Antony Price, Celebrated for Creating Looks for Bowie and Duran Duran, Has Died Aged 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the groundbreaking British fashion designer responsible for many legendary styles favored by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has passed away aged 80.
He was celebrated for his sculptured silhouettes and theatrical styles, most notably the pastel suits that appeared in the pop-rock group Duran Duran's landmark music video for "Rio".
"Remembering him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the band released a statement on social media."
His passing follows shortly after he debuted his newest line in London, marking his return to the runway after over three decades. The performer Lily Allen showcased a dress that paid homage to the notorious black velvet "revenge dress" historically worn by Princess Diana.
An Enduring Influence
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price relocated to London in the early 1960s to study at the prestigious Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he began designing men's fashion at Stirling Copper and was the creator of the tight, button-detailed trousers that Sir Mick Jagger famously wore during The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" tour in the late sixties.
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 also wore the bridal gown Price specifically designed for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A key creative partner of David Bowie, Price was the mind behind the iconic jacket the artist wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to blend elements of men's and women's fashion along with his technical proficiency in crafting sculptural silhouettes established him as a "true original," in the words of the British Fashion Council.
By the 1990s, he commenced designing ensembles for Camilla, now Queen Consort, including several ensembles for her American tour after assuming the title.
After a career spanning more than five decades, Price staged what would be his last show in London just last month in conjunction with the design house 16Arlington.
- Defined Shapes: A hallmark of his work.
- Theatrical Flair: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Merging menswear with womenswear.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry mourns the loss to a authentic original whose impact on the visual landscape of music remains indelibly etched.
