1970s Ossie Clark Black Moss Crepe Trouser Suit
This rare trouser suit was designed by Ossie Clark for Radley in the late 1960s to 1970s. After the designer’s mainline boutique faced financial difficulties, the company was purchased by Radley in 1967. Radley distributed the brand around the world through the introduction of the Ossie Clark for Radley line - one of fashion's first diffusion lines.
The suit is tailored from moss crepe, a crinkly, tactile crepe with a moss-like texture known for its flexibility when draped - a signature cloth of the label. The silhouette of the suit is distinctly Ossie Clark and very 1970s. The jacket is tailored to a wrap-around style, a wide black satin belt means that the fit can be adjusted. It has a peasant top-style neckline with a drawstring that ties at the front of the décolletage. Flared angel-sleeves add playful detail. The jacket has an asymmetric, ruffled hem which is emphasised when the waistband is cinched. The sleeves and hems are trimmed with black satin. The trousers have a very high waist cut and a wide silhouette that flares out towards the floor. They are fastened at the back with a hidden black tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. Both the jacket and trousers are unlined. We have attached photos of similar Ossie trouser suits from the same period made from his signature moss crepe.
This two-piece ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. It is labelled a size UK 14, but this is better suited in modern sizing to no bigger than a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 with a tiny waist as Ossie Clark trousers are notoriously slim fitting. The fabric is labelled “moss crepe” which is 100% Polyester. It has the smallest amount of stretch.
MEASUREMENTS TOP
BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)
WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)
LENGTH - 30 in. (76 cm)
MEASUREMENTS TROUSERS
WAIST - 24 in. (61 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
RISE - 14.5 in. (37 cm)
LENGTH - 48 in. (122 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website. We have an extensive offline collection. It is helpful if you can let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear. You may also wish to bring favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying-on, or gold and silver. We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look. Many of which are also for sale.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower priced pieces, under £250, are not available to buy online. Dresses usually start at £150 and go up to £30,000 for the very best archival couture. Our bridalwear price points range from £1,000 to £20,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage purchases and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
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You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
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We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
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Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
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Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
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