Antony Price, Renowned for Creating Looks for Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
Fashion legend Antony Price, the groundbreaking UK-based designer responsible for a series of unforgettable images worn by artists from David Bowie to Roxy Music and even royalty like Queen Camilla, has sadly died at 80 years old.
His reputation was built on his defined forms and dramatic aesthetics, such as the pastel suits that became famous from rock band Duran Duran's landmark music video for "their hit Rio".
"They honored him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the band released a statement online."
This news arrives shortly after he debuted his latest collection in London, marking his return to the runway after over three decades. Singer Lily Allen modelled a dress inspired by the notorious black velvet "dress" made famous by the late Princess Diana.
An Enduring Influence
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price moved to London at the start of the 1960s to enroll at the prestigious Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, 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 Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter tour in the late sixties.
He founded his own label in 1979 and presented his inaugural collection a year later. The show opened with creations worn by the famed model Jerry Hall, who was also seen in the marriage dress Price created for her for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A long-time collaborator of the late David Bowie, Price created the iconic jacket the artist wore for his "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to merge elements of men's and women's fashion along with his masterful technique in crafting body-hugging looks cemented his status as a "genuine original," as stated by the British Fashion Council.
During the nineties, he began working on ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, such as various looks for her American tour after becoming Duchess.
After a career spanning more than five decades, Price presented his final runway show in London last month in collaboration with the design house 16Arlington.
- Defined Shapes: A hallmark of his work.
- Performative Style: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Genre-Blending Design: Merging menswear with womenswear.
- A Client List from Rock to Royalty: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry laments the passing to a true visionary whose legacy on style and culture remains profoundly felt.
