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Ossie Clark

British, 1942-1996

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.

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Designer: Ossie Clark
Ossie Clark Vintage 1969 Britwell Satin Trousers
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this iconic Ossie Clark 1969 satin floral print trousers. Features a high waist and wide leg silhouette, beige with black and brown floral print, zip front...
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1960s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark moss crepe and satin full length evening dress, circa 1970s
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in London, GB
Ossie Clark was one of Britain's most influential fashion designers of the 1960s and 1970s. Clark defined the spirit of London during the period between Mary Quant’s go-go mini-skirt...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

1968 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with keyhole neckline ruffles & red trim
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black, moss crepe, maxi dress with cut-out shoulders keyhole neckline, ruffles and red satin trim designed by Ossie Clark for Radley dating to 1968. Dress size is not marked, alt...
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1960s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark vintage 1970’s Floral Swing Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
We are very excited to present this Ossie Clark 1970’s long sleeve swing dress. Features floral pattern, tie neck, wide silhouette with long sleeves and midi length. Print by Celia B...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark For Radley Pink Crepe Maxi Dress With Keyhole Neckline
By Ossie Clark
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Ossie Clark for Radley pink moss crepe maxi dress featuring a wrap skirt with extra long waist ties, a collared neckline with keyhole opening detail, fabric-covered buttons an...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark Vintage 1970’s Sleeveless Floral Layered Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
We are excited to present this Ossie Clark 1970’s sleeveless ruffled dress. Features floral pattern, v-neckline, ruffled layers, waist fabric belt and midi length. In excellent vinta...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

1970s Ossie Clark Ivory Silk Jacquard Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970s Bohemian Ossie Clark ivory rayon jacquard maxi dress is exceptional. The rayon jacquard fabric is super soft and quite heavy. Although many Ossie Clark dresses wou...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

1970's OSSIE CLARK For QUORUM black bias-cut maxi gown with low back
By Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black, moss crepe, bias-cut maxi gown with deep-V front and back from Ossie Clark for Quorum. Beautiful, decorative top-stitching detail around bodice. Dress is labeled a UK 14 h...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

1970’s Ossie Clark Blue Chiffon Floral Dress With Ceila Birtwell Print
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Floaty summer dress from iconic British designer Ossie Clark, for his Radley line. This early to mid 1970’s piece features a pretty floral print in two layers of navy chiffon in a red, sky blue, green & white floral print by his wife and business partner Ceila Birtwell. Fitted around the bust, with a flattering empire line tie fastening and three covered buttons at the back in the same fabric. It would make a fantastic choice for a wedding or summer party and is in truly superb vintage condition with no issues. Best for a size extra small to small - our model is a size UK 6-8 or US 2-4 and this has room in the bust. Ossie Clark was a highly influential British fashion designer in the 1960s -1970s. In 1965 he graduated from the Royal College of Art with a first class degree and immediately began selling his work in exclusive London boutiques including Alice Pollock’s Quorum. Here he created a collection with textile designer Celia Birtwell which was one of the most famous collaborations in fashion history. Quorum was bought by Radley in the late 1960s which led to the ‘Ossie Clark for Radley’ label. Today, his distinctive dresses are highly sought after and admired by celebrities such as Kate Moss, Emma Watson...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

1970s Ossie Clark Navy Floral Print Blouse with Celia Birtwell Print
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
This is a phenomenal 1970s Ossie Clark boutique blouse with an important and well documented print by Celia Birtwell. It is fully labelled and additionally has the Quorum boutique retail label which sold Ossie's costly mainline collections - they are much rarer than Radley retailed pieces. There are some wonderful softer design details in this blouse from the puff sleeves to the long tapered cuffs and the gathered yoke giving it a loose romantic poet's style aesthetic as the blouse is without darts. The print is a very beautiful floral design against a navy background in quality rayon fabric. This is a remarkable piece of fashion history and has been in my personal collection for years but it is time for someone else to enjoy it. The condition is very good overall. There is slight fade on the sleeve elements of the arm - this is more noticeable on the right side than the left - the photos are a good representation and this never bothered me as it is so slight. Additionally there are two very small, minor grazes on the back towards the top of the neck; not quite holes but the fabric has thinned. They are not noticeable when worn. The last very minor issue is there is a small stress parting along the seam on the left forearm sleeve. This is on the underside and therefore cannot be seen when worn. This has been dry cleaned and is ready to wear and I can be seen modelling this top for a vintage photo...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

