ARCHIVE - 1970s Ossie Clarke Black Muslin Embroidered Maxi Dress

£0.00 Sold out
This is one of the more unusual dresses from fashion superstar Ossie Clark for British retailer Radley circa 1973- 1975. Rather than it being made from a black moss crepe, this is 100% cotton muslin and made in India. It has the dagger collar, ubiquitous to the era and been hand embroidered in a floral design. Both the dagger collar, the yoke and the armholes are all edged in a contrasting pink piping. The dress has a high waistline and fastens to the front with a row of fabric covered buttons. The bishop sleeves are three-quarter length and are finished with three fabric buttons on the cuffs. The dress retains its original fabric tie belt.

Labelled Ozzie Clark for Radley, Size UK 12 and fairly true to modern sizing save for the smaller bust measurement which is probably closer to a UK 10 or US 6.

Condition is very good to verging on excellent. Ossie Clark dresses were often worn to death and altered but we see no evidence of that here and it has been well looked after with the fabric still fresh looking and no visible mends.

Notes on Designer:

Ossie Clark was a highly influential British fashion designer in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1965 he graduated from the Royal College of Art with a first class degree and immediately began selling his work in exclusive London boutiques including Alice Pollock’s Quorum. Here he created a collection with textile designer and soon to be wife Celia Birtwell, one of the most famous collaborations in fashion history. Quorum was bought by Radley in the late 1960s which led to the ‘Ossie Clark for Radley’ label. Today, his distinctive dresses are highly sought after and admired by celebrities such as Kate Moss and Emma Watson.

MEASUREMENTS
Bust - 34 in. (86.4 cm)
Waist - 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Hip - 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Length - 57 in. (144.8 cm)
Shoulders - 17 in. (43.2 cm)

Pickup currently unavailable at CIRCA VINTAGE

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 - please let us know a week in advance. 

We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.


We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.


You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.

Do you have a price range?

Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.

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 pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.

Can I cancel my appointment?

You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.

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.

Do you have parking?

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.

How do I get there by public transport?

Underground:

Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines

Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line

Overground:

Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal