The invention of the mini skirt dates back to 1963, when it first appeared in the window of London’s historic “Bazaar” shop. Mary Quant, a British fashion designer and fashion icon. Her fashion is famous for mini skirts and hot pants.
Several designers were credited with the invention of the 1960s miniskirt as there is no consensus as to who designed it first, but Mary Quant is one of those designers, if not the most iconic designer of the mini skirt. It is said that she named it after her favourite car the Mini. The mini skirt was a garment that became a symbol of the feminist era that embraced the desire for freedom and the pull of social change.
Dame Barbara Mary Quant was born in London on 11 February 1930. Mary studied illustration and art education at Goldsmiths University, and began using her skills as an apprentice milliner at the age of 16. Mary soon opened her own boutique with youthful, sophisticated clothes in mixed prints and colours. They portrayed practicality and good taste. Her designs matched the cultural and social standards on the streets of London. She would go on to become an instrumental figure in the 1960s London-based mod and youth fashion movement and play a prominent role in London’s swinging 1960s culture.
In late 1960s, Mary created short shorts (hot pants) and became a British icon. In 1967, she designed berets in twelve colours, featuring her daisy logo. In the 1970s and 1980s she concentrated on household goods and make up rather than just her clothing line.
Mary believed a dress should not only keep you warm but also attract attention, look sexy and make you feel good… qualities that were renowned with her fashion. Mini skirts, hot pants, geometric lines, colourful tights, bodysuits, pop art, totally white, vinyl and plastic fabrics were among many of Mary’s iconic designs.
Mary was not only an icon to society, she was also an icon to the fashion industry and received many awards. In 1963, Mary Quant won Dress of the Year Award. In 1966, Mary was named one of the Fashion Revolutionaries in New York by Women’s Wear Daily. In 1966 she was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 1990 she won the The British Fashion Hall of Fame Award.
I adore Mary Quant’s fashion designs and I believe they are iconic of the 1960s era. Many people still own and try to hunt down Mary Quant items. They are quality items and very stylish. I am fortunate to own one of her 1960s dress. I wear it with pride. The fashion world lost an icon recently. Her designs are still an inspiration today.
In a few weeks I am going to a documentary special on Mary Quant. I cannot wait to see it and learn more about the fashion icon. I hope you enjoyed learning about Mary, too.
Back soon….
Ridiculously Retro Xx
Ridiculously Retro 