Antony Price, Celebrated for Styling Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
Antony Price, the influential British fashion designer responsible for some of the most iconic looks associated with David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has passed away at 80 years old.
His reputation was built on his defined forms and dramatic aesthetics, including the light-hued ensembles that featured in the iconic band Duran Duran's landmark music video for "their hit Rio".
"Remembering him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the group posted a remembrance online."
His passing follows just weeks after he unveiled his latest collection in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. The performer Lily Allen showcased a dress evoking the famous black velvet "so-called 'revenge dress'" made famous by Diana, Princess of Wales.
An Enduring Influence
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price relocated to London at the start of the 1960s to enroll at the prestigious Royal College of Art.
A year after graduating, he started his work in menswear at the company Stirling Copper and was behind the form-fitting, button-fly pants that rock legend Mick Jagger sported during the iconic group's "Gimme Shelter" tour in the late sixties.
He established his eponymous line in 1979 and presented his inaugural collection a year later. The show opened with outfits on model Jerry Hall, who was also seen in the bridal gown Price specifically designed for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A long-time collaborator of musical chameleon David Bowie, Price created the iconic jacket the star wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His characteristic talent to merge tailoring for all genders along with his technical proficiency in designing sculptural silhouettes established him as a "one-of-a-kind talent," in the words of the UK's fashion authority.
In the 1990s, he began working on ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, including various looks for her American tour after becoming Duchess.
Following a profession lasting half a century, Price staged what would be his last show in London recently in partnership with the design house 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: Central to his design philosophy.
- Dramatic Impact: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Genre-Blending Design: Blurring lines between clothing for men and women.
- A Client List from Rock to Royalty: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry mourns the loss to a genuine innovator whose legacy on style and culture remains deeply ingrained.