Ossie Clark 1942-1996

Raymond "Ossie" Clark

(1942-1996)

Biography

Raymond Clark was born in Liverpool, England in the Summer of 1942. His nickname, "Ossie" was given to him when him and his family was sent to a village called Oswaldtwistle during World War 11. Like many great fashion icons, Clarks passion for clothes was discovered at an early age as he would sew clothes for his niece when he was just ten years old. 

As a teen, Clark went off to study at the Regional College of Art in Manchester where he took a fashion course that included technical training but later went to study at the Royal  College of Art where he studied fashion design. Not only did his study at the Royal College of Art allow for this designer enhance his skills, but he also found great inspiration in designers such as Madeleine Vionnet and Gilbert Adrian. 

After graduating from the Royal College of Art as the only student in his class to complete the course, he was featured in Vogue along with model Chrissie Shrimpton wearing his Robert Indiana art-print dress. In 1966, another of his designs, the Hoopla Dress, was featured in Vogue as well. 

Critical Analysis

I feel that Ossie Clark's designs are the perfect representation of the zeitgeist of the 70's. His choice of fabrics, patterns, and the fluidness of his designs reflect what I know as the "hippie" movement. His clothes were worn by celebrities such as Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and Twiggy. I can see how his designs were really inspired by the music and the pop culture that he was surrounded in. 

I can see how Clark incorporates inspiration from nature into some of his prints, and in his choice of color. I can also see how some of the patterns on his designs have almost a psychedelic feel to them which reminds me of Woodstock and of the music that was popular in that time period. 

In my opinion, if i were to compare him to another designer, I would relate him to Madeleine Vionnet because of his choice of fabric. His designs are often composed of lightweight and really fluid, easy moving fabric. I believe that these components of his work really represent the 70s and the love movement. I feel that even today if someone were to just look at his clothes, you can close your eyes and almost feel like you were there. It is a trip within itself. 

Analysis on Future and Present Trends

One particular ensemble that I felt is still relevant today was Clarks fringe leather jacket. I feel that this is still wearable today because fringe has actually become a huge trend the past couple of summers. Also, I think that the 60's and 70's were such an iconic time period, for both politics and music. Everything about this time period was revolutionary, and will forever be remembered, especially the music that brought everyone together. To this day many people, including myself still listen to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles. People continued to be inspired by the culture that this generation brought, thus making Ossie Clarks designs timeless as well.