Rare 1970s Ossie Clark for Radley Moss Crêpe Maxi Dress – V&A Museum Design For Sale

An exceptionally beautiful and collectible original 1970s Ossie Clark for Radley gown in the most extraordinary, softly weathered smoky lavender-grey.One of Ossie Clark’s most celebrated and recognizable designs, an example in black is held in the collection of London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum.Romantic, ethereal and effortlessly dramatic, this extraordinary gown captures everything that made Ossie Clark one of the most influential British designers of the twentieth century.The DesignRenowned for his instinctive understanding of the female form, Ossie Clark created clothing that combined exquisite construction, sensuality and extraordinary movement.This particular design is said to have been loosely inspired by traditional academic graduation gowns, transformed through Clark’s unmistakable romantic and seductive aesthetic.The beautifully constructed bodice features a striking, deeply plunging V-neckline, softly gathered shoulders and delicate ruching beneath the bust. An elegant empire waist gives way to a wonderfully fluid, floor-length skirt that falls in graceful folds around the body.Dramatic, generously cut sleeves lend the gown an almost medieval, Pre-Raphaelite quality, while the softly gathered back cascades from the shoulder yoke, creating a breathtaking silhouette from every angle.Integrated waist ties allow the dress to be gently shaped and adjusted to flatter the figure while preserving its signature flowing lines.The gown is crafted from Clark’s celebrated moss crêpe, believed to be rayon/viscose, a beautifully weighted, softly textured fabric prized for its exceptional drape and movement.The ColourWhat makes this particular example especially enchanting is its unusual, softly weathered lavender-grey colour.Subtle variations in tone have created a beautiful, naturally aged patina, giving the fabric an almost antique, ethereal quality. The smoky, muted colouring feels entirely in keeping with the poetic, bohemian spirit of Ossie Clark’s designs.Rather than the more familiar black or vibrant jewel tones, this wonderfully understated shade lends the gown a distinctive, romantic character.The HistoryOssie Clark was a defining figure of London’s fashion revolution during the late 1960s and 1970s, celebrated for dressing some of the era’s most iconic women and for creating clothing that was simultaneously glamorous, sensual and wonderfully wearable.In 1968, while designing for the legendary Quorum boutique alongside Alice Pollock, Clark began his collaboration with Radley, producing an upscale ready-to-wear collection that brought his distinctive designs to fashionable boutiques and department stores.These original Ossie Clark for Radley pieces are now highly sought after by collectors of vintage British fashion.An example of this particular design, rendered in black, is represented in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, testament to its enduring significance in British fashion history.Details ● Designer: Ossie Clark for Radley ● Era: 1970s ● Colour: Smoky lavender-grey with softly weathered tonal variations ● Fabric: Moss crêpe, believed to be rayon/viscose ● Silhouette: Flowing, floor-length empire-line gown ● Neckline: Dramatic plunging V ● Bodice: Softly gathered and beautifully draped ● Sleeves: Long, generously cut, flowing sleeves ● Back: Gathered shoulder yoke with cascading fabric ● Waist: Integrated adjustable ties ● Construction: Unlined, slips over the head ● Label: Original Ossie Clark for Radley, marked size 12 / 36 / 9 USA ● Museum reference: A black example of this design is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, LondonConditionConditionBeautiful vintage condition for a garment over 50 years old, with a distinctive, softly aged patina and subtle tonal variations throughout the smoky lavender-grey fabric. These variations lend the gown its wonderfully romantic, timeworn character.There are a few small areas of fabric wear, carefully highlighted with pens in the accompanying photographs for complete transparency. Please examine all images closely.Overall, a remarkably well-preserved example of this iconic design, particularly considering its age.Importantly, the dress retains its original, unaltered full length — an especially desirable feature of Ossie Clark’s famously dramatic, flowing silhouettes.Size & MeasurementsOriginal Ossie Clark for Radley label marked 12 / 36 / 9 USA (vintage sizing).Best suited to a modern Small–Medium, although the wonderfully fluid, generous cut and adjustable waist ties may accommodate a range of sizes, potentially including a Large depending on the desired fit and individual proportions.Approximate measurements, taken flat:* Bust: 19” (38” circumference)* Waist: 19” (38” circumference before adjusting ties)* Hips: Free-flowing, approximately 29” flat* Shoulders: Relaxed/free fit, approximately 17”* Sleeve length: 23”* Total length: 63”Please refer to