1968 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with keyhole neckline ruffles & red trim
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 65 in (165.1 cm)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 24 in (60.96 cm)Hip: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Fabric content: moss crepe, satin trim, metal zipper.
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. professionally rewoven hole under bust at front, a few minor snags/runs and general overall wear.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8120653752
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Oakland, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1970's TED LAPIDUS couture eyelet dress with tiered hemBy Ted Lapidus Haute Couture, Ted LapidusLocated in San Fransisco, CABlack eyelet lace dress with tiered hemline designed by Ted Lapidus dating to the 1970's. Best fits a US 2-4. Approximate measurements: bust 32" (+1" of give), waist 28.5", hips 36" ...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 1990's CHEAP AND CHIC by MOSCHINO black bustier minidressBy Moschino Cheap and Chic, MoschinoLocated in San Fransisco, CAJet black bustier mini dress from MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC dating to the 1990's. Narrow adjustable straps and bow at waistline. Labeled an Italian 42 however this dress best Fits an Ita...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- 1990's ROMEO GIGLI brown velvet dress with asymmetrical hemlineBy Romeo GigliLocated in San Fransisco, CABrown velvet dress with v-neck and asymmetrical hemline from Romeo Gigli dating to the 1990's. Fits a size 6 or 8. Approximate measurements: shoulde...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- 1980's AZZEDLINE ALAIA black velour dress with studsBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, black velour dress with studs designed by Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a French size 42 however this was not clipped on the size 2 mannequin. Approxi...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1984 AZZEDINE ALAIA black knit dress with wide elastic waistbandBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, jet-black dress with elasticized waist and draped bodice from Azzedine Alaia dating to 1984. Labeled a size 'S'. Approximate measurements (unstretched): bust is open, wais...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970's ANDRE LAUG silk dress with gathered waistBy André LaugLocated in San Fransisco, CATextured taupe silk dress with flattering gathered center by Andre Laug dating to the early 1970's. Best fits a US 4 or 6 (interior waistband which can easily be removed measures app...Category
1970s Italian Day Dresses
- NEW ALEXANDER McQueen GREEN EVENING DRESS size 40 - 4By Alexander McQueenLocated in Montgomery, TXAlexander McQueen Emerald green glass beaded long dress Content: 100% silk Back zipper Sleeveless Back slit Size 40 - 4 (S) Length 63" Bust 35...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Karl Lagerfeld 1980s Size 44 / US 10 Navy Blue Silk Chiffon Vintage 80s DressBy Karl LagerfeldLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful late 80s KARL LAGERFELD navy + ivory silk chiffon sleeveless dress. Features a navy body with semi sheer ivory above the bust. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye c...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- S/S 1990 Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Magenta Pink Wool Shift DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche magenta pink wool shift dress from the Spring / Summer 1990 collection. This dress has long sleeves and side slit pockets, with built...Category
1990s European Shift Dresses
- Lilli Diamond 1970s Sz 2 Abstract Leaf Print Red Halter Cotton Voile Maxi DressBy Lilli DiamondLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1970s LILLI DIAMOND cotton voile halter maxi dress gown ! The main color of this beauty is red. Abstract leaf prints throughout in vibrant hues of blue, orange and green. D...Category
1970s American Maxi Dress
- 1950s Black and Red Silk Brocade Flower Print Off Shoulder Vintage 50s DressLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful vintage late 50s demi couture silk brocade black and red off-the-shoulder cocktail dress ! Features lipstick red prints of flowers and orig...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Black Jersey Jeweled Rhinestone Belt Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress LBDLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s black jersey long sleeve slinky dress ! Features an attached belt with jewel and rhinestone encrusted buckle. Jewels are vibrant colors of turquoise blue, purple, green and amber orange...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses