Collectable 1970s Designer Ossie Clark Dress - New!

Measurements

Size: Small

Bust:  34 - 36 inches + 86 -91 cm (due to gathers)

Under Bust: 32 inches + 81 cm

Waist: 26 inches + 66 cm

Hips: Free

Total Length from Outside Shoulder:  54 inches + 137 cm 

Hem Length: none

Zipper Length: 9 inches + 23 cm

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Gorgeous early 1970s designer black crepe chiffon

* Fabric design features hand painted abstract pattern in turquoise and pink

* Classic silhouette with cinched waist and draped maxi skirt

* Short sleeved bodice with deep plunging neckline

* Flutter elbow length sleeves

* Empire style to emphasise narrowest part of body

* Skirt has border at front with more intense colours

* Slit back with self covered buttons at neckline and above waist

* Dress has built in black underskirt

* Back zipper

* Label reads Ossie Clark for Radley - (early label)

Ossie Clark

Ossie Clark was a leading designer in London in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a very exciting and magical time for fashion in London.  Ossie was inspired by the past (especially the 30's and 40's) but always made the designs uniquely his own. He often collaborated with his wife, Celia Birtwell, who was also a talented textile designer. Birtwell’s fabrics were romantic and printed on a variety of textiles, including chiffon, velvet, and rayon crepe. Clark took the textiles and created beautiful dresses. They often had a scooped or deep V neckline, long flowing sleeves and ingeniously cut panels that gave the appearance of layering. By the end of the 1970s, Ossie Clark’s career was pretty much over except for the occasional dress for a private client. He died in 1996. Today his beautiful flowing romanticised dresses are highly prized amongst collectors, particularly the early ones such as this beauty.

Condition 

This dress is in excellent condition for its age.  No notable flaws that I can see, other than a tiny pin hole near the hemline.  The dress is absolutely gorgeous in person and has all the iconic features of an Ossie Clark dress: the fluttering sleeves, the deep v neckline, the slit back and the maxi length. The fabric design is unique and highly individual as each pattern is slightly different due to being done by hand. A truly exceptional dress. Cleaned and ready to wear. Please drop us a line if your require additional information about this listing.

Shop Policies

Availability
This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologise in advance should this rare circumstance arise.

Postage
We make every effort to post your item within 1-3 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg we are away at a fair) we will contact you immediately. Please note that our postage charges are based on standard international and domestic air packages - all with tracking. If you want to upgrade to express postage or require insurance, please contact us prior to checkout and we will adjust the rates accordingly.

LayBys/Layaways
Yes we do offer flexible layby/layaway options and are open to negotiation as to the time period. Obviously, the more expensive the item the longer the time you will have to finalise payment. Contact us to see how accommodating we can be :)

Alterations
Obviously, as these are one- off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.

Special Orders
If you are looking for something that you don't currently find in our shop - let us know we may be able to help you with a special listing!

Photography
Our photos are taken with a mix of studio and ambient lighting. Whilst we take care with the colour balance of our photos, individual computer monitors register colours differently depending on their calibration. If you want the exact colour shade drop us a line and we will give you the Universal Pantone colours that match the item.