Antony Price, influential British fashion designer for rock icons and Queen Camilla, dies at 80

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago
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Antony Price, a key figure in glam rock fashion and designer to Queen Camilla, has died at 80.
Antony Price, influential British fashion designer for rock icons and Queen Camilla, dies at 80
A What happened
Antony Price was a British fashion designer celebrated for his theatrical, ultra-glamorous style that defined the visual identity of glam rock bands such as Roxy Music and Duran Duran. Starting in the 1960s, Price's work merged menswear and womenswear, influencing musicians and celebrities alike. He contributed iconic designs, including Mick Jagger's trousers on the 1969 Rolling Stones tour and the men's cap-sleeve T-shirt on Lou Reed's 1972 Transformer album cover. Later, he became Queen Camilla's go-to designer. Known as the 'frock surgeon' for his expert use of corsetry, Price was regarded as a visionary who helped London fashion flourish while mentoring emerging talent.

Key insights

  • 1

    Fashion and music's symbiotic relationship: Price's work illustrates how fashion design has been central to the branding and cultural impact of glam rock, enhancing musicians' identities and stage presence.

  • 2

    Versatility across gender norms in fashion: By successfully designing both menswear and womenswear, Price challenged traditional fashion roles and contributed to evolving gender expressions in style.

  • 3

    Longevity and discreet influence: Despite minimal public fashion shows, Price sustained a high-profile career for over five decades, revealing how influence in creative industries can occur beyond commercial spectacle.

Takeaways

Antony Price left a lasting imprint on fashion and music culture by merging theatrical design with practical tailoring, influencing styles that persist today.

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