Globally recognized as the designer of the miniskirt, British fashion doyen Mary Quant was known for her innovative and iconic designs that defined the fashion landscape of the 1960s.
Her family released a statement to the media announcing that the legendary entrepreneur had passed away "peacefully at home in Surrey", Thursday 13 April, at the age of 93.
Tributes have been pouring in from the fashion world including from former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, who called her “a leader of fashion but also in female entrepreneurship.”
The UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum said it is “impossible to overstate” her contribution to the fashion industry while Mary Quant Europe said: “ Mary was a unique trailblazer who made an indelible mark on fashion. In the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List of 2015 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In January of this year, she was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour. Her legacy will live on through Mary Quant products and her huge contribution to the global fashion industry. All members of staff at Mary Quant Group are deeply saddened and pass on their condolences to Mary’s family and friends.”
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Quant is credited with revolutionizing the way women dressed, introducing new styles that were fun, playful, provocative, and daring.
Born in London in 1934, Quant studied illustration at Goldsmiths College before launching her career in fashion. In the early 1960s, she opened her first boutique, Bazaar, in the trendy King's Road area of London. Here, she sold her own designs, which were characterized by their bright colors, bold patterns, and playful silhouettes. Her designs were an instant hit and quickly became a favorite of young, fashionable women.
Quant's signature designs included the miniskirt, which she is often credited with inventing. The miniskirt was a daring departure from the longer hemlines that were popular at the time, and it quickly became a symbol of the new, youthful spirit of the 1960s. Quant also popularized hot pants, which were short shorts that were worn with tights or stockings. These designs were considered scandalous by some, but they were embraced by young women who were eager to break free from the conservative fashion of the past.
Pictured below: The Mary Quant miniskirt
In addition to her clothing designs, Quant also created a line of cosmetics that was aimed at young, fashion-conscious women. Her makeup was bold and colorful, with bright eye shadows and lipsticks that were designed to complement her clothing designs. This line of cosmetics was a huge success and helped cement Quant's reputation as a trendsetter and innovator.
Throughout the 1960s, Quant continued to push the boundaries of fashion with her bold and playful designs. She introduced new fabrics, such as PVC and nylon, and experimented with new silhouettes, such as A-line dresses and boxy jackets. Her designs were worn by some of the most famous women of the time, including Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Today, Quant's influence can still be seen in fashion and popular culture. The miniskirt remains a wardrobe staple, and her playful, colorful designs continue to inspire new generations of designers. Quant was awarded an OBE in 1966 for her contributions to fashion, and in 2015, she was honored with a Damehood for her services to British fashion.
Quant’s husband, Alexander Plunket Greene, died in 1990 and she is survived by her son Orlando Plunket Greene.
May you RIP Dame Mary Quant.
