Antony Price, Celebrated for Creating Looks for Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the groundbreaking British fashion designer who crafted a series of unforgettable images favored by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has died aged 80.
His reputation was built on his defined forms and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the light-hued ensembles that featured in rock band Duran Duran's classic music video for "their hit Rio".
"In a tribute, they called him a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the band released a statement 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. Artist Lily Allen modelled a dress inspired by the notorious black velvet "revenge dress" made famous by Princess Diana.
A Lasting Legacy
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price relocated to London at the start of the 1960s to attend the prestigious Royal College of Art.
A year after graduating, he commenced his career designing men's fashion at Stirling Copper and was responsible for the body-hugging, buttoned trousers that rock legend Mick Jagger sported during the iconic group's Gimme Shelter tour in 1969.
He founded his own label in 1979 and staged his first fashion show a year later. The show opened with creations worn by model Jerry Hall, who also wore the bridal gown Price specifically designed for her wedding to Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A frequent collaborator of musical chameleon David Bowie, Price was the mind behind the memorable jacket the singer wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to blend elements of men's and women's fashion along with his technical proficiency in designing form-fitting garments cemented his status as a "one-of-a-kind talent," according to the British Fashion Council.
In the 1990s, he commenced designing ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, including various looks for her tour of the United States after assuming the title.
Following a profession lasting more than five decades, Price staged what would be his last show in London recently in conjunction with the design house 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: Central to his design philosophy.
- Theatrical Flair: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Blurring lines between clothing for men and women.
- Working with Stars and Royalty: From David Bowie and Mick Jagger to Queen Camilla.
Design circles mourns the loss to a true visionary whose legacy on fashion and music remains deeply ingrained.