1970s Ossie Clarke Black Muslin Embroidered Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
This is one of the more unusual dresses from fashion superstar Ossie Clark for British retailer Radley circa 1973- 1975. Rather than it being made from a black moss crepe, this is 100% cotton muslin and made in India. It has the dagger collar, ubiquitous to the era and been hand embroidered in a floral design. Both the dagger collar, the yoke and the armholes are all edged in a contrasting pink piping. The dress has a high waistline and fastens to the front with a row of fabric covered buttons. The bishop sleeves are three-quarter length and are finished with three fabric buttons on the cuffs. The dress retains its original fabric tie belt. Labelled Ozzie Clark for Radley, Size UK 12 and fairly true to modern sizing save for the smaller bust measurement which is probably closer to a UK 10 or US 8. Condition is very good to verging on excellent. Ossie Clark dresses were often worn to death and altered but we see no evidence of that here and it has been well looked after with the fabric still fresh looking and no visible mends. Notes on Designer: Ossie Clark was a highly influential British fashion designer in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1965 he graduated from the Royal College of Art with a first class degree and immediately began selling his work in exclusive London boutiques including Alice Pollock’s Quorum. Here he created a collection with textile designer and soon to be wife Celia Birtwell, one of the most famous collaborations in fashion history. Quorum was bought by Radley in the late 1960s which led to the ‘Ossie Clark for Radley’ label. Today, his distinctive dresses are highly sought after and admired by celebrities such as Kate Moss and Emma Watson...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970s Ossie Clark 'Autumn Leaves' Print Cotton Empire Waist Plunge Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
English fashion designer, Raymond Ossie Clark, was a leading light in the London "swinging sixties" fashion era and is now renowned for his romanti...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark Iconic Poppy Print Day Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ossie Clark for Radley black moss crepe day dress, with a red and black Art deco inspired poppy print by Celia Birtwell. Self covered buttons, puff...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark pink silk chiffon maxi dress with Celia Birtwell print, ss 1976
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
▪ Ossie Clark pink silk chiffon maxi dress ▪ Georges Seurat inspired print by Celia Birtwell ▪ Red, blue and green with pink ground ▪ String cleavage fastening ▪ Criss-cross string ...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark angel-sleeve drawstring dress with print by Celia Birtwell, ss 1971
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
▪ Ossie Clark angel-sleeve dress ▪ 'Busy Lizzie' floral print by Celia Birtwell ▪ Pink and green with black ground ▪ Loose fit ▪ Drawstring fastening around chest and shoulders ...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark 1970 black moss crepe pant suit
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Ossie Clark 1970 black moss crepe pant suit - blouse with huge billowing sleeves, waist belt, button fastenings and zip closure on side seam - high rise straight leg pants
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark 1972 halter neck evening dress and blouse ensemble
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Ossie Clark 1972 halter neck evening dress and blouse ensemble - black moss crepe evening dress with tiered skirt and cross over halter n...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970s Ossie Clark Daisy Celia Birtwell Print Capelet Handkerchief Blouse
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Ossie Clark statement blouse dating back to his 1970 couture collection. Raymond "Ossie" Clark was a leading light in the London swinging sixties fashion era and is now renowned for his romantic flowing dresses and unique cuts. Ossie Clark vintage...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

1970s Radley Burgundy V neck Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Radley maxi V neck dress. Size 6
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970's Ossie Clark for Radley Pink Celia Birtwell Print Crepe Dress Set
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Celia Birtwell print silk-crepe Ossie Clark for Radley ensemble that is both timeless and chic. Radley was a British clothing manufacturing company of the 1960's through the early 1980's. The main designer for the company, Raymond "Ossie: Clark, was a leading light in the London swinging sixties fashion era and is now renowned for his romantic flowing dresses. Ossie Clark vintage...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark Summer Vibrant Purple Moss Crepe Gown Vintage 1970's London
By Ossie Clark, Radley
Located in Carmel, CA
Original 1970's Vintage Ossie Clark lavender gown made from Moss crepe. Signature Ossie Clark 1930's cut and design. UK size 10, which is more like a US ...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark Moss Crepe Gown
By Ossie Clark
Located in Geneva, CH
This wrap dress in emerald green moss crepe, is a flattering and glamorous low-cut plunge maxi-length silhouette. Typical of the 70’s Ossie Clark design, wi...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

