Antony Price, Famed for Designing for David Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the visionary UK-based designer who crafted some of the most iconic looks associated with musical icons like Bowie and members of Roxy Music, as well as Queen Camilla, has sadly died aged 80.
Price was best known for his defined forms and theatrical styles, including the pastel suits that featured 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 band released a statement on social media."
Price's death comes less than a month after he unveiled his most recent collection in London, his first in more than 30 years. The performer Lily Allen modelled a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "dress" historically worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
An Enduring Influence
A native of Yorkshire, born in 1945, Price relocated to London during the sixties to study at the esteemed Royal College of Art.
A year after graduating, he commenced his career designing menswear at Stirling Copper and was the creator of the form-fitting, button-fly pants that Sir Mick Jagger famously wore during the iconic group's Gimme Shelter tour in 1969.
He launched his own brand in 1979 and held his debut runway presentation a year later. The show was launched by creations worn by supermodel Jerry Hall, who later wore the wedding dress Price created for her for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Working with Legends
A frequent collaborator of musical chameleon David Bowie, Price created the distinctive jacket the star wore for his "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to fuse elements of men's and women's fashion along with his masterful technique in crafting sculptural silhouettes made him a "one-of-a-kind talent," according to the UK's fashion authority.
During the nineties, he started creating ensembles for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, such as various looks for her tour of the United States following her marriage.
Following a profession lasting half a century, Price staged what would be his last show in London last month in partnership with the label 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: The core of his aesthetic.
- Theatrical Flair: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Working with Stars and Royalty: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The fashion world mourns the loss to a authentic original whose influence on style and culture remains deeply ingrained.
