The Fashion Icon Antony Price, Famed for Designing for David Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
Antony Price, the groundbreaking UK-based designer who crafted many legendary styles worn by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has sadly died at the age of 80.
His reputation was built on his architectural shapes and performative fashion, most notably the pastel suits that appeared in the pop-rock group Duran Duran's landmark music video for "their hit Rio".
"In a tribute, they called him a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' Duran Duran shared a message on social media."
His passing follows just weeks after he presented his latest collection in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. Artist Lily Allen modelled a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "so-called 'revenge dress'" once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
A Pioneering Career
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price moved to London during the sixties to study at the renowned Royal College of Art.
Shortly after his graduation, he started his work in clothing for men at the company 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 designed for her for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A long-time collaborator of David Bowie, Price created the memorable jacket the singer wore for his "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His signature ability to fuse tailoring for all genders along with his expert craftsmanship in crafting sculptural silhouettes established him as a "one-of-a-kind talent," in the words of the British Fashion Council.
In the 1990s, he commenced designing ensembles for Camilla, now Queen Consort, including several ensembles for her US tour following her marriage.
With a vocation that covered more than five decades, Price presented his final runway show in London just last month in conjunction with the fashion brand 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: A hallmark of his work.
- Theatrical Flair: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Blurring lines between clothing for men and women.
- A Client List from Rock to Royalty: From David Bowie and Mick Jagger to Queen Camilla.
The industry laments the passing to a genuine innovator whose legacy on fashion and music remains indelibly etched.
