Vintage Iconic Designers: Ossie Clark

As part of our blog, we will be bringing you posts surrounding the iconic designers of decades gone by and the impact they had on fashion, both back then and today, so stay tuned for future posts. What better way to start than with highly covetable designer of the 60s and 70s, Ossie Clark...

 Ossie Clark (9th June 1942–6th August 1996)

You can't think back to the bohemian days of the 1970s without thinking of Ossie Clark and the influence he had over fashion at this time. Although perhaps not as well known as fashion houses who were also designing in the 60s and 70s such as Manolo Blahnik, these labels we know and love today have taken inspiration from Ossie, with Blahnik stating "he created an incredible magic with the body and achieved what fashion should do: produce desire." With designers such as Yves Saint Laurent also taking inspiration, then is it any wonder that Ossie Clark's designs are so sought after, with fashionistas such as Kate Moss being fans?

Whilst studying at the Regional College Of Art in Manchester in the 1960s, Ossie Clark met Celia Birtwell, now also a very recognisable name in fashion history, who together were also very good friends of artist, David Hockney. For now lovers, and later, husband and wife, and with Ossie's designs selling well, most notably at the well established Quorum Boutique, Celia and Ossie collaborated to produce a collection which consisted of Ossie's classic designs, most often than not encompasing long flowing maxi dresses with fitted waists and deeply cut necklines, with the print designed by Celia which usually consisted of a floral theme. These dresses of course, did not disappoint and flew off the rails due to the quality of craftsmanship and flattering cuts which suited the feminine figure. Unsurprisingly, it's these qualities which make the Ossie Clark label and Ossie Clark's diffusion line for Radley, so collectable today.

 Ossie Clark & Celia Birtwell in the 1970s

Celia & Ossie in Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, painted by mutual friend, David Hockney, circa 1970

 Ossie Clark for Radley moss crepe maxi dress, dating back to 1971, available to buy at Virtual Vintage Clothing

 Classic 1970s Ossie Clark label

Classic and highly collectable 60s mini dress designed by Ossie Clark with 'mystic daisy' print by Celia Birtwell

Credit: http://www.celiabirtwell.com/

Fast forward forty years, and Ossie and Celia's designs are still making their mark on the red carpet by celebrites after an iconic, individual look. See the images below to see how celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Iman make this label their own...

 Sienna Miller

 Emma Watson

 Geri Halliwell

 Iman

 Rachel Weiss

Vanessa Hudgens