Antony Price, Celebrated for Designing for David Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the influential UK-based designer responsible for some of the most iconic looks favored by artists from David Bowie to Roxy Music and even royalty like Queen Camilla, has died aged 80.
His reputation was built on his sculptured silhouettes and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the soft-colored suits that became famous from the iconic 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 online."
This news arrives less than a month after he presented his newest line in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. Singer Lily Allen walked in a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "revenge dress" once worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
A Pioneering Career
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price relocated to London during the sixties to attend the esteemed Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he commenced his career designing men's fashion at the company Stirling Copper and was the creator of the form-fitting, button-fly pants that The Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger wore during the band's Gimme Shelter tour in the late sixties.
He established his eponymous line in 1979 and held his debut runway presentation a year later. The show was launched by creations worn by the famed model Jerry Hall, who later wore the wedding dress Price designed for her for her wedding to Sir Mick Jagger.
Collaborations with Icons
A frequent collaborator of the late David Bowie, Price designed the memorable jacket the singer wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to fuse menswear and womenswear along with his masterful technique in crafting form-fitting garments cemented his status as a "genuine original," according to the British Fashion Council.
In the 1990s, he commenced designing pieces for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, including various looks for her American tour following her marriage.
Following a profession lasting half a century, Price held his ultimate fashion presentation in London last month in partnership with the design house 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: A hallmark of his work.
- Theatrical Flair: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry says farewell to a authentic original whose influence on fashion and music remains indelibly etched.
