Antony Price, Fashion Innovator Behind Duran Duran’s Iconic Style, Dies at 80
The celebrated designer, whose work graced rock legends and royalty alike, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking style and enduring influence.
Published December 21, 2023
The world of fashion and music mourns the loss of Antony Price, a visionary British designer whose creations defined an era and shaped the aesthetics of some of the most iconic figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Price died on Wednesday, December 17, at the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable portfolio that spanned rock and roll royalty, high society, and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary style. Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes remembers Price as a pivotal collaborator from the band’s earliest days.
Price’s influence extended far beyond the music industry. He dressed Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Roxy Music, consistently pushing boundaries and challenging conventional notions of glamour. More recently, his designs were even seen on Queen Camilla, demonstrating the timeless appeal and enduring relevance of his work. But it was his partnership with Duran Duran that cemented his place in pop culture history.
A Legacy Forged in Glamour and Innovation
Born in Keighley, Yorkshire, in 1945, Antony Price’s journey began with studies at Bradford School of Art and culminated in a 1968 graduation from the Royal College of Art’s Fashion School. His breakthrough moment arrived in 1969 when Mick Jagger sported a pair of his signature body-hugging trousers during the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter tour – a defining moment that launched his career and established him as a designer to watch.
Price’s collaboration with Roxy Music was particularly prolific, with the designer styling all eight of the band’s album covers. He also left his mark on Lou Reed’s iconic 1972 album, Transformer, designing the t-shirt featured on the back cover. Bryan Ferry, frontman of Roxy Music, described Price as “a master craftsman” and “one of the most remarkably gifted people I have ever met.”
But perhaps Price’s most enduring contribution to popular culture lies in his work with Duran Duran. He masterfully conceived and designed the pastel-colored silk suits worn in the band’s groundbreaking “Rio” music video, a visual masterpiece that became synonymous with the New Romantic movement. The “Rio” video remains a touchstone of 1980s style, and Price’s designs are integral to its enduring appeal.
“His distinctive creations were unique and striking,” Rhodes wrote in a tribute shared on Duran Duran’s social media channels. “Whilst he rarely received the recognition he deserved from the fashion media, his notable clientele and many other designers all knew Antony was a genius, a cut above the rest.”
Price’s talent wasn’t confined to menswear. He also excelled in womenswear, dressing stars like Kylie Minogue and creating Jerry Hall’s wedding dress for her marriage to Mick Jagger. His final fashion show, just weeks before his death, was described by Rhodes as “as spectacular and relevant as the first one I ever saw.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Rhodes remembers Price as a “loyal, kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend.” His passing leaves a void in the fashion world, but his legacy of innovation and style will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of designers to come.
What impact do you think Antony Price’s designs had on the evolution of music video aesthetics? And how do you see his influence continuing to shape fashion today?
Frequently Asked Questions About Antony Price
Who was Antony Price?
Antony Price was a highly influential British fashion designer known for his work with music icons like Duran Duran, David Bowie, and Roxy Music, as well as celebrities like Mick Jagger and Queen Camilla. He was celebrated for his innovative designs and mastery of glamour.
What was Antony Price’s contribution to Duran Duran’s style?
Antony Price designed the iconic pastel-colored silk suits worn by Duran Duran in their groundbreaking “Rio” music video, a look that became synonymous with the band and the New Romantic movement. He was a key collaborator in shaping their visual identity.
Which other musicians did Antony Price work with?
Beyond Duran Duran, Antony Price collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, including David Bowie, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, and Mick Jagger. He designed album covers and stage attire for many of these artists.
What was Antony Price’s approach to fashion design?
Antony Price was known for his innovative and boundary-pushing designs, his mastery of tailoring, and his ability to create striking and memorable looks. He seamlessly blended glamour with a modern sensibility.
When did Antony Price pass away?
Antony Price passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2023, at the age of 80. His death marks a significant loss for the fashion and music industries.
Sources: Duran Duran Official Website, Vogue
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