British Designer Antony Price, Celebrated for Designing for Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
Fashion legend Antony Price, the influential style architect responsible for a series of unforgettable images worn by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has died at the age of 80.
His reputation was built on his defined forms and theatrical styles, most notably the light-hued ensembles that became famous from the iconic band Duran Duran's classic music video for "the song Rio".
"In a tribute, they called him a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the group posted a remembrance on social media."
Price's death comes shortly after he debuted his latest collection in London, marking his return to the runway after over three decades. Singer Lily Allen showcased a dress that paid homage to the famous black velvet "revenge dress" made famous by Diana, Princess of Wales.
A Pioneering Career
A native of Yorkshire, born in 1945, Price headed for London in the early 1960s to attend the renowned Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he commenced his career designing men's fashion at the label Stirling Copper and was behind the form-fitting, button-fly pants that The Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger famously wore during the iconic group's "Gimme Shelter" tour in the late sixties.
He established his eponymous line in 1979 and held his debut runway presentation a year later. The show was launched by looks from model Jerry Hall, who also wore the bridal gown Price specifically designed for her marriage to Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A long-time collaborator of the late David Bowie, Price created the distinctive jacket the singer 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 sculptural silhouettes cemented his status as a "true original," as stated by the UK's fashion authority.
By the 1990s, he began working on ensembles for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, which included several ensembles for her US tour following her marriage.
Following a profession lasting half a century, Price held his ultimate fashion presentation in London last month in partnership with the design house 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: The core of his aesthetic.
- Dramatic Impact: Defining an era of music fashion.
- Gender-Fluid Fashion: Merging menswear with womenswear.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: From David Bowie and Mick Jagger to Queen Camilla.
Design circles laments the passing to a genuine innovator whose legacy on style and culture remains deeply ingrained.