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This is an incredible Italian yellow silk high low dress with soutache bust detail from Gattinoni. We love the beautiful textures and different silks used for this dress. This has an...
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Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Satin & Velvet Color Block Dress-Size 8
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Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Color-Block Dress - 8. This dress is in excellent condition and is long sleeved. The top part is velvet and the ...
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Vintage Givenchy 1990s Black and White Rhinestone Long Sleeve 90s Mini Dress
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Chic early 90s GIVENCHY black and white rhinestone encrusted long sleeve mini dress ! Channel your inner Wednesday Addams from "The Addams Family," in th...
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Givenchy Printed Plunging Maxi Dress
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Alexander McQueen 2005 Black Lace and Crinkle Pleat Silk Dress
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Early 2000s Italian Ossie Clark

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Pretty 1970s orange, pink and purple slinky jersey wrap dress with attached neck scarf ! Features vibrant colors with an Aztec like print throughout. Colorful rhinestone buttons at e...
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1970s Ossie Clark

1960 Mr. Blackwell Fluorescent Yellow Embroidered Floral Net Trapeze Dress
By Mr. Blackwell
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1960s Mr. Blackwell fluorescent yellow floral embroidered net cocktail dress. Under-layer is a sheath styled crepe dress and the over-layer of embro...
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Previously Available Items
Vintage 1970 Ossie Clark Vogue Documented Traffic-Light Block Color Crepe Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A well documented and instantly recognizable Ossie Clark block color 'traffic light' moss crepe dress dating back to his 1970 fall/winter collection. English fashion designer, Raymo...
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1970s English Ossie Clark

1980's Ossie Clark Purple Velvet Burnout Chiffon Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1980's Ossie Clark purple velvet burnout chiffon dress. Tulip velvet pattern midi long sleeve dress and long front tie. Black lining throughout with exception of arms and chest.
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1980s Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark moss crepe and satin full length evening dress, circa 1970s
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in London, GB
Ossie Clark was one of Britain's most influential fashion designers of the 1960s and 1970s. Clark defined the spirit of London during the period between Mary Quant’s go-go mini-skirt and Malcolm Maclaren and Vivienne Westwood’s subversive punk movement, from 1965 to 1974.He was known to be able to cut straight into fabric without even consulting a paper pattern. Clark was obsessed with historical dress, citing Madeleine Vionnet, Lucien Lelong and Charles James as his favourites.Thanks to his technical skills Ossie Clark’s dresses were sexy, womanly and exquisitely cut. Despite his short life and short-lived career , Ossie Clark is widely remembered as an innovator whose talent and vision transcended the microcosm of the King’s Road, and influenced countless designers worldwide, most notably Yves Saint Laurent and countless New York designers.This dress has the simple, flattering lines of a classic Ossie Clark design. Its flowing silhouette, waist-tie and deep décolletage was designed to suit women...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970s Ossie Clark 'Pineapple' Celia Birtwell Print Silk Crepe Maxi Dress
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Ossie Clark White Crepe Tie-Front Top with Celia Birtwell Print, 1970's
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Vintage 1972 Ossie Clark 'Busy Lizzie' Celia Birtwell Floral Print Bias-Cut Gown
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1970s Ossie Clarke Black Moss-Crepe Waspie Dress
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Original 1970s Ozzie Clark for Radley moss crepe waspie dress. This is a classic Ozzie design that has made him one of the most enduring and admired fashion designers of the 20th cen...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970's Ossie Clark Deco Cherries Celia Birtwell Print Crepe Mini Dress
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Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A totally chic and collectable Ossie Clark for Radley designer moss-crepe dress dating back to the mid 1970's. English fashion designer, Raymond Ossie Clark, was a leading light in t...
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1970s Ossie Clark Black Crepe Halter Neck Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
This is a very early 1970s dress from Ossie Clark’s couture range when he designed and collaborated with Alice Pollock of the infamous Quorum Boutiqu...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

very rare 1970 OSSIE CLARK for QUORUM moss crepe wrap dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare cream and black moss crepe dress designed by Ossie Clark for Quorum dating to 1970. Ossie Clark's wife at the time, textile designer C...
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1970s Ossie Clarke Black Moss Crepe Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Original 1970s Ozzie Clark for Radley moss crepe shirtwaister dress. This is the classic Ozzie design that has made him one of the most enduring and admired fashion designers of the ...
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1970s British Ossie Clark

Vintage 1970's Ossie Clark Buttercream Crepe Belted Low-Plunge Maxi Dress Gown
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Ossie Clark fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Ossie Clark fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of pink, blue, purple and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Jean Varon, Frank Usher, and Janice Wainwright appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Ossie Clark fashion from top boutiques around the world. Ossie Clark fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $6,678, while the average work can sell for $2,256.

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