Chiffon tunic and satin skirt, multi-colour print on white. Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell, 1972

The flared tunic top of a multi-coloured print on white chiffon is trimmed with an orange satin neck-tie. The orange satin is repeated in two bands diagonally down the top. The sleeves are long and full at the cuff. The same print is used on the white satin skirt which also features inset bands of orange satin.

Given by Jill Ritblat

Illustrated in the Daily Telegraph Magazine, May 5th 1972. The accompanying copy read:
"You no longer need time on your hands and London on your doorstep to keep slightly ahead of fashion. Now many of the brighter boutiques sell their clothes by post, and it is as easy to dress well in the Hebrides as in Kensington. For example, Ossie Clark's screen-printed silk skirt and flowing smock (above) can be ordered separately from Just Looking, 88 King's Road, London SW3 and 5-7 Brompton Road, SW3. The smock costs £34.10, the skirt £56.65 (plus 25p post and packing)."
- Daniel Milford-Cottam

Reason For Production: Retail

Vogue magazine featured this quintessential Ossie Clark ensemble in the issue of April 1972. Ossie Clark was one of Britain's most influential fashion designers in the 1960s and 1970s. Mrs John Ritblat has been purchasing selected highlights from couture and ready-to-wear collections since the 1960s. In 1997 she donated much of this wardrobe to the V&A. Her gift included this Clark ensemble. Its exuberant Celia Birtwell print and flowing silhouette are typical of Clark's designs in the early 1970s.

T.347:1,2-2000