1970s Ossie Clark Black Moss Crepe Trouser Suit

This rare trouser suit was designed by Ossie Clark for Radley in the late 1960s to 1970s. After the designer’s mainline boutique faced financial difficulties, the company was purchased by Radley in 1967. Radley distributed the brand around the world through the introduction of the Ossie Clark for Radley line - one of fashion's first diffusion lines.

The suit is tailored from moss crepe, a crinkly, tactile crepe with a moss-like texture known for its flexibility when draped - a signature cloth of the label. The silhouette of the suit is distinctly Ossie Clark and very 1970s. The jacket is tailored to a wrap-around style, a wide black satin belt means that the fit can be adjusted. It has a peasant top-style neckline with a drawstring that ties at the front of the décolletage. Flared angel-sleeves add playful detail. The jacket has an asymmetric, ruffled hem which is emphasised when the waistband is cinched. The sleeves and hems are trimmed with black satin. The trousers have a very high waist cut and a wide silhouette that flares out towards the floor. They are fastened at the back with a hidden black tonal zip and hook-and-eye clasp. Both the jacket and trousers are unlined. We have attached photos of similar Ossie trouser suits from the same period made from his signature moss crepe.

This two-piece ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues of any note. It is labelled a size UK 14, but this is better suited in modern sizing to no bigger than a UK 6-8 or US 2-4 with a tiny waist as Ossie Clark trousers are notoriously slim fitting. The fabric is labelled “moss crepe” which is 100% Polyester. It has the smallest amount of stretch.

MEASUREMENTS TOP

BUST - 34 in. (86 cm)

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

LENGTH - 30 in. (76 cm)

MEASUREMENTS TROUSERS

WAIST - 24 in. (61 cm)

HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)

RISE - 14.5 in. (37 cm)

LENGTH - 48 in. (122 cm)