Hey, I just wanted to share this book with you! While I was working at Jones Apparel Group, my boss gave this book to me as a gift. It's called "Ossie Clark 1965-1974" by Judith Watt. It's a book about the life of Ossie Clark a British fashion designer whose hay day was in the mid 1960's - 70's. What's interesting is that although this designer passed away back in 1996 his name is being revitalized. A new Ossie Clark collection was presented at the February '08 fashion week in London so we should see the collection in stores this fall.
Who was Ossie Clark? According to Judith Watt, "Ossie Clark 1965-1974", Clark was considered a rock star in the fashion design scene. His evening dresses were all the rage. He was very skilled in flattering the female body with ruffles, flounces, layers and intricate cutting techniques in sheer chiffon to heavy weight wool. "His brilliance lay in his ability to understand form and proportion and to achieve it through cut and fabric." He was married to Celia Britwell who was a textile designer. They collaborated with Celia providing the prints and Ossie the high fashion garments.
Ossie designed both for the high end elite and was able to appeal to the mass market customer by designing for the Radley label in London. He even designed leather jumpsuits for Mick Jagger.
I'm excited to see how the collection will be interpreted for today's customer. Ossie Clark seemed like a real master technician. According to an article in W magazine. His clothes has inspired contemporary designers such as "Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Anna Sui, among others".
New Ossie Clark! Picture from W magazine. article
One of my favorite Ossie Clark Dresses from the 70's featured in the Ossie Clark book by Judith Watt.
Click on image to enlarge and read print!
last nov i've visited Dubai they have this line of cothes again.they always have this flair that never fade.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting fashion story!I love her style. It is a classic, no wonder it is being revitalized! And the textile? fabulous. Ah, you're a fashion genius, my friend!
ReplyDeletePortia and Maya, thanks for your comments. I agree, there's something to be said about really good design. It's a talent and a practiced skill to get it to this level of high design. As the book points out, I like how as a designer, he was very involved in making his patterns, not just creating a sketch and passing it to his drapers to figure out.
ReplyDeleteI remember some of your works. You really have the talent.Please buzz me when you post a new one i click right back here.
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