Vintage 1970’s Sleeveless Floral Layered Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3757222461052
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Roccobarocco Vintage 2000’s Diamonte Corset DressBy RoccobaroccoLocated in London, GBWe are excited to present this Roccobarocco 2000’s diamonte corset sleeveless black dress. Features spaghetti straps, diamonte corset detail with lace ruffled hemline and mini length...Category
Early 2000s Italian Mini Dresses
- Versace Vintage 2000’s Metallic Mini DressBy VersaceLocated in London, GBWe are excited to present this vintage 2000’s Versace Jeans Couture metallic beige dress. Features a back zip closure and mini length. In excellent vinta...Category
Early 2000s Italian Mini Dresses
- Alaia S/S 1990 Runway Blue Bodycon DressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAlaia Vintage S/S 1990 Runway Blue Bodycon Dress. Features blue and white knit fabric, scoop neckline and mini length. In excellent vintage condition. Label size: XS Modern size: UK...Category
1990s French Mini Dresses
- Versace Vintage Black Bondage Strappy DressBy VersaceLocated in London, GBWe are excited to present this Versace Vintage Black Bondage Strappy Dress. Features strapless tube dress with bondage straps on front and back with mono...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Blue Draped DressBy ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOODLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood Anglomania Blue Draped Dress. Features Draped scoop neckline and midi length. Label size: Medium Modern size: UK: 10, US: 4 - 6, EU: 38 Measurements when laid flat...Category
2010s British Casual Dresses
- Versace Vintage F/W 1992 Bondage DressBy Istante by VersaceLocated in London, GBWe are excited to present this Istante By Versace Fall Winter 1992 black bondage dress. Features stud detail, side zip closure and mini length...Category
1990s Italian Mini Dresses
- Black Cris Cross Swiss Cotton Stretch Pique Slim DressBy Barbara TfankLocated in Los Angeles, CACriss Cross Black Swiss Stretch Pique Slim Dress fits like a glove. The dress is comfy and figure hugging. Great party dress perfect for dancing, cocktails or lunch parties. Super ea...Category
Early 2000s American Cocktail Dresses
- Valentino 1980s Pinstripe Chain Link Belted Midi DressBy ValentinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your wardrobe with the timeless elegance of the Valentino 1980s Pinstripe Chain Link Belted Midi Dress. This exquisite dress is a true embodiment of classic sophistication an...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Teal & Multicolor M Missoni Runway 2019 Maxi Dress Size IT 40By M MissoniLocated in New York, NYTeal and multicolor metallic maxi dress by M Missoni. From the Runway 2019 Collection. Chevron pattern throughout. V-neck. Cap sleeves. 36" bust, 32" waist, 50" length, 17.5" shoulde...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Day Dresses
- Ermanno Scervino Yellow Guipure Lace Sleeveless Flounce Dress SBy Ermanno ScervinoLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Ditch those generic trends and go for a glam, statement-making style with this Ermanno Scervino dress. This yellow piece is the best way to step aside from the crowd. Dainty and clas...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Missoni Green and White Patterned Knit V-Neck Sleeveless Dress SBy MissoniLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2An amazing and urbane piece like this Missoni dress deserves a special place in your ensemble. Be it any event, this green piece will be your first choice. Tailored from blended fabr...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Chloe Grey Silk One Shoulder Tiered Dress SBy ChloéLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Treasure this gorgeous and stylish Tiered dress tailored by Chloe. It is crafted from silk, featuring an attractive one shoulder design. This adorable dress will leave the crowd gazi...Category
2010s Italian Casual Dresses