Ossie Clark [along with Mary Quant and Barbara Hulanicki at Biba] was one of the designers who really personified the "swinging sixties" look.
From childhood Ossie was a savant, making clothes for his nieces and nephews, practicing his fitting technique on dolls and designing swimwear for neighbourhood girls all before he hit 10. He studied architecture at school which he said provided him with invaluable insight in regards to proportion, height and volume which he used to great effect in his designs.
His early work was full of graphic print shifts that were popular in the mid-sixties. He later became known for the voluminous, angel sleeved maxi dresses which are still highly sought after today.
Ossie was inspired by the ballet dancer Nijinsky and wanted his clothes to move freely and beautifully. He worked in moss crepe and featherweight chiffon in light colours at first and was encouraged to work with fabric designer Celia Birtwell for a more organic look. As a result one of fashions most iconic and enduring partnerships was born.
Dubbed "the king of Kings Road" Ossie was dressing The Beatles, Twiggy, jean Shrimpton, Penelope Tree, Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger at the height of his popularity.
"He created an incredible magic with the body and achieved what fashion should do — produce desire." Manolo Blahnik
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