1970s Ossie Clark Black Moss Crepe Dress w KeyHole Tie Print & Balloon Sleeves

In 1968 Ossie Clark was designing his own couture line and also designing pieces for Alice Pollock for her Quorum Boutique. The Radley company approached Alice to find out of she could convince Ossie to design a top of the market collection that they would produce and sell to various boutiques and department stores. Dresses like this were the result of that collaboration. Even with this early version of 'ready to wear' the pieces that were made were still never produced in vast quantities and certainly nowhere near whet we think of today as RTW. as gar as quantities.  This one is a very unusual Ossie twist on one of his classic designs and that makes it extra special. His designs transform once on the body and no matter how fabulous the dress looks like on the shots it is even better on an actual body.

The design of this dress reminds me of his classic 'graduation gown' in how it is loose and easy through the body but this version has a more filled in front then the plunging graduation dress design. It has that incredible flow and drape that he was known for and it is so easy to wear. His signature sexuality that he worked into his pieces is displayed in those little keyholes on either side of the front. The bodice is detailed with a deep squared off panel of ruched gathering. Then at each corner where it meets the piping that go around the neckline it is left slit open. The neckline piping extends out into ties and you tie them into place so that there is a little bare keyhole of skin showing. I think if you are not broad through the shoulders you might even be able to wear it was a off-shoulder piece. I have added a pretty grosgrain ribbon that you can wrap around you and tie to give the dress some the shape. You can also easily wear it loose and open so it has a more caftan feel through the body. I photoed it both ways for you to see. The skirt flows from the front gathers at the neckline and at the back it begins right under the shoulder yoking. It cascades to the ground and is balanced by huge sleeves that puff up above each cinched wrist. The sleeves are very long with tons of volume and I love the ruffle finish at their ends. This dress is made out of his signature black moss crepe and has a beautiful flow to it. I own similar versions of this dress myself and they will always be in my own personal collection. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a dress that you will wear over and over. It easily goes from day to night and is a dream to wear. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. The grosgrain ribbon pictured is not original to the dress but will be included. Each cuff has elastic at the wrist. The lose and open flowing silhouette will suit a variety of figures and sizes. Tagged a vintage UK 10 and has a very generous cut

Sleeves: 28" but will come up a bit when on
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: open
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD3883

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.