“I’m the man who has spent 40 years measuring and studying women’s bodies. Not just thin women. Everyday real women. Real bosoms. Real problems. Women who have no tits and want them, and women who want them smaller. I build frocks.” – Antony Price
Red velvet Jessica Rabbit Dress
For those of you unfamiliar with the work of my all-time favorite designer, let me introduce you. Not only is he credited with fusing the worlds of fashion and rock-n-roll, he is the wizard of clothing that makes women attractive to men and vice versa. The grandmaster of glamour and lord paramount of tailoring. Antony’s architectural corsetry deftly accentuates your best features while downplaying your worst. In short, ‘result wear’ and so much more. Here’s what Alexander Fury at SHOWstudio had to say about him:
Moss green lace “Alligator dress” with removable train at the Best Dressed Awards in Paris with Bobby Butz, Nick and Rupert Everett
“Alternatively referred to as rock’s favourite couturier, an unparalleled master of modern made-to-measure occasionwear and the most criminally overlooked designer in British fashion, Antony Price and his eponymous creations are the stuff of fashion legend. Revered and referenced by both his contemporaries
Forrest green ostrich feathered silk dress and jacket with removable feathers I wore when I accompanied Norman Parkinson to his lifetime retrospective in New York.
and the generations of talent that followed him, both Price and his distinctive brand of unabashed glamour and sex-appeal have defied the vagaries of fashion to consistently appeal to new audiences. Quite simply, Antony Price is one of the greatest designers Britain has ever produced.”
High waisted, black corset skirt and sheer organza blouse I wore to the opening night party for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
With Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, and Duggie Fields at the Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner opening night party – photos by Alan Davidson
Indeed, Antony had a definite influence over many of the household name designers you know. Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier were outspoken fans of Antony’s wo
rk, and Thierry Mugler was spied on more than one occasion in the shop.
Equisite hand dyed zipper dress Antony made for me to wear to a party and Mick and Jerry’s house in Mustique
“He reinvented the suit so that it was no longer about going to the office. He made it rock’n’roll. He started at a time when British fashion didn’t have sponsors. It was the era before the superstar designer. They all came after him. Yet he was a visionary,” stylist David Thomas commented.
Hollywood inspired black linen suit worn in Hello Magazine with Tatjana Rhodes
Antony is probably the best kept secret of the famous. The designer has dressed everyone from rock royalty the likes of Bryan Ferry, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Duran Duran as well as true British royalty (albeit more discreetly), and supermodels Jerry Hall and Naomi Campbell. Now is your chance to own an Antony Price along with a piece of pop history at very reasonable prices (up to 80% off original price). Oh, the stories these frocks could tell!
Dating back to the early 90’s, this corset with sheer trousers and skirt separates are spot on trend today
As many of you know, I sold all my 80’s Azzedine Alaia, Jean Paul Gautier, Claude Montana, and Karl Lagerfeld last Spring in preparation for the big move, but I’ve been clinging onto my collection of Antony Price in hopes of luring the old dear over to Los Angeles for a lifetime retrospective one day.
Royal blue taffeta dress for an evening at the royal opera house
Alas, there just isn’t enough closet space in the new home to store multiple suitcases stuffed full of frocks I’ll never wear again. With Antony’s explicit approval I gave the first couple cases to my friend Ryan Crowe who owns an uber cool vintage shop called Consignmen on the corner of Melrose and Crescent Heights in West Hollywood.
One of my favorites, a Fuchsia off the shoulder taffeta dress shown here at Palladium with Nick Rhodes and Keith Haring
What’s truly amazing is how ahead of his day Antony has always been. I can’t believe how on trend most these pieces are today!
Black applique fringe mini skirt, bra, and bolero worn to an opening at the Serpentine Gallery
Fringe seems to be a favorite on Project Runway, I just read how lingerie worn as outerwear is all the rage again…
Black satin romper with sheer black jumpsuit, another clubbing fav
… not to mention jumpsuits, rompers, and sheer wear over lingerie! You can find all these outfits and more in Ryan’s store, and on his eBay shop. For pricing and details click on the photo of the outfit you are interested in. Ryan ships worldwide, so you can get in on the action from the comfort of your home, even if you are not passing through LA anytime soon.
