ARCHIVE - 1970s Ossie Clark with Celia Birtwell Print Blue Rayon Floral Shirt
This is a rare and early 1970s Ossie Clark boutique blouse with the famous 'Black-Eyed Susan' print by Celia Birtwell. It is fully labelled and additionally has the Quorum boutique retail label which sold Ossie's costly mainline collections - they are much rarer than Radley retailed pieces. There are some wonderful softer design details in this blouse from the puff sleeves to the long tapered cuffs and the gathered yoke giving it a loose romantic poet's style aesthetic as the blouse is without darts. The print is a very beautiful red floral design against a mid-blue background in quality rayon fabric. The shirt has a pointed collar and the neckline is designed to be worn open, echoing the laid-back, louche feel of the cut. It is unlined.
In good to very good vintage condition overall - most Ossies have been worn and loved. We noted the following: a faint stain near the buttons just below the bust; some thinning to the fabric behind the left arm and a small stain behind the right. Some tiny, expert repairs have been made to the seams. The fabric has scattered speckles that we believe are inherent to the print - only visible when you are extremely close to the cloth. Labelled a UK size 14, US 10, I've worn it at this size and it has been a good fit. Would also suit sizes smaller where an oversized fit can be expected.
MEASUREMENTS
BUST - 42 in. (107 cm)
WAIST - 44 in. (112 cm)
HIP - 46 in. (117 cm)
LENGTH - 25 in. (64 cm)
Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE
F.A.Q.
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What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.