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1960s fashion
Famous for popularising super-high hemlines, self-taught designer Mary Quant (1930 – 2023) launched a 'youth quake' on the British high street, forging a dynamic, new identity for young women with her playful mass-market designs. Inventive, opinionated and commercially minded, she established the first lifestyle brand and became an icon of the swinging sixties scene.
In 2018 we launched the 'We Want Quant' campaign, a public call out to locate rare and missing garments by the designer, resulting in several new and important Quant acquisitions for our Fashion collection. The V&A now has the largest collection of Quant garments in the world. Highlights include her most famous designs from the 1960s and 70s – from her trademark jersey minidresses to early experiments with PVC – as well as make up, hats and accessories bearing her iconic daisy logo.
1960s fashion
Introducing Mary Quant
The most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s, Mary Quant's witty, irreverent clothing was critical to the 'Swinging Sixties' scene
Sew your own: Mary Quant-style minidress
Want to make your own 1960s-style minidress inspired by Mary Quant?
Six revolutionary designs by Mary Quant
Where would we be without coloured tights, skinny-rib sweaters and comfy loungewear? We owe them all to Mary Quant
Sew your own: Mary Quant 'Georgie' dress
Get creative with our free downloadable sewing pattern!
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary
Hear how Quant developed her trailblazing affordable style
Fashion unpicked: The 'Wet Collection' by Mary Quant
Curator Stephanie Wood explores Mary Quant's love affair with that "super shiny man-made stuff", PVC
The story of Mary Quant make-up
Find out why Quant's make-up range was as revolutionary as her clothing
Jumpsuit, designed by Mary Quant, about 1967, England.