Skip to content
What's New
All Clothing
  • All Dresses
  • Cocktail Mini to Knee
  • Day Mini to Knee
  • Day Full Length
  • Maxis & Gowns
  • Caftans
  • Wraps
  • Flappers & Gatsbys
  • Beaded & Applique
  • Jersey & Bias Cuts
  • Knits & Cashmere
  • Lace & Net
  • Lame & Metallics
  • No Defined Waist
  • One Shoulder
  • Plunge Back or Front
  • Sequins & Rhinestones
  • Shirt & Button Front
  • Silks & Chiffons
  • Sleeveless & Halters
  • Strapless
  • Velvets & Chenilles
Caftans
Bottoms
Jumpsuits
Tops
Suits & Sets
Capes & Ponchos
Coats
Jackets
All Jewels & Accessories
Bags
Scarves & Belts
Other
Jewellery
Magnetic Midnight
Vintage Designers
Edwardian & Before
The 1920s
The 1930s
The 1940s
The 1950s
The 1960s
The 1970s
The 1980s
The 1990s
The 2000s
XS
SML
MED
LRG
XL
OSFA
Animal Prints
Blacks
Blues
Browns
Corals & Oranges
Grays
Greens
Metallics
Multi
Pinks
Purples
Stripes
Reds
Whites & Creams
Yellow
  • Search
  • Buy a Gift Card
  • The Sold Galleries
  • Size Guide
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • We Buy Vintage
  • Layaways & Holds
  • Returns & Exchanges
  • Shipping Information
  • Payment Methods & Terms
  • Look Who's Wearing Vintage
  • Sign In
Shopping Bag

Your bag is empty

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM FOR REAL TIME PREVIEWS OF NEW ITEMS + BTS CONTENT: @SHRIMPTONCOUTURE

  • What's NewWhat's New
    Shop
    • What's New
    Shop What's New by Category
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Designer
  • ClothingClothing
    All Clothing
    • Shop All Clothing
    • Shop by Era
    • Shop by Color
    • Shop by Size
    • Jumpsuits
    • Caftans
    • Bottoms
    • Tops
    • Suits & Sets
    • Capes & Ponchos
    • Coats
    • Jackets
    Dresses
    • Cocktail Mini to Knee
    • Day Mini to Knee
    • Day Full Length
    • Maxis & Gowns
    • Flappers & Gatsbys
    • Wraps
    • Beaded & Applique
    • Jerseys & Bias Cuts
    • Knits & Cashmere
    • Lace & Net
     
    • Lame & Metallics
    • No Defined Waist
    • One Shoulder
    • Plunge Back or Front
    • Sequins & Rhinestones
    • Shirt & Button Front
    • Silks & Chiffons
    • Sleeveless & Halters
    • Strapless
    • Velvets & Chenilles
  • AccessoriesAccessories
    Accessories
    • Jewellery
    • Bags
    • Scarves & Belts
    • Other
    Magnetic Midnight X Shrimpton Couture
  • Shop by DesignerShop by Designer
    Shop by Vintage Designer
    • Designers A to Z
    • Haute Couture
    • Demi Couture
    • Documented
    Our Top Picks
    • Thea Porter
    • Yves Saint Laurent
    • Christian Dior
    • Oscar De La Renta
    • Zandra Rhodes
    • Alexander McQueen
    • Chanel
    • Halston
    • Geoffrey Beene
    • Leonard Paris
     
    • Balmain
    • Emilio Pucci
    • Hanae Mori
    • Prada
    • Bill Blass
    • Valentino
    • Todd Oldham
    • Lanvin
    • Versace
    • View All Designers
  • Shop by EraShop by Era
    Shop by Era
    • Edwardian & Before
    • The 1920s
    • The 1930s
    • The 1940s
    • The 1950s
     
    • The 1960s
    • The 1970s
    • The 1980s
    • The 1990s
    • The 2000s
  • Shop by SizeShop by Size
    Shop by Size
    • XS
    • S
    • M
     
    • L
    • XL
    • OSFA
  • Shop by ColorShop by Color
    Shop by Color
    • Animal Prints
    • Blacks
    • Blues
    • Browns
    • Corals & Oranges
    • Grays
    • Greens
     
    • Metallics
    • Multi
    • Pinks
    • Purples
    • Reds
    • Stripes
    • Whites & Creams
    • Yellows
Currency
Currency
Shrimpton Couture
  • Wishlist
  • Sign In
  • Search
  • Shopping Bag (0)
1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress

ossie clark

1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress

$1,800 USD
/

I Have a Question

1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress

I Have A Question: 1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress


This is a rare example of the work that Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell were doing together in the very early 1970s. It's an early version of what would go on to become one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs with that signature plunging squared off neckline. Various versions of these in solid colors are held several museums. I have only seen a couple of these and this one is entirely original.

