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1960s fashion
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Mary Quant
"The whole point of fashion is to make fashionable clothes available to everyone." Mary Quant
From miniskirts and hot pants to vibrant tights and makeup, this exhibition explored how Mary Quant launched a fashion revolution on the British high street, with over 200 garments, including unseen pieces from the designer's personal archive.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
a riot of rebellion, vigour and youthful energetic fashion...
Tatler
The King's Road is one of the world's most famous shopping and lifestyle destinations. It has always been at the forefront of fashion trends – from Mods to Punks, Sloanes and New Romantics – and at the epicentre of London's art, fashion and music scenes. And, of course, a key location and playground for Mary Quant and her brilliant boutique: Bazaar. The King's Road is proud to sponsor this exhibition and celebrate the Road's rich heritage, as well as looking to its future as a home for the next generation of creative, era-defining pioneers.
Exhibition highlights
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Fashion designer Mary Quant at her apartment in Draycott Place, Chelsea, London, photograph, about 1967, England. © Getty Images -
Three patterned ensembles, Mary Quant, 1964 – 1971, London, England. Museum no. T.498, 499-1993. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Design for a cowl neck minidress with mustard yellow tights by Mary Quant, London. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Three models wearing underwear designed by Mary Quant, about 1966. © Getty Images -
Pair of ankle boots, designed by Mary Quant, 1967, UK. Museum no. T.59:1, 2-1992. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Mary Quant and models at the quantafoot launch of Mary's footwear collection, photograph, 1967. © PA Prints 2008 -
Twiggy wearing a turquoise moire taffeta waistcoat and skirt, 1966. Photograph © Terence Donovan, courtesy Terence Donovan Archive / Iconic Images -
Kellie Wilson and model wearing minidress and matching shorts by Mary Quant, photograph, 1966. Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive -
The Mary Quant beauty bus, photograph, 1971. © INTERFOTO / Alamy Stock Photo -
Minidress with 'Peter Pan' collar, Mary Quant's Ginger Group, 1966, England. Given by Professor Deborah Cherry. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Mary Quant selecting fabric, 1967. Rolls Press/Popperfoto/Getty Images
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Features
Sew your own: Mary Quant-style minidress
Want to make your own 1960s-style minidress inspired by 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
We Want Quant!
Your snapshots of lives lived in Mary Quant
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
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
Inside the Mary Quant exhibition
Take a look inside the Mary Quant exhibition
The miniskirt myth
The true story behind the look that defined a decade
The story of Mary Quant make-up
Find out why Quant's make-up range was as revolutionary as her clothing
Introducing Mary Quant
The most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s, Mary Quant's witty, irreverent clothing was critical to the 'Swinging Sixties' scene
'The Truth About Modelling' by Jean Shrimpton
A candid glimpse into the life and early career of the 1960s supermodel
Teachers' Resource
Art & Design and Design & Technology students at Key Stages 3 – 5 can explore key themes from the Mary Quant exhibition with our tailored resource pack
Download the resource
Mary Quant
With support from
Background image: © Mirrorpix/Robert Young