Mary Quant
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.
Features
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Sew your own: Mary Quant-style minidress
Want to make your own 1960s-style minidress inspired by Mary Quant?
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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
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Sew your own: Mary Quant 'Georgie' dress
Get creative with our free downloadable sewing pattern!
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Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary
Hear how Quant developed her trailblazing affordable style
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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
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The story of Mary Quant make-up
Find out why Quant's make-up range was as revolutionary as her clothing
Collection highlights
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Dress worn by Mary Quant when receiving her OBE, Mary Quant, 1966, UK. Museum no. T.354-1974. -
Pair of ankle boots, designed by Mary Quant, 1967, UK -
Minidress with 'Peter Pan' collar, Mary Quant's Ginger Group, 1966, England. Given by Professor Deborah Cherry -
Design for a cowl neck minidress with mustard yellow tights by Mary Quant, London -
Jumpsuit, designed by Mary Quant, about 1967, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Georgie dress, designed by Mary Quant, about 1962, England. Museum no. T.74-2018 -
Coat, designed by Mary Quant, made for Alligator Rainwear Limited, about 1967, England -
Dress, designed by Mary Quant, by Ginger Group, 1966, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
'Youthlines' bodystocking with applique daisy motif, designed by Mary Quant, 1963 – 66, UKV&A East Storehouse -
On the Quant Wavelength, book, by Mary Quant, 1967, LondonV&A South Kensington -
Patti Boyd wearing a Mary Quant dress, photographed with the Rolling Stones, by John French, 1964, London, UKV&A South Kensington -
Meringue, dress, designed by Mary Quant, made for Ginger Group, made by Steinberg & Sons, 1969, WalesV&A East Storehouse
V&A Shop
Header image:
Jumpsuit, designed by Mary Quant, about 1967, England.