Mary Quant, the renowned fashion maverick of the 1960s, passed away at the remarkable age of 93 in Surrey, England on April 13, 2023. Born to Welsh parents in 1934 in South London, Quant is celebrated for popularizing the miniskirt, a symbol of the fashion revolution that swept through the era. While the origins of the miniskirt remain a topic of debate, with some attributing its creation to French designer André Courrèges, there is no denying the significant role Mary Quant played in transforming women’s fashion.
Quant’s fashion journey began in the early 1950s when she pursued illustration studies at Goldsmiths University. This is where she crossed paths with Alexander Plunket Greene, who later became her husband and had a profound influence on her career. In 1955, Quant and Plunket Greene, along with their friend Archie McNair, opened a groundbreaking concept store named Bazaar on London’s King’s Road. This avant-garde establishment brought together fashion, art, music, and a bar, swiftly becoming a hub for stylish artists and renowned celebrities, including The Beatles, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot. It also attracted ordinary young women who embraced a more relaxed and unconventional approach to dressing, even before the miniskirt gained popularity.
Quant’s remarkable success led to the opening of a second store in 1957, which was tastefully redecorated by Terence Conran, the visionary founder of the Habitat brand, in 1964. By the mid-1960s, Quant’s empire had expanded to three stores, where she revealed her innovative designs, including the famous short overall dress and the iconic red plastic macintosh with a white collar. Her eponymous brand steadily gained international recognition, expanding its reach to the United States and becoming available in JC Penney stores. In an effort to cater to a wider audience, Quant launched The Ginger Group, a more accessible label worn by acclaimed figures such as the legendary model Twiggy.
Apart from her exceptional design skills, Quant was renowned for her pioneering marketing tactics and innovative choice of materials. She broadened her range of offerings to include DIY patterns, PVC shoes, and lycra lingerie and hosiery. In 1966, she took the cosmetics industry by storm with a line featuring a trademark flower logo – the daisy. While Mary Quant’s presence in the fashion scene may have diminished over time, her influence on the beauty industry remained substantial. Many individuals who experienced the 1960s, 1970s, or early 1980s likely possessed a Mary Quant palette or lipstick, as her brand played a significant role in shaping the youth makeup market.
In 2000, a Japanese company acquired the Quant name and continued producing the immensely popular Mary Quant makeup line. Quant’s legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion world and as a female entrepreneur cannot be understated. She was a visionary who transcended the confines of just creating remarkable hairstyles, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Former Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Dame Mary Quant, applauding her contributions to not only fashion but also female entrepreneurship.
Mary Quant will forever be remembered as an emblematic figure of the Swinging Sixties – a period characterized by cultural revolution and artistic innovation. Her bold designs and audacious approach to fashion continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts globally. Her impact on the miniskirt and her contributions to democratizing fashion have left an enduring imprint on the industry. Mary Quant’s legacy will forever be synonymous with the spirit of rebellion, freedom, and individuality that defined the 1960s.
Useful Links:
1. Vogue: Mary Quant Obituary
2. BBC: Mary Quant – The woman who created the miniskirt
