A pair of cotton wide leg trousered with silk-screened front pocket designed by Susan Clowes from the collection of Boy George. Boy George wore several variations of Sue Clowes designs in 1982 and 1983. This print and pant were featured in a photo by Mark Lebon, May 3, 1982, for issue three of New Sounds New Styles. 

The design features trousers with a natural waistline, wide legs that taper in at the ankle. The pants feature a silk-screen button sailor flap with a Jamaican red, gold, and green colorway featuring roses, Star of David, and Hebrew text, translated means, “Rest Please.” This is an early print from 1982 that is silk-screened on off-white cotton. 

Boy George worked at The Foundry, a boutique, alongside fashion, textile designer Sue Clowes, where the patterned designs were sold. In an interview Boy George speaks on the designs, saying, "It represents culture, as many cultures as possible. There are two labels sewn on the interior waistband of the pants, one reading, “Designed by Susan Clowes,” and the other reading, “The Foundry,” which was the designer's store. Susan Clowes is an English designer and textile artist whose designs that were sold at the Foundry gained prominence from Culture Club which were styled on the band members by Boy George. Sue Clowes is a British fashion designer who first gained attention for creating designs for The Foundry, which were worn by Boy George and Culture Club in 1981.

Throughout the 1980s, her work appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other magazines celebrating ’80s culture. She drew inspiration from the diverse backgrounds of the band members, mixing elements from their cultures into her designs and translating them onto clothing. Known for their striking use of color and subtle nods to religious imagery, such as the Star of David. Her pieces were brought to life by Boy George’s styling, evolving from simple ties to bold, printed garments that became iconic of the era. The designer said on Instagram, “He styled them so well.” 

Provenance: From the Collection of Boy George

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit MusiCares. 

This lot/property comes with a printed photo.

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