Remembering Dame Mary Quant
With news of Dame Mary Quant’s passing on Thursday 13th April, we take a look back on her decade defining career and some iconic moments that shaped her brand.
Born in Blackheath, South London, Quant received a scholarship to study illustration at Goldsmiths college in New Cross, famed for its impressive artistic alumni. It was here Quant would meet her husband Alexander Plunket Greene who would become her business partner and help launch her career.
The legendary British designer pioneered a revolutionary new way of dressing which defined 60s fashion. Best known for her miniskirt and PVC designs, the designer was a trail blazer, offering a young and decidedly playful look that attracted celebrities and the average consumer alike. Selling her designs in her King’s Road shop ‘Bazaar’, Quant quickly became known as one of the most innovative and recognisable designers of the decade.
Whilst it’s contested as to whether the miniskirt was the invention of Quant or Andre Courreges, the design - usually paired with her infamous colourful tights, became synonymous to her clothing brand. Hot pants and the skinny rib sweater have also been credited to Mary Quant, as well as waterproof mascara when she turned her attention to the creation of her cosmetics line in the 1970s.
It is undeniable that Dame Mary Quant’s designs shaped the face of fashion, her styles echoed around the world, with the effects still being felt by the fashion industry today.
Mary Quant and models at the launch of the quantafoot collection, 1967. Photo from V&A Museum
George Harrison and Pattie Boyd wearing custom Mary Quant coats on their wedding day 1966. Photo from Yahoo
One of Mary Quant’s signature ‘wet look’ creations as worn by Jackie Bowyer in 1963. Photo from Harper’s Bazaar
60’s icon Twiggy wearing Mary Quant in 1966. Photo from Harper Bazaar
Audrey Hepburn wearing a Mary Quant two piece suit in 1967. Photo from Harpers Bazaar
Words by Sophie Thomalla
