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Ossie Clark Shirts

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
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...
Category

1970s British Ossie Clark Shirts

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Ossie Clark shirts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Ossie Clark shirts available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, and Helmut Lang appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Ossie Clark shirts from top boutiques around the world. Ossie Clark shirts 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 $1,200, while the average work can sell for $1,200.

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