Incredible 1960s Ossie Clark Black Moss Crepe Dress w Capped Shoulders

This dress has lost its actual Ossie Clark label but the moss crepe label that remains is almost as famous as the Ossie one and firmly verifies the piece as being his work based on pieces from the Ossie Clark for Radley label that I have had in the shop many times. 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 does. And it is also differentiated by the neckline that is edged with a panel on the same moss crepe fabric and that follows the front neckline. It has that incredible flow and drape that he was known for and it is so easy to wear. The neckline comes down and angles around its opening and then the dress falls from under that. It is set into the neckline with a series of flat pleats that open up at about the wast and fall freely to the floor. Attached ties on either side of the waist wraps around and tie to give you some the shape. The skirt flows from the front gathers under the neckline and at the back it begins right under the shoulder yoking with a long inverted pleat running down the center. It cascades to the ground and is balanced by the gorgeous sleeves. I love the capped shoulder on them with its nod to the previous century. The dress is made out of his signature moss crepe in an inky black. It is incredibly long and in its original supermodel uncut length. It is a dress that you will wear over and over and easily goes from day to night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips over the head to wear. It is narrow through the shoulders but generous through the body. Priced slightly lower then normal due to the lack of the actual Ossie label but absolutely and Ossie.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: no defined seam but probably around a 13-14" max
Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open and can be defined by the attached tie
Hips: open
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3980

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