c1969 Iconic Ossie Clark "Graduation" Black Plunge Dress designer-kenzo The design is pure Hanae

The design is pure Hanae and the print is just extraordinary and beautiful

The shoulders are amazing - each is high and has a strip of velvet running down their centers

It buttons down the front with what looks like very early plastic buttons

I just love that velvet detail and the gown is incredibly well constructed

c1969 Iconic Ossie Clark "Graduation" Black Plunge Dress designer-kenzo The design is pure HanaeThis is an early rendition of what would go onto become one of Ossie's most famous and recognizable designs. The version held in the Victorian and Albert Museum dates to the 1970 collection but I believe this version with a cuffed sleeve is a little earlier and dates to the 1969 collection. It is based loosely on a "graduation" gown mixed with the flowing softness and drape he was renowned for. Of course there is his signature dash of sexuality with