ossie clark
c1969 Iconic Ossie Clark "Graduation" Black Plunge Dress
This is an early rendition of what would go onto become one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs. The version held in the Victorian and Albert Museum dates to the 1970 collection but I believe this version with a cuffed sleeve is a little earlier and dates to the 1969 collection. It is based loosely on a "graduation" gown mixed with the flowing softness and drape he was renowned for. Of course there is his signature dash of sexuality with that low front plunge. The front plunges to a deep square that is cut right to the empire waist. An attached tie wraps around and gives the gown and the wearer shape and keeps the plunge from moving out of place. The skirt flows from the front gathers under the neckline and from the shoulders at the back. It cascades to the ground and is balanced by huge sleeves that puff up above each cinched wrist. This dress is unusual in that the fabric is not the standard moss crepe that is used in the version of this dress with the wider cut sleeve. Rather it is a soft, light, wool T-shirt weight fabric that feels insanely comfortable once on. This label is from the couture Ossie Clark line and it also has the Jeeves Dry Cleaning, Quorum recommended, tag. The Ossie collector will instantly recognize just how important this dress is and speaking from personal experience since I own one myself, it is a dress that you will wear over and over. Excellent, appears unworn, condition.
Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist. Each cuff has has two fabric covered buttons at the wrist. The flowing silhouette, waist tie and deep decolletage suit a variety of figures and sizes.
Sleeves: 29.5" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: open
Length: 59" from neck to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Item# DD2666
Reference Photos: (1-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon. / (4) From the V&A Collection.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.
