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 James Galanos, 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 1958 Jean Desses Haute-Couture Metallic Lame Abstract Print Dress & CoatBy Jean DessèsLocated in Beverly Hills, CAJean Desses couture garments are rare, unique and highly collectible. This exquisite ensemble dates back to when Jean Desses closed his couture house at 17, Avenue Matignon and conti...Category
20th Century French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Vintage 1960's Burke-Amey Couture Black Wool & Green Silk Applique Dress 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 1991 Givenchy Haute Couture Green Pink Satin Strapless Jumpsuit & JacketBy GivenchyLocated in Beverly Hills, CAGivenchy, the name itself evokes glamour, refined elegance, simplicity and style. Givenchy's trademark of sculpted lines and luxurious fabrics make his work easily recognizable. This bold jumpsuit ensemble, dating back to their 1991 haute couture collection, is a beautiful example of his brilliance. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; luxurious emerald-green and magenta-pink lined silk satin. I adore the boned strapless bodice with over-sized cummerbund belt. The flattering nipped waist met by straight-legged trouser pants create the perfect amount of drama to this timeless piece. The matching hourglass peplum jacket complete with wide lapel-collar and over-sized pockets finish this garment off with a perfect femme fatale vibe. With this ensemble, you have one complete outfit or amazing separates! Measurements Jumpsuit Bust: 33-34 inches Waist: 26 inches Hips: up to 39 inches Length top to waist: 10 inches Length waist to hem: 41 inches Matching Jacket Total Length: 22 inches Sleeve Length: 23 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches This 1982 Givenchy numbered...Category
1990s French Jumpsuits
- 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 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
- 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
- Valentino Silk Lace Skirt and TopBy ValentinoLocated in Water Mill, NYA beautiful 2 piece peach beige silk flower lace skirt and camisole set from Valentino. The scoop neck lace camisole style top and subtle A line skirt hav...Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- 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
- NWT Etro 2000s Size 44 US 8 - 10 Silk Chiffon Three Piece Skirt Top Bolero DressBy EtroLocated in San Diego, CANew with tags early 2000s ETRO silk chiffon three piece ensemble ! Features bright colors of neon yellow, green, purple and cream throughout. Purple silk top simply slips over the head. Semi sheer chiffon bolero...Category
Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits
- Vintage Oscar De La Renta Creme and Blue Silk Blouse and Skirt SetBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Oscar de la Renta creme silk jacquard blouse and maxi skirt with blue panel and metallic thread embroidery. Ruffle collar. Woven Belt. Blouse measurement: Bust: 36” Skirt meas...Category
1970s American Wedding Dresses
- 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