British Designer Antony Price, Celebrated for Designing for Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the groundbreaking UK-based designer behind a series of unforgettable images associated with David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has sadly died at the age of 80.
He was celebrated for his sculptured silhouettes and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the light-hued ensembles that featured in the iconic band Duran Duran's landmark music video for "Rio".
"In a tribute, they called him a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the group posted a remembrance online."
His passing follows just weeks after he unveiled his latest collection in London, marking his return to the runway after over three decades. Singer Lily Allen showcased a dress evoking the notorious black velvet "so-called 'revenge dress'" once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
An Enduring Influence
Hailing from Yorkshire, where he was born in 1945, Price relocated to London in the early 1960s to attend the esteemed Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he started his work in clothing for men at Stirling Copper and was behind the tight, button-detailed trousers that Sir Mick Jagger wore during the iconic group's "Gimme Shelter" tour in 1969.
He founded his own label in 1979 and held his debut runway presentation a year later. The show opened with looks from supermodel Jerry Hall, who later wore the marriage dress Price designed for her for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Working with Legends
A long-time collaborator of musical chameleon David Bowie, Price was the mind behind the memorable jacket the artist wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His signature ability to blend elements of men's and women's fashion along with his masterful technique in shaping form-fitting garments cemented his status as a "one-of-a-kind talent," according to the British Fashion Council.
By the 1990s, he started creating outfits for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, such as various looks for her American tour after becoming Duchess.
Following a profession lasting more than five decades, Price staged what would be his last show in London just last month in conjunction with the fashion brand 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: Central to his design philosophy.
- Theatrical Flair: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Gender-Fluid Fashion: Blurring lines between clothing for men and women.
- Working with Stars and Royalty: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry laments the passing to a true visionary whose impact on style and culture remains deeply ingrained.