British Designer Antony Price, Famed for Styling Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Has Died Aged 80.
Fashion legend Antony Price, the groundbreaking UK-based designer behind some of the most iconic looks associated with artists from David Bowie to Roxy Music and even royalty like Queen Camilla, has died at the age of 80.
Price was best known for his defined forms and theatrical styles, such as the pastel suits that appeared in the iconic band Duran Duran's landmark music video for "Rio".
"They honored him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the group posted a remembrance on social media."
His passing follows just weeks after he presented his most recent collection in London, marking his return to the runway after over three decades. Singer Lily Allen showcased a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "dress" once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
A Pioneering Career
Hailing from Yorkshire, where he was born in 1945, Price headed for London during the sixties to attend the prestigious Royal College of Art.
Shortly after his graduation, he began designing menswear at the company Stirling Copper and was behind the tight, button-detailed trousers that rock legend Mick Jagger wore during the iconic group's Gimme Shelter tour in 1969.
He founded his own label in 1979 and staged his first fashion show a year later. The show opened with creations worn by the famed model Jerry Hall, who also wore the bridal gown Price designed for her for her marriage to Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A key creative partner of the late David Bowie, Price created the iconic jacket the star wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to merge tailoring for all genders along with his technical proficiency in crafting sculptural silhouettes established him as a "true original," in the words of the British Fashion Council.
In the 1990s, he commenced designing ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, such as several ensembles for her tour of the United States after becoming Duchess.
Following a profession lasting more than five decades, Price presented his final runway show in London recently in collaboration with the fashion brand 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: The core of his aesthetic.
- Performative Style: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Merging menswear with womenswear.
- Working with Stars and Royalty: Including music legends and the future Queen Consort.
Design circles laments the passing to a authentic original whose impact on fashion and music remains indelibly etched.
