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Thursday 09/04/2026

Antony Price: The Visionary Designer Behind Glam Rock Icons Dies at 80

Fashion designer creating colorful glam rock outfits
Aya NakamuraAya Nakamura

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Antony Price, a renowned British fashion designer known for his work with David Bowie and Duran Duran, has died at the age of 80.
  • Price was celebrated for his theatrical and sculptured designs, which played a significant role in shaping the glam rock aesthetic of the 1970s and 1980s.
  • His recent collaboration with fashion brand 16Arlington marked his return to the London catwalk after more than 30 years.
  • Price's designs were favored by high-profile figures, including Queen Camilla and rock icons like Mick Jagger and Bryan Ferry.
  • The British Fashion Council praised Price for his unique ability to blend menswear and womenswear, making him a "true original" in the fashion industry.

Antony Price, the influential British fashion designer whose work defined the glam rock era, has passed away at the age of 80. Known for his theatrical and sculptured designs, Price was a pivotal figure in the fashion world, crafting iconic looks for music legends such as David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Roxy Music.

A Legacy of Glamour and Innovation

Born in Keighley, Yorkshire, in 1945, Price moved to London in the early 1960s to study at the Royal College of Art. His career took off when he began designing menswear at Stirling Cooper, where he created the buttoned trousers worn by Mick Jagger during The Rolling Stones' 1969 Gimme Shelter tour. Price's ability to blend menswear and womenswear set him apart, earning him a reputation as a "true original" in the fashion industry, according to the British Fashion Council.

Crafting Iconic Looks for Music Legends

Price's designs were instrumental in shaping the glam rock aesthetic, with his work prominently featured on Roxy Music's album covers. Bryan Ferry, the band's frontman, described Price as a "master craftsman" who created extravagant pin-up looks for the Roxy girls and the band itself. His collaboration with Duran Duran in the 1980s further cemented his status as a visionary designer, with the band remembering him as a "kind, intelligent, and razor-witted friend."

A Return to the Catwalk

Despite staging only six fashion shows in his 55-year career, Price made a significant impact on the industry. Last month, he returned to the London catwalk for the first time in over three decades, collaborating with fashion brand 16Arlington. The show featured singer Lily Allen modeling a dress inspired by the black velvet "revenge dress" worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, capturing headlines and showcasing Price's enduring influence.

Designing for Royalty and Rock Stars

Price's client list extended beyond rock stars to include royalty, with Queen Camilla among his admirers. In the 1990s, he became known as "the frock surgeon" for his technical prowess in creating body-hugging gowns using traditional techniques. His work with high-profile figures like Paula Yates and Kylie Minogue further demonstrated his versatility and enduring appeal.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

Antony Price's passing marks the end of an era in fashion, but his influence is likely to endure. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Price's innovative approach to blending menswear and womenswear may inspire future designers to push the boundaries of traditional fashion norms. His recent collaboration with 16Arlington suggests that his legacy will continue to be celebrated, potentially leading to retrospectives or exhibitions honoring his contributions to fashion history.

The impact of Price's designs on the glam rock aesthetic may also see a resurgence as new generations discover and reinterpret the styles that defined an iconic era. As fashion cycles through trends, Price's work could inspire a revival of the bold, theatrical looks that characterized his career, ensuring that his visionary spirit lives on.