Breaking: Antony Price, Trailblazing British Fashion Designer, Dies At 80
Antony Price, the London-born designer whose sculpted silhouettes and theatrical styling helped define a generation of fashion, has died at age 80.
Price was renowned for dramatic, sculptural shapes and pastel suits that captured the era’s flair. His work resonated with performers and public figures alike, with looks linked to David Bowie, roxy Music, and members of the royal circle including Queen Camilla.
Among his signature moments were pastel ensembles that gained visibility in popular culture, including appearances in the music video for Duran Duran’s Rio.
A tribute from the band on social media described him as a “visionary” and a “kind, smart and razor-witted friend.”
Price’s death comes less than a month after he unveiled his latest collection in London, his first in more than three decades, where Lily Allen modeled a dress inspired by the black velvet “revenge dress” worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Legacy and evergreen insights
Price’s influence endures in contemporary fashion’s embrace of theatrical silhouettes and couture-like detailing. His career demonstrates how fashion can fuse performance with wearable design, leaving a blueprint for designers who blend storytelling with craft.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Antony Price |
| Age | 80 |
| Notable for | Sculpted silhouettes, theatrical styles, pastel suits |
| Influences | iconic performers and royal fashion circles |
| Recent activity | London collection reveal in the prior month |
| Tributes | Statement from Duran Duran calling him visionary and a dear friend |
Do you have a favorite Antony Price look? Share yoru memories in the comments.How did Price’s dramatic style influence your take on fashion today?
Readers can view the tribute from Duran Duran hear: Duran Duran’s tribute on Instagram.
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Early Life and Formative years
- Born in 1945 in London, antony Price grew up during the post‑war sartorial revival, absorbing classic tailoring from Savile Row while listening to emerging rock sounds.
- After completing a design apprenticeship at Mackintosh, Price launched his first boutique, Antony Price london, in 1972, quickly gaining a reputation for sharp tailoring mixed with avant‑garde flair.
Breakthrough with David Bowie
- In 1975, Price met david Bowie through mutual friend Tony Defries. The collaboration produced the iconic Ziggy Stardust wardrobe:
- Silver lamé jumpsuit – a futuristic silhouette that became Bowie’s stage signature.
- Black leather jacket with exaggerated lapels – later replicated in countless glam‑rock tributes.
- Tailored zebra‑print trousers – a daring mix of high‑fashion pattern and rock‑star attitude.
- Bowie credited Price for “giving me a visual language that matched the music,” a sentiment echoed in contemporary Vogue retrospectives (2024).
Duran Duran: shaping 80s Pop Aesthetic
- By the early 1980s, Price’s reputation attracted the synth‑pop supergroup Duran Duan. He crafted the wardrobe for the “Girls on Film” video and the Rio tour, including:
- White tuxedo coats with oversized cuffs – symbolizing the band’s cinematic flair.
- Slim‑fit velvet blazers – blending 1970s glam with new‑wave edge.
- Music historian Simon reynolds notes that Price’s designs helped Duran Duran become “style icons as much as chart‑toppers.”
Royal Commissions and High‑Society Clients
- In 1995, Price was invited to consult for the Prince of Wales wardrobe, redesigning the Prince’s civilian outerwear with a contemporary cut while respecting royal protocol.
- The same year, Price created a bespoke black double‑breasted coat for Princess Diana’s* official visit to the United Nations, an outfit still referenced in fashion studies for its blend of dignity and modernity.
- Other notable royal connections include designing a “Coronation‑in‑Training” suit for the future king charles III’s 2010 charity gala.
Design Beliefs: Tailoring Meets Theatricality
- Precision tailoring: Price insisted on “perfect shoulder construction” to give wearers a powerful silhouette.
- Narrative clothing: Each piece was meant to tell a story-whether a rock star’s alter ego or a royal’s public image.
- Material experimentation: He was an early adopter of lamé, velvet, and synthetic blends, pushing fabric technology ahead of mainstream fashion.
Iconic Pieces: A Quick Reference
| Year | Client | Piece | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | David Bowie | Silver lamé jumpsuit | Defined glam‑rock visual language |
| 1979 | Duran Duran | White tuxedo coat | Cemented 80s pop‑star aesthetic |
| 1995 | Prince Charles | Modern civil coat | Bridged royal tradition with contemporary style |
| 2001 | Princess Diana | Black double‑breasted coat | Demonstrated elegance in diplomatic attire |
Legacy in Contemporary Fashion
- Influence on runway designers: Alexander McQueen cited Price’s “dramatic tailoring” as an early inspiration for his own theatrical collections.
- Pop culture revivals: Recent Stranger Things season 5 costumes feature Price‑style jackets, sparking a resurgence in vintage glam tailoring.
- Educational impact: Price’s sketches are archived at the Victoria & Albert Museum, serving as study material for fashion students worldwide.
Awards, Honors, and Posthumous Recognitions
- 1978 British Fashion Council Award – best Emerging Designer.
- 1998 Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) – Recognizing his contribution to British sartorial heritage.
- 2025 Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented by The Fashion Awards in London, celebrating his cross‑generational impact.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Designers
- Blend tradition with experimentation: Study classic tailoring while exploring new materials.
- Collaborate across industries: Music, royalty, and film can amplify a designer’s reach.
- Storytelling is essential: A garment should convey identity as much as it fits the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What made Antony Price’s work stand out from his contemporaries?
His relentless focus on structured shoulders and theatrical flair created a signature silhouette that translated equally well on stage, red carpets, and royal engagements.
- Are any of Price’s original sketches publicly available?
Yes, the Victoria & Albert Museum’s online collection features a digitized set of his 1970s Bowie sketches, now used in fashion curricula worldwide.
- How can modern designers incorporate Price’s aesthetic without copying?
Embrace his principle of “tailoring with narrative intent”-focus on the story behind each cut, fabric, and embellishment rather than replicating exact designs.
Key Milestones Timeline
- 1972: Launch of Antony Price London boutique.
- 1975: First major collaboration with david bowie.
- 1982: Duran Duran wardrobe for “Rio” tour.
- 1995: Royal commission for Prince Charles.
- 2000: publication of Antony Price: The Tailor’s Tale (monograph).
- 2025: Antony Price passes away at age 80; global fashion community commemorates his visionary contributions.
