'A true visionary': British designer Antony Price dies aged 80
British designer Antony Price, a pivotal figure in the fusion of fashion and music, has died aged 80.
Born in Keighley, Yorkshire in 1945, Price was celebrated for his collaborations with musicians, including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Grace Jones, Lou Reed and, most notably, Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music.
A graduate of the Bradford School of Art and the Royal College of Art, his career took off in 1969 when Mick Jagger wore his trousers during the Rolling Stones' US tour.
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Price revolutionised fashion by integrating style into music, creating iconic visuals for bands that became integral to their identity. His work with Roxy Music in the 1970s, particularly through album covers and stage costumes, helped define the British band’s aesthetic and formed a lifelong partnership with Bryan Ferry. His influence rippled across both the fashion and music industries.
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Known for his sharp silhouettes, exaggerated proportions, and luxurious fabrics, Price’s designs laid the groundwork for 1980s fashion and influenced designers like Vivienne Westwood, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen. His creations have been worn by figures such as Tilda Swinton, Jerry Hall, Kylie Minogue, and Queen Camilla. Most recently, he partnered with the London label 16Arlington on a '16 Looks' collaboration collection.
His friend and collaborator, the milliner Philip Treacy, described Antony Price as "a true visionary" and said the fashion world has lost a legend.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: "Antony Price was not just a designer but a king in the world of fashion. His brilliance and technical ability were unmatched, and it breaks my heart that the world of fashion didn’t recognise his genius in his lifetime as he deserved. I will forever cherish our moments together, his humour, and his passion for life and craftsmanship."
Meanwhile, Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes said: "Antony was a visionary fashion designer, with extraordinary technical skills. Nobody did glam better than Antony. Inspired by old school Hollywood, he brought that style into a new era with a sharp sense of modernity and without ever forsaking elegance. His designs were made to shine - whoever wore his clothes inevitably got the most attention in the room.
"For Duran Duran, he was an important collaborator from the very beginning and we continued to work with him throughout the years. Perhaps most significantly, he conceived and designed all of the pastel coloured silk suits we wore in the Rio video. 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. More than all of this, Antony was a loyal, kind, intelligent and razor-witted, friend."
A statement from the British Fashion Council added: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Antony Price, a true original. A British fashion designer with instinct flair and a deep love of clothes who helped define a moment when London style was fearless and full of attitude. His work blurred glamour and rebellion and he dressed a generation of artists performers and creatives who used fashion as a tool of self expression.
"Beyond the collections Antony was a champion of individuality and an encourager of young talent long before mentorship was a formalised idea. He believed in London as a creative city and lived that belief through his work friendships and generosity of spirit. Most recently he collaborated with London label 16 Arlington on a collection that reminded us all of his style, substance and contribution."
