Daisy

Prototype designs for Daisy’s face, about 1970. Museum no. Misc 94:1-1979 (click image for larger version)

The British fashion designer Mary Quant opened a shop called in Bazaar in 1973. Her designs were new and striking, including mini skirts, hot pants and brightly patterned tights which were modelled by Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Later that year Quant turned her talents to designing, what was later marketed by the manufacturer Palitoy, as ‘the best dressed doll in the world’. The doll was given the name Daisy after the daisy flower logo used by Quant. The teenage doll was launched in the same year by the toy company Flair, which was especially formed to distribute and sell the doll.

Daisy in her skateboarding outfit. Museum no. Misc 92-1979 (click image for larger version)

Daisy was a made from vinyl and originally had curly blonde hair. Her eyes glance sideways and she wore turquoise eye make-up. Her many outfits were all designed by Quant and included outfits, such as the ‘Puddleduck’ – a white PVC raincoat and hat with red trim, the ‘Cucumber Sandwich’ – a long green floral dress, the ‘Black Magic’ – a black satin evening dress and the ‘Hoity Toity’ which was a white fur coat and hat. Daisy was manufactured for ten years, mainly in Hong Kong, before being discontinued in 1983.