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.
documented 1972 OSSIE CLARK / CELIA BIRTWELL 'BUSY LIZZIE' printed black dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare 1972 Ossie Clark dress featuring Celia Birtwell's "Busy Lizzie" print, one of the best-known designs from their celebrated collaboration. Made from black rayon, the floral pri...
1968 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with keyhole neckline ruffles & red trim
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This is a 1968 Ossie Clark “Judy” dress, a rare and iconic design that perfectly captures the sensual drama of Clark’s early work. The dress is made from his signature black moss cr...
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...
Ossie Clark 1970s Vintage Ivory Jacquard Maxi Dress, Size S-L
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...
1970 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe halter dress
By Ossie Clark, Ossie Clark for Radley
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A rare Ossie Clark halter dress in black moss crepe, dating from the 1970s. The dress has a plunging neckline with wide straps that tie at the shoulders, and a fitted high waist th...
documented 1972 OSSIE CLARK / CELIA BIRTWELL 'BUSY LIZZIE' printed short dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
1972 OSSIE CLARK / CELIA BIRTWELL “BUSY LIZZIE” PRINT SHORT DRESS A rare and exquisite example from the iconic collaboration between legendary British designer Ossie Clark and texti...
1971 OSSIE CLARK black moss crepe dress with embroidered moons & stars
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This rare 1971 Ossie Clark black moss crepe wrap dress is a quintessential piece from one of Britain’s most influential designers of the era. Made from Clark’s signature moss crepe, ...
1972 OSSIE CLARK dress with CELIA BIRTWELL print
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare 1972 Ossie Clark Dress with Celia Birtwell Print An original from the iconic Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell collaboration, this 1972 dress epitomizes the romantic, bohemian spi...
Ossie Clark "Ziggy Stardust" Dress, 1970s
By Ossie Clark
Located in Norwich, GB
Ossie Clark c.1974 dress, "Ziggy Stardust" model. Ivory damask crepe fabric with layered ruffled tiers, creating beautiful movement. Unlabelled, includes ...
1972 OSSIE CLARK black chiffon tiered evening dress with capelet
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning, Ossie Clark black chiffon evening dress dating to 1972. Designed with an empire waist, flowing tiered skirt, sheer blouson sleeves finished with elastic shiring at the wris...
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...
Vintage Ossie Clark 1970’s Sleeveless Floral Layered Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
Ossie Clark 1970’s sleeveless ruffled dress. Features floral pattern, v-neckline, ruffled layers, waist fabric belt and midi length. In excellent vintage condition. Brand: Ossie Clar...
1970S OSSIE CLARK RADLEY Pink Nylon Blend Floral Knit Low Cut Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in New York, NY
1970S OSSIE CLARK RADLEY Pink Nylon Blend Floral Knit Low Cut Dress
1970s Radley Burgundy V neck Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Radley maxi V neck dress. Size 6
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 a...
Viola Silk Dress with Elaborate Skirt 1950s
Located in Water Mill, NY
A stunning little black silk dress from Viola with a square neckline and a fitted princess seam bodice. The tulip skirt has incredible cartridge pleating around the hem and the sleeve cuffs and dress back have metal painted zippers. Fits size Extra Small...
Christian Lacroix 1980s Beaded Silk Dress
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk cocktail dress from Christian Lacroix with elaborate beading and sequins in magenta, rose, silver and red. The pointed bodice has beaded spaghetti straps and i...
Pierre Cardin Iconic 1960s Dress
By Pierre Cardin
Located in Water Mill, NY
An iconic 1960s yellow linen dress from Pierre Cardin. It has a stand up collar and cap sleeves with trapunto embroidery around them, the hem and f...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to the hem and there are the signature Dior self covered buttons...
$1,295
Size: 42 / US 6 - 8
1990s Dolce & Gabbana Black Corset Dress Size 42 US 6 - 8 Vintage 90s Iconic LBD
By Dolce & Gabbana, D&G by DOLCE & GABBANA
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and iconic late 90s DOLCE & GABBAN black bodycon corset dress ! A classic little black dress that is a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Corset style bodice with adjustable str...
Chic 1960s Oatmeal Beige Irish Linen Vintage 60s A Line Dress w/ Pockets
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s oatmeal / beige colored Irish Linen A-Line dress! Features a textured tweed-like soft linen. Fitted bodice with a forgiving flattering A Line skirt. Pockets at each side o...
$937
Size: FR 2 (Vintage)
A/W 1973 LEONARD Fashion Paris 'Gringo' Signature Print Pink Brown Jersey Dress
By Daniel Tribouillard, Leonard Fashion
Located in Munich, DE
This is a stunning documented Leonard Fashion Paris jersey dress from the house’s Autumn/Winter 1973 'VIZIR' collection. The print is titled 'Gri...
1980s Lily Rubin Carwash Dress
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These photos do no justice to the movement of this incredible 1980s Lily Rubin Dress! Covered in long strips of black carwash style fabric. Flattering empir...
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Logo Sheer Mesh Ruched Maxi Evening Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil
Located in Englishtown, NJ
Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil Vintage Logo Sheer Mesh Ruched Maxi Evening Dress Size S
2000s Anthony Vaccarello for Versus Versace Strapless Dress
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Sexiest Cocktail Dress Is Here! Circa late 2000s, this dress is designed by Anthony Vaccarello who created a capsule collection for Versus Versace from 2014-2016. This mini strap...
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2002 Portrait Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in London, GB
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring Summer 2002 ‘Portrait ’dress. Featuring two long mesh straps on each side with multi use, the dress can also be worn as a skirt. (As seen on Kylie Jenner). ...
Tom Ford for Gucci New Silk Velvet Dress F/W 2001
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk velvet dress from Gucci as worn in a 2001 ad campaign. It has a square neckline with the center bust highlighted with sheer areas which contrast with the rich v...
1973 OSSIE CLARK dress with CELIA BIRTWELL print
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely Rare 1973 Ossie Clark Dress with Celia Birtwell Print A beautiful and very rare example of the celebrated collaboration between Ossie Clark and textile designer Celia Birt...
1972 OSSIE CLARK / CELIA BIRTWELL 'BUSY LIZZIE' printed dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare black dress by Ossie Clark with 'Busy Lizzie' print by Celia Birtwell dating to 1972. Dress best fits a US 2-4. Approximate measurements: waist ...
Vintage Ossie Clark 1970's Salmon Pink Crepe Maxi Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic 1970's Ossie Clarke dress is a must-have for vintage lovers. Made from silky crepe fabric, this salmon pink button up dress features the designer's signature style and wi...
1970's OSSIE CLARK dress with CELIA BIRTWELL print
By Ossie Clark for Radley, Ossie Clark
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, tiered dress made of Celia Birtwell printed fabric designed by Ossie Clark dating to the 1970's. Dress features puff sleeves, a low cut neckline with button closure, an em...
1970's OSSIE CLARK For QUORUM black bias-cut maxi gown with low back
By Ossie Clark, OSSIE CLARK / Quorum
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1970's Ossie Clark for Quorum black bias-cut maxi gown is a quintessential example of Clark’s mastery of cut and sensuality. Made from luxurious black moss crepe, the gown is cu...
1970s Ossie Clarke Black Moss-Crepe Waspie Dress
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
Ossie Clark black and yellow moss crepe trumpet sleeve maxi dress, ss 1969
By Ossie Clark
Located in London, GB
▪ Ossie Clark black and yellow moss crepe maxi dress ▪ Print by Celia Birtwell ▪ Trumpet sleeves ▪ Skirt of multiple panels with pointed edges at hip ...
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 ...