The British fashion world is mourning the loss of one of its most original and influential figures. Antony Price, the maverick designer and image-maker who defined glam rock and '80s pop style, has died at the age of 80.
The Architect of Rock & Roll Glamour
Price, often hailed as the greatest designer you've never heard of, was a pivotal force in merging music, theatre, and fashion. His career, spanning 55 years, was marked by a series of iconic collaborations that shaped the visual identity of rock and pop. He was the creative mind behind Roxy Music's seminal album covers, crafting the ultra-glamorous pin-up looks for the 'Roxy Girls' and the band's sharp aesthetic in the 1970s. Band frontman Bryan Ferry praised him as a "master craftsman".
A decade later, his vision evolved to define the sharp, broad-shouldered 'yacht rock' tailoring of Duran Duran. His influence extended to David Bowie, for whom he created instantly recognisable slick silhouettes. Price's first major job in menswear at Stirling Cooper even saw him cut the distinctive buttoned trousers worn by Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones' 1969 Gimme Shelter tour.
From 'Result-Wear' to Royal Robes
Price's unique appeal lay in his technical prowess and a very specific philosophy. He once stated his clothes were "men's idea of what women should wear". This vision, dubbed "result-wear" by broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, blended Rita Hayworth's classic glamour with futuristic technicolour. His World's End boutique in Chelsea stood as a glamorous counterpoint to the punk rebellion of Vivienne Westwood's Sex shop further up the King's Road.
Renowned for his mastery of structure, he earned the nickname "the frock surgeon" in the 1990s for his expert use of boning and corsetry to create dramatic, body-conscious gowns. This skill made him a favourite among celebrities like Jerry Hall, Kylie Minogue, and Paula Yates. In a remarkable later chapter, his clientele included Queen Camilla, for whom he designed made-to-order pieces, including outfits for her first US tour as Duchess of Cornwall in 2005.
A Legacy of Individuality and Craft
Despite his profound impact, Price was a reluctant star of the fashion circuit, staging only six proper shows in his entire career. In a poignant full-circle moment, he returned to the London catwalk just last month after a 30-year absence, collaborating with label 16Arlington on a show where Lily Allen modelled a headline-grabbing black velvet 'revenge dress'.
Tributes have hailed his unique genius. Milliner Philip Treacy called him "a true visionary" and "a king in the world of fashion", lamenting that his genius was not fully recognised in his lifetime. The British Fashion Council, which honoured him with an Evening Glamour Award in 1989, described him as "a true original" and a champion of individuality who encouraged young talent long before formal mentorship programmes existed.
Antony Price's death marks the passing of an era-defining creative who dressed music legends and royalty alike, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of British style.
