Ossie Clark & Biba Style

Ossie Clark dresses are the definition of 1970s romance: fluid, feminine and cut with a nod to the 1930s. Our Ossie Clark and Biba collection is inspired by the designers who defined the decade, with maxi, wrap and midi dresses, blouses and corduroy tailoring, designed by our in-house team and made in Yorkshire.

What was Ossie Clark famous for?

Ossie Clark (often misspelt Ossie Clarke, or Ozzie Clark) was one of Britain's great fashion designers. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s and became one of the defining designers of the 1970s, known for flowing, romantic designs in soft fabrics such as chiffon, jersey and crepe. His creative partner was the textile designer Celia Birtwell, whose bold, vibrant prints turned his dresses into collaborative works of art.

What made Ossie Clark's dresses unique?

The 1930s. Clark looked back to the bias cut, Art Deco patterns, delicate beading and yokes, shirring and gathers at the neckline, and reworked them for the 1970s. The result was daring but demure: plunging necklines, full angel and bishop sleeves and skirts that moved as you walked. Today original Ossie Clark dresses can sell for as much as £1,500. We began creating Ossie Clark-inspired designs in 2023, so you can wear the look without the collector's price tag.

And Biba?

Biba was the London label that defined the dusky, romantic look of the 1960s and 70s, and it runs through this collection in the earthy, autumnal shades of the mid-70s. The collection also covers the tailoring: the Bianca blazer and soft-flare trousers, and corduroy jackets and skirts, capture the confident British power dressing of 1976.

Explore our 1970s dresses, blouses and suits, read The Legendary Ossie Clark and His Iconic 1970s Dresses and 1976: Celebrating 50 Years of Style, or see the whole 1970s collection and our 1970s style guide.