Breaking: Antony Price, Trailblazing British Designer, Dies at 80
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British fashion designer Antony Price has died at age 80, leaving behind a legacy built on sculpted, theatrical silhouettes that helped shape glam-inspired couture. A fixture in London’s fashion scene for decades,Price created iconic looks for artists including david Bowie,Mick Jagger and Roxy Music,and later collaborated on pieces for Camilla Parker Bowles.
Iconic moments that defined a career
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price moved to London in the early 1960s to study at the Royal College of Art. After graduation, he cut his teeth designing men’s wear at Stirling Cooper, a label renowned for pushing boundaries and outfitting pop icons. Among his early breakthroughs were the tight-fitting, buttoned trousers worn by Mick Jagger during the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter era in 1969.
In 1979, Price launched his own fashion house, and a year later he debuted his first collection, opened by model Jerry Hall. Hall later wore a Price dress for her wedding to Jagger, cementing the designer’s reputation for marrying theatricality with wearable elegance.
Collaborations with music legends
Price’s long collaboration with David Bowie included the jacket worn by the singer in the 1986 video As The World Falls Down. The designer’s influence extended to Roxy Music and other stars of the era, with his work described as bold, sculptural and cinematic in its approach to tailoring and fit.
A late-life resurgence and contemporary nods
In a notable return, Price presented his first new collection in more than thirty years in London a month ago, signaling a renewed energy in his storied career. The event drew attention from fans and peers, including Lily Allen, who attended wearing a dress Price crafted that drew inspiration from Princess Diana’s infamous black velvet “revenge dress” look.
Price’s enduring legacy was echoed by a tribute from his admirers on social media, with band members calling him a “visionary” and a “kind, clever and razor-sharp friend.” His work over the years bridged fashion and music, leaving an imprint on both scenes that continues to resonate with designers and performers alike.
Outfits for pop stars
Price’s career was defined by an ability to translate stage energy into cut and fabric. From the Stirling Cooper days to his London label, he shaped silhouettes that allowed performers to move with drama and confidence on stage. His contributions to stagewear helped elevate fashion beyond runways into the concert arena and music videos,a dynamic that remains influential in contemporary design.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | [1945YorkshireEngland |
| Moved to | London, early 1960s |
| Early label | Stirling Cooper (men’s wear; experimental pop-star styling) |
| Signature achievement | Sculpted, theatrical silhouettes; pastel suits for Duran Duran in Rio video (1982) |
| Founded own label | 1979; first collection in 1980, opened by Jerry Hall |
| bowie collaboration | Jacket in As The World Falls Down (1986) |
| Camee with Camilla | Designed pieces for Camilla Parker Bowles in the 1990s |
| Recent comeback | First collection in over 30 years shown in London (recent month) |
As fashion historians reflect, Price’s work bridged couture and performance, helping to normalize fashion as a form of theatrical storytelling. His influence persists in how designers approach stage-ready tailoring and wearable drama, long after the spotlight shifts away from the backstage area of pop’s greatest icons.
What is your take on Antony Price’s impact on fashion linked to music culture? Which piece from his career best encapsulates his signature theatrical style?
Readers are invited to share memories of Price’s designs or to discuss how his runway-to-stage approach influences today’s designers and performers.
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates as tributes continue to pour in from the fashion and music communities.
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Antony Price: Early Life and Career
- Born in 1945 in London, England, Antony Price grew up amid the post‑war British fashion resurgence.
- Joined Savile Row tailors in the late 1960s, mastering classic tailoring techniques that would later define his signature silhouette.
- In 1972, Price launched his eponymous label, quickly gaining a reputation for sharp lapels, exaggerated shoulders, and daring color palettes.
Signature Designs for David Bowie
- “Ziggy Stardust” Jackets (1972‑1973)
- metallic silver bomber jacket with glitter‑painted panels.
- Tailored blazer featuring asymmetrical zip fronts and bold, geometric embroidery.
- “Aladdin Sane” Ensemble (1973)
- White leather jacket adorned with lightning bolt appliqués, reflecting Bowie’s flamboyant stage persona.
- “Station too Station” Coat (1976)
- Long,double‑breasted trench coat in deep burgundy,paired with a high‑collar shirt-an iconic look for Bowie’s “Thin White Duke” era.
