Fashion icon and miniskirt pioneer Mary Quant dies, age 93

Dame Mary Quant, the iconic British fashion designer credited with popularising the miniskirt and revolutionising women’s fashion in the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 93.

Quant passed away peacefully at her home in Surrey, south of London, on Thursday, April 13 according to a statement from her family.

“Dame Mary, aged 93, was one of the most internationally recognised fashion designers of the 20th century and an outstanding innovator of the Swinging Sixties,” the statement read.

“She opened her first shop Bazaar in the Kings Road in 1955 and her far sighted and creative talents quickly established a unique contribution to British fashion.”

Born in London in 1930, Quant originally studied illustration at Goldsmiths College before opening her first boutique, Bazaar, in 1955. She quickly became known for her playful and colorful designs that challenged the traditional notions of femininity.

Quant’s designs were popular among young women who were seeking greater freedom and self-expression, and her clothing became a symbol of the emerging youth culture of the 1960s. She was one of the first designers to incorporate new materials such as PVC and polyester into her clothing, and her use of bold colours and graphic patterns was also groundbreaking at the time.

Quant’s creation of the mini skirt is perhaps her most famous and enduring contribution to fashion and one which became a symbol of the “Swinging Sixties” and a cultural phenomenon that would change the face of fashion forever.

The style was a radical departure from the more conservative fashions of the previous decade, and it reflected the changing attitudes and social mores of the time.

In addition to the miniskirt, Quant is also credited with popularising other fashion staples such as hot pants, tights, and the “Chelsea look”, which was characterized by slim-fitting trousers, turtleneck sweaters, and bob haircuts.

Quant’s influence on fashion continues to be felt today, and her legacy has inspired generations of designers to challenge traditional fashion norms and to create clothing that reflects the changing times.

The news of Quant’s passing brought fans across the world together to mourn and celebrate her contributions to fashion.

RIP #MaryQuant (1930-2023). British fashion designer and fashion icon who was pivotal to the 1960s London-based Mod and youth fashion movements #WomensArt pic.twitter.com/lmx6FSfqnI

— #WOMENSART (@womensart1) April 13, 2023

Very sad news today to learn of the passing of the 60s daringly creative, fun genius, much-loved lady, Dame Mary Quant.
Mary insisted on making George’s and my wedding coats in 1966; his, Black Mongolian Fur and mine, Red Fox.
A true icon. RIP pic.twitter.com/qQeNjyFz2T

— Pattie Boyd (@thepattieboyd) April 13, 2023

Rip Mary Quant. Another legend gone. pic.twitter.com/IHUHpffohr

— lucille mcghee ????????????????????????????????????????️‍???? (@luluphooey) April 13, 2023

RIP to the mother of the miniskirt, Mary Quant. A fashion revolutionary that will never be forgotten???????? pic.twitter.com/iNUhbPiNqx

— linda (@itgirlenergy) April 13, 2023

Mary Quant changed my life and that of my generation…. not only by how we looked… but how we lived. RIP

— Joan Bakewell (@JDBakewell) April 13, 2023

A truly seismic figure who changed the face of fashion & make-up. For those of us old enough to have been young in the #SwingingSixties she was a breath of fresh air, an icon of change and youth. Thank you Mary for changing lives for good. #RIPMaryQuant #MaryQuant pic.twitter.com/5XqF6E7KVt

— Christine Hamilton (@brit_battleaxe) April 13, 2023

Quant is survived by her son Orlando.