It is said that the original design of these front plunging dresses were loosely based on the designs of a graduation gown. If that is the case Ossie somehow managed to take that rather conservative feeling piece of clothing and work in the flow and drape that he was known for. His pieces always have a touch of an overt sexuality that became one of his trademarks and here we see that in the ultra low front plunge. This one also has a touch more shape through the waist then we see on the longer maxi versions with that same neckline. On this dress, the plunge dips into a deep squared off shape that is cut to just above the seam at the waist. The waist is banded all the way around with attached ties on both sides. These wrap around and ties to cinch in the waist and it also keeps the plunge from moving. The skirt flows out from there with lots of fabric in it that gives it tons of movement when you move. The sleeves are slim cut and have a row of silk covered buttons at each wrist. The fabric itself is a silk crepe with a deep navy base. Onto this is that spectacular fan print by Celia Birtwell in blue, green, yellow and red. This label is from the couture Ossie Clark line and it also has the Jeeves Dry Cleaning, Quorum recommended, tag. The midi length makes it extra versatile and it is a dress that you will wear over and over, easily able to go from day to night. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and slips over the head to wear with attached ties at the waist and a side set zipper. Each cuff has three fabric covered buttons at the wrist. There is a small faint mark at the front. Please see the photo after the label shot. Tagged an vintage UK 10. The flowing silhouette, waist tie and deep decolletage suit a variety of figures and sizes.

Sleeves: 22.5" but come up when cuffs are buttoned
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be cinched in more by the attached tie
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Plunge: 13" from neck to bottom
Skirt: 34" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3467

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

See More
c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print

ossie clark

c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print

$875 USD
/

I Have a Question

c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print

I Have A Question: c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print


This wonderful Ossie dress features a mix of two of Celia Birtwell's prints. A pretty floral design is mixed with her iconic pineapple print that runs over the entire dress. Both are screened onto a crepe chiffon, a fabric choice that holds the color exceptionally well so it still feels crisp. In the book 'Celia Birtwell', Ceila notes that the pineapple print was: "influenced by '30s day dresses. I like ladylike, small prints, ones worn by women of a certain age." The influence of the thirties is also evident in the cut of the dress. It is cut on the bias and this give the fabric the room to move and drape as Ossie wished. When it is on the body the bias cut gives the dress movement and allows it to move with you. The skirt is constructed from two tiers of fabric that are layered over each other. Each tier flares out to give it a swing feel. I love the contrast of the prints together too. The dress skims up and over the waist, ending at a high set triangle of the opposite print that anchors the plunging bodice. Each shoulder has a keyhole of bare skin exposed with a tie at the top of the shoulder. Adjusting these ties allows you to decide how low on the shoulder it will sit. The back is left entirely open along a long slit that simply ties to close in two places. Excellent condition with one small note to review below.

The inner skirt acts as the lining there and the cups of the bodice are lined in a red silky rayon. It slips on to wear and closes with ties at the shoulders and two more at the back. There are some small tears to the lining of the bodice that do not go through to the exterior. I have photoed the area. All are stable and you see nothing once on. Tagged a vintage Ossie UK 14

Sleeves: approx 15"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 11" from neck to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1315

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

See More

Designer Ossie Clark

Filters
  • What's New
  • Clothing
  • Accessories
  • Vintage Designers
    • Shop by Era
    • Shop by Size
    • Shop by Color
    Sort
    1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress

    1970s Ossie Clark Celia Birtwell for Quorum Fan Print Front Plunge Dress

    $1,800 USD
    c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Printc.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print

    c.1969 Ossie Clark Dress w Iconic Celia Birtwell 'Pineapple' Print

    $875 USD

    OUR COMPANY

    • About Us
    • Look Who's Wearing Vintage

    CUSTOMER SUPPORT

    • Contact Us
    • Shipping Information
    • Returns & Exchanges
    • Layaways & Holds
    • Payment Methods & Terms

    QUICK LINKS

    • Size Guide
    • We Buy Vintage

    JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

    Currency
    Currency
    © Shrimpton Couture