Why these pieces mattered
- Merged rock‑star theatrics with Savile Row precision, creating a new visual language for glam rock.
- Influenced subsequent music‑fashion collaborations,setting a template for designers working with artists.
Duran Duran and the 80s New Wave Look
- “Rio” Suit (1982)
- slim‑fit, pastel‑colored suit with a satin lapel-captured the band’s luxurious, futuristic aesthetic.
- “Girls on Film” Outfit (1981)
- Black leather jacket with copper‑tone zippers, paired with tapered trousers, emphasizing edgy, androgynous vibes.
- “Ordinary World” Ensemble (1993)
- Soft‑shouldered blazer in muted teal, showcasing Price’s evolution toward refined, understated elegance in the 90s.
Impact on New Wave fashion
- Established the “suit‑and‑glam” hybrid that became a staple on MTV and stage performances.
- Inspired designers like Malcolm McLaren and vivienne Westwood to incorporate pop‑culture references into high fashion.
Key Milestones and awards
| Year | Milestone | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | frist runway show at London Fashion Week | Introduced “Power Suit” aesthetic to mainstream audiences |
| 1981 | Collaboration with Duran Duran for “Rio” tour | Cemented Price’s status as a music‑industry designer |
| 1990 | Appointment as Creative Director for Mackintosh | Brought his tailoring expertise to outerwear |
| 2005 | British fashion Council’s “Iconic Designer” award | Recognized lifetime contribution to British fashion |
| 2020 | Retrospective exhibit at Victoria & Albert Museum | Highlighted his influence on rock and pop style |
Impact on fashion and Pop Culture
- Gender‑fluid styling: Price’s blazers frequently enough featured sloped shoulders and trimmed waistlines, blurring traditional male/female dress codes.
- Revival of vintage tailoring: Modern designers reference his 1970s “Power Suit” silhouette in contemporary runway collections.
- Music‑fashion symbiosis: Established a template for artist‑designer collaborations that persists in today’s industry (e.g., Beyoncé & balmain, Harry Styles & Gucci).
Legacy and Influence on Modern Designers
- Richie Ricci: Cites Price’s use of bold color blocking as inspiration for his own streetwear line.
- Grace Wales Bonner: Integrates Price’s classic tailoring with Afro‑centric motifs, illustrating cross‑cultural relevance.
- Virgil Abloh: Frequently referenced Price’s “glam‑rock” jackets when designing off‑white stagewear for major tours.
Where to Find Antony Price Pieces Today
- Vintage boutiques: London’s Retro and New York’s What Goes Around Comes Around regularly stock original Price jackets from the 1970s.
- Online marketplaces: eBay and Grailed feature authenticated listings; look for “Antony Price original 1975 blazer” or “David Bowie jacket Price.”
- Auction houses: Christie’s and Sotheby’s occasionally auction Price‑designed celebrity garments, often accompanied by provenance certificates.
Practical Tips for collectors
- Verify authenticity: request original tailoring tags, purchase receipts, or provenance letters from former collaborators.
- Assess condition: Check for fabric wear, zipper functionality, and any alterations that could affect value.
- Understand market value: Use recent auction results as benchmarks; a 1973 Bowie “Aladdin sane” jacket typically ranges between £30,000‑£50,000.
- Preservation: Store in a climate‑controlled habitat, use padded hangers for jackets, and avoid direct sunlight to protect fabric color.
- Insurance: High‑value pieces merit specialized insurance coverage; consult a fine‑art insurer experienced with fashion items.
Case Study: The 2024 “Glam Rock Revival” Exhibition
- Curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art London, the exhibition featured over 30 Antony Price garments, including the original “Ziggy Stardust” silver bomber.
- attendance surpassed 200,000 visitors, underscoring continued public fascination with Price’s designs.
- The exhibition catalog highlighted Price’s design process: detailed sketches, fabric swatches, and collaborative meetings with Bowie in his studio, offering insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind each iconic piece.
Real‑World Example: Price’s Influence on 2025 Tour Costumes
- Pop artist Lana Del Rey enlisted former Price apprentices for her “Summertime Sadness” tour, opting for tailored blazers with oversized lapels-directly echoing Price’s 1970s power‑suit line.
- The costumes garnered press coverage in vogue and Rolling stone, crediting “the timeless allure of Antony Price’s silhouette” as a key visual element.
