the most fashionable women on the planet. Sant' Angelo was the winner of two Coty Awards and two Council of Fashion Designers of America honors. He has had an entire museum exhibit dedicated to his work and will go down in history as one of the great American designers. This seductive two-piece set is a perfect example of his genius. I love the low-cut plunging draped bodysuit as a wardrobe staple. Would also look fantastic with trousers or jeans! The interior is a stretch jersey in a matching burgundy hue so when you put it on, the bodysuit molds to your bod in the most comfortable way. The sleeves are cut long and the draped backless bodice flows into the sash which wraps around the waist. Such a smart design! The matching high-waist embroidered fringe maxi skirt finishes the look off effortlessly. Sant' Angelo once said, "I am not a fashion designer but an artist who works in fashion engineer of form." We added many pictures so you can appreciate this masterful achievement. Measurements Bodysuit (varies due to stretch) Bust: 34-38 inches Waist: 26-30 inches Sleeve Length: 24 inches Skirt Waist: 28 inches Hips: up to 42 inches Total Length: 44 inches This vintage Giorgio di Sant...Category
1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood pink floral printed maxi skirt and blouse ensemble, ss 2001By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood pink floral printed ensemble. Maxi skirt and draped blouse with asymmetric cut. Spring-Summer 2001Category
Early 2000s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Christian Dior by John Galliano floral silk chiffon top and skirt set, fw 2001By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Christian Dior top and skirt set ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Floral printed silk chiffon in shades of cream, pink and brown ▪ Top with bugle beads sewn over denim-printed silk ▪...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Albert Nipon Early Vintage Rayon Silk Satin 2 Pc Dress Skirt Suit With Black BowBy Albert NiponLocated in Portland, ORThis lovely 2 piece dress or suit is from Albert Nipon and we think it's fabulous! We have developed such a new appreciation for Albert Nipon and have been searching for his earlier ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
$295 Sale Price50% Off - Rare Comme des Garcons Runway "Broken Bride" Wedding Ensemble Coat & DressBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Los Angeles, CARei Kawakubo's Fall 2005 "Broken Bride" Collection emphasized beautiful and romantic "nuptial" clothing inspired by the Victorian era. Look #23 on the runway showcases a full length coat with an attached wedding dress fashioned of silk with an antique look of parchment. This ensemble is that which is being offered. Asymmetric draped dress is fashioned of silk and cotton with patterns of Victorian lace, stains, imprinted on the front of the dress. The coat is substantial and weighty fully lined and includes a belt. Garment is cleverly designed as one (1) piece giving the illusion of 2 separate pieces. Garments displays...Category
Early 2000s Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Les Copains Vintage Skirt SuitBy Les CopainsLocated in Milano, ITNice skirt suit designed by Les Copains in the 1980s, made in France. ORIGINAL LABEL. The suit consists of jacket and skirt. The cut is the classic longuette cut. The skirt is simple...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits
$351 Sale Price20% Off - 1980S GALANOS Blush Pink Silk Crystal & Sequin Beaded Lace Blouse With ChiffonBy GalanosLocated in New York, NYThe pants are double layered and cut on the bias with side slits. Hemmed with the most beautiful haute couture grade baby hand rolled seams. Clothing will very simply never be made t...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Two-Piece Beaded Gown by Puerto Rican Designer David Fernandez Is the Embodiment of 1970s Glam
On the Met Gala red carpet, this vintage ensemble would bring the heat.
Madonna Wore the Same Plunging Azzedine Alaïa Design on the Cover of ‘Cosmo’ in 1987
The gold silk stunner was part of a knockout collection that changed the trajectory of Alaïa's then-troubled brand.