Antony Price, Celebrated for Styling Bowie and Duran Duran, Dies at 80.
Antony Price, the visionary UK-based designer responsible for many legendary styles worn by artists from David Bowie to Roxy Music and even royalty like Queen Camilla, has passed away at 80 years old.
His reputation was built on his sculptured silhouettes and dramatic aesthetics, including the pastel suits that appeared in rock band Duran Duran's landmark music video for "their hit 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 just weeks after he debuted his newest line in London, his first in more than 30 years. Artist Lily Allen showcased a dress that paid homage to the iconic black velvet "dress" historically worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
An Enduring Influence
A native of Yorkshire, born in 1945, Price headed for London at the start of the 1960s to study at the esteemed Royal College of Art.
A year after graduating, he started his work in men's fashion at Stirling Copper and was responsible for the body-hugging, buttoned trousers that Sir Mick Jagger wore during the iconic group'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 outfits on model Jerry Hall, who also wore the bridal gown Price created for her for her wedding to Sir Mick Jagger.
Partnerships with Stars
A key creative partner of musical chameleon David Bowie, Price designed the memorable jacket the singer wore for his "the song As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His trademark skill to fuse menswear and womenswear along with his expert craftsmanship in shaping sculptural silhouettes established him as a "one-of-a-kind talent," according to the UK's fashion authority.
In the 1990s, he began working on ensembles for the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, such as several ensembles for her American tour after becoming Duchess.
Following a profession lasting over fifty years, Price staged what would be his last show in London just last month in partnership with the design house 16Arlington.
- Sculpted Silhouettes: The core of his aesthetic.
- Theatrical Flair: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Genre-Blending Design: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- A Client List from Rock to Royalty: Spanning iconic musicians and members of the royal family.
The industry laments the passing to a true visionary whose legacy on the visual landscape of music remains profoundly felt.
