In a powerful blend of past and present, a significant fashion collaboration has brought together the iconic British designer Antony Price with Marco Capaldo, the innovative creative director of 16Arlington. This unique partnership has resulted in an exclusive made-to-order collection, serving as a vivid reminder of Price's profound impact on fashion, particularly during the glam rock era of the 1970s and the distinctive silhouettes of the 1980s. The collection not only honors Price's enduring aesthetic but also underscores Capaldo's contemporary vision, pushing the boundaries of modern design and artistic expression. This alliance celebrates glamour and timeless style, demonstrating how influential designs can be reinterpreted for a new generation while preserving their original essence.
Antony Price, whose name many may not immediately recognize, is revered by those within the fashion industry as a true pioneer. Born in 1945, he was instrumental in defining the visual identity of legendary bands such as Roxy Music and later Duran Duran. His design philosophy embraced dramatic silhouettes, a daring mix of unexpected materials, and a fluidity between masculine and feminine styles. These elements were not merely fashion statements; they were cornerstones of high fashion and an exuberant camp aesthetic that profoundly shaped the glam rock movement and subsequently influenced the dominant styles of the 1980s. Four decades on, his collaboration with Capaldo reignites this legacy, showcasing how his foundational ideas continue to resonate and inspire today's fashion landscape.
The collection's unveiling at the 16Arlington studio in East London was a spectacular affair, featuring 16 British models presenting 16 distinct looks in a salon-style presentation. The event, described in the show notes as a 'celebration of glamour,' marked a notable runway debut for singer Lily Allen, who mesmerized in a deep blue velvet gown with a daring neckline. Renowned models from various eras, including Lara Stone, Edie Campbell, and Paloma Elsesser, graced the runway, adorned in exquisite feathers, crystals, chiffons, and velvets. Each ensemble was perfected with custom-designed footwear from Manolo Blahnik, adding a layer of bespoke luxury to the presentation.
Many pieces within the collection distinctly highlighted the signature styles of both brands. For example, look 11 reimagined 16Arlington's 'Solaria' dress, a long-sleeved, scoop-neck gown with a chest cutout, now in a rich cappuccino satin and shimmering iridescent sequins. Another ensemble paid homage to Price's 1983 collection, featuring a twisted satin strapless bra paired with matching plissé trousers and his iconic 'Zephyr' cape jacket. Other designs ingeniously merged the creative codes of both designers. The opening look of the collection presented a uniquely Price-esque sculpted hourglass jacket in a warm Cadbury-brown calf leather, complete with a high 'Dracula' collar and dramatic cuffs. This striking piece was harmoniously paired with a floor-sweeping black chiffon skirt, subtly referencing 16Arlington's Spring 2026 collection, showcasing a seamless fusion of their artistic visions.
This collaboration exemplifies a remarkable coming together of different generations of design talent, creatively bridging historical influences with contemporary desires. Price and Capaldo skillfully navigated the past without succumbing to mere nostalgia, instead adapting time-honored concepts to suit modern sensibilities. Similar significant collaborations have been seen in the fashion world, such as Dries Van Noten's partnership with Christian Lacroix for Van Noten's Spring 2020 collection, and Marc Jacobs' enduring consultancy with André Walker for both his own label and Louis Vuitton. These partnerships underscore the enduring value of cross-generational exchange in enriching the fashion dialogue.
For Capaldo, this collaboration signifies a continuous evolution of his brand and reinforces his commitment to carving his own path. In recent years, he has increasingly blurred the lines between fashion and art, notably with a partnership with contemporary art gallery Almine Rech for Frieze London 2024 and commissioning British artist Jesse Pollock for sculptures and custom jewelry for his Spring 2025 runway show. By choosing to collaborate with a respected, yet often understated, emblem of British fashion like Price, and by staging an off-calendar presentation, the young designer, in his early thirties, also tapped into London's rich history of subversive, underground fashion showcases.
The term 'timeless' is often overused, losing its impact with each repetition. However, collaborations such as this one genuinely illuminate design sensibilities that transcend fleeting trends, gaining renewed strength through fresh perspectives. Conversely, younger talents, though already established in their own right, can move beyond mere tributes to their artistic inspirations, forging connections between eras that dismantle the superficiality of trend cycles. This particular union of two British fashion titans emphatically demonstrates that true glamour is eternal, collaboration is a perpetual force, and Antony Price's pivotal contributions deserve far greater recognition and appreciation.
