The Fashion Icon Antony Price, Celebrated for Styling Bowie and Duran Duran, Passes Away at Age 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the visionary UK-based designer behind many legendary styles worn by artists from David Bowie to Roxy Music and even royalty like Queen Camilla, has died at 80 years old.
His reputation was built on his sculptured silhouettes and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the pastel suits that appeared in rock band Duran Duran's classic 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 newest line in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. Artist Lily Allen walked in a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "so-called 'revenge dress'" made famous by Princess Diana.
An Enduring Influence
Born in Yorkshire in 1945, Price headed for London at the start of the 1960s to enroll at the renowned Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he began designing men's fashion at the label Stirling Copper and was the creator of the tight, button-detailed trousers that rock legend Mick Jagger wore during the band'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 was launched by looks from the famed model Jerry Hall, who also wore the bridal gown Price created for her for her wedding to Sir Mick Jagger.
Collaborations with Icons
A key creative partner of David Bowie, Price designed the memorable jacket the artist wore for his "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His signature ability to fuse tailoring for all genders along with his expert craftsmanship in shaping body-hugging looks cemented his status as a "true original," in the words of the UK's fashion authority.
During the nineties, he commenced designing pieces for Camilla, now Queen Consort, such as various looks for her American tour after assuming the title.
After a career spanning more than five decades, Price held his ultimate fashion presentation in London just last month in conjunction with the label 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: A hallmark of his work.
- Theatrical Flair: Shaping the look of rock and pop.
- Genre-Blending Design: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Working with Stars and Royalty: Including music legends and the future Queen Consort.
Design circles mourns the loss to a true visionary whose legacy on the visual landscape of music remains indelibly etched.
