Antony Price, Celebrated for Styling Iconic Acts Like Bowie and Duran Duran, Has Died Aged 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the visionary UK-based designer who crafted many legendary styles worn by musical icons like Bowie and members of Roxy Music, as well as Queen Camilla, has died at the age of 80.
His reputation was built on his defined forms and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the soft-colored suits that became famous from the iconic band Duran Duran's classic music video for "Rio".
"They honored him as a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the group posted a remembrance on social media."
This news arrives less than a month after he presented his most recent collection in London, his first in more than 30 years. Artist Lily Allen walked in a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "dress" once worn by the late Princess Diana.
A Lasting Legacy
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price headed for London during the sixties to attend the esteemed Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he began designing menswear at the label Stirling Copper and was the creator of the body-hugging, buttoned trousers that The Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger wore during the iconic group's "Gimme Shelter" tour in 1969.
He established his eponymous line in 1979 and staged his first fashion show a year later. The show opened with creations worn by supermodel Jerry Hall, who was also seen in the marriage dress Price designed for her for her nuptials with Sir Mick Jagger.
Collaborations with Icons
A key creative partner 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 fuse menswear and womenswear along with his expert craftsmanship in crafting sculptural silhouettes cemented his status as a "one-of-a-kind talent," in the words of the British Fashion Council.
By the 1990s, he began working on pieces for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, which included a number of outfits for her US tour following her marriage.
After a career spanning more than five decades, Price presented his final runway show in London last month in partnership with the design house 16Arlington.
- Architectural Forms: A hallmark of his work.
- Performative Style: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Genre-Blending Design: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: Including music legends and the future Queen Consort.
Design circles says farewell to a authentic original whose legacy on the visual landscape of music remains indelibly etched.
