Antony Price, Celebrated for Designing for Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the groundbreaking style architect behind a series of unforgettable images worn by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has died at the age of 80.
His reputation was built on his sculptured silhouettes and theatrical styles, such as the soft-colored suits that appeared in rock band Duran Duran's seminal music video for "Rio".
"They honored him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' Duran Duran shared a message across their platforms."
His passing follows shortly after he unveiled his latest collection in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. Singer Lily Allen showcased a dress evoking the famous black velvet "revenge dress" once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
A Lasting Legacy
Hailing from Yorkshire, where he was born in 1945, Price headed for London in the early 1960s to attend the esteemed Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he began designing menswear at Stirling Copper and was the creator of the form-fitting, button-fly pants that rock legend Mick Jagger wore during the iconic group's "Gimme Shelter" tour in 1969.
He founded his own label in 1979 and presented his inaugural collection a year later. The show opened with creations worn by supermodel Jerry Hall, who was also seen in the bridal gown Price created for her for her marriage 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 "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His characteristic talent to merge tailoring for all genders along with his technical proficiency in crafting sculptural silhouettes made him a "one-of-a-kind talent," in the words of the British Fashion Council.
In the 1990s, he began working on ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, which included a number of outfits for her American tour after becoming Duchess.
Following a profession lasting more than five decades, Price presented his final runway show in London recently in conjunction with the design house 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: Central to his design philosophy.
- Performative Style: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: Including music legends and the future Queen Consort.
The fashion world laments the passing to a true visionary whose influence on style and culture remains profoundly felt.