Dame Mary Quant, the British fashion designer who revolutionized the fashion industry in the 1960s with her bold and daring designs, passed away peacefully at home at 93. Her pioneering work in the industry earned her the nickname “mother of the miniskirt” and cemented her status as one of the most influential fashion designers ever.
Who was Dame Mary Quant?
Born in London in 1934, Mary Quant initially trained as an illustrator before studying fashion design at Goldsmiths College. In the 1950s and 60s, she rose to fame as a fashion designer who rejected the traditional feminine silhouettes of the time and embraced a more playful, daring, and youthful aesthetic.
Quant opened her first boutique, Bazaar, in London in 1955 and quickly gained a reputation for her innovative designs. She was among the first to use bold, geometric shapes and block colours in her designs, and she is credited with popularizing the use of PVC, brightly coloured tights, and hot pants.
What was Quants’ iconic design?
Perhaps Quant’s most iconic contribution to fashion was the miniskirt, a daringly short skirt that epitomised the spirit of the Swinging Sixties. The mini skirt was an instant sensation and symbolised female liberation and s***al freedom. Quant’s influence on fashion was not limited to clothing, however. She also revolutionized the beauty industry by popularizing the Vidal Sassoon “bob” haircut.
Quant’s innovative designs and bold approach to fashion significantly impacted the industry, influencing designers and styles for decades to come. Her influence can be seen in the work of many designers who followed in her footsteps, including Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier.
How her fans gave their condolences?
The news of Dame Mary Quant’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the fashion industry and beyond. British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful described her as “one of the greatest designers to ever come out of Britain” and praised her for her “innovation, irreverence and fearlessness.”
Fashion designer and friend of Quant, Zandra Rhodes, said: “She was one of the people who changed the world regarding fashion. She made it possible for people to take risks with what they wore.”
Quant’s design will continue to shape the fashion industry
Dame Mary Quant’s legacy continues to shape the fashion industry today. Her innovative designs and fearless approach to fashion paved the way for future generations of designers to explore new forms of self-expression and challenge traditional notions of beauty and femininity.
Quant received numerous accolades for her contributions to the fashion industry throughout her career, including an OBE in 1966 and a DBE in 2015. She was also the subject of numerous exhibitions celebrating her life and work, including a major retrospective at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2019.
In conclusion, the passing of Dame Mary Quant marks the end of an era in fashion, but her legacy will live on for generations to come. Her innovative designs and fearless approach to style have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless designers to explore new forms of self-expression and challenge traditional notions of beauty and femininity.
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