Mary Quant fashion revolutionary - an exhibition review by British knitwear designer Susan Holton
Mary Quant: from stylish London art student to iconic fashion designer and inventor of the miniskirt
An exhibition all about ‘The poster girl for ‘Swinging London’’
Mary Quant was the poster girl for (possibly the inventor of) the ‘Swinging sixties’. Together with her husband Alexander Plunket Greene, she created their boutique ‘Bazaar’ and helped turn London’s King’s Road in Chelsea into a haven for lively coffee shops and fashion boutiques.
““Fashion is not frivolous; it is a part of being alive today.””
On the blog - Mary Quant at the V and A is an exploration of the iconic designer who revolutionised fashion, almost single-handedly invented swinging London, and created probably the first international lifestyle brand. // Susan Holton Knitwear is for women who love beautiful colours and stylish unusual, easy to wear, contemporary womens knitwear. #MaryQuant #knitwear #womensknitwear #fashion www.susanholtonknitwear.com
The fashion which epitomised the spirit of the 60s and 70s
Coming after the wartime and post-war mood of austerity her brightly coloured patent leather and PVC boots and shoes, primary coloured bags and tights, the tiniest of mini-skirts, shift dresses, fashion-as-fun epitomised the 60s and 70s spirit, invigorated society and created what was almost a fashion and cultural revolution. And… that fabulous Vidal Sassoon hairstyle!
““I didn’t have time to wait for women’s lib.””
Mary Quant was a truly innovative and inventive designer. Many of her shift dresses totally stand the test of time and would not look out of place today. She was also an innovative businesswoman and created what was possibly the first international fashion and lifestyle brand. She revolutionised fashion and created a new look for every woman to wear.
This blog post is intended as a visual review and record of the fabulous ‘Mary Quant’ exhibition currently on at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. If you would like more in-depth information, here are some suggestions to get you started:
Mary Quant at the V&A exhibition (ends 16 February 2020)
The V&A Museum’s bookshop, which is a treasure trove, as ever
The V&A Museum’s ‘Mary Quant’ book (ISBN 987-1-85177-995-6)
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Susan Holton working at her knitting machine
Susan Holton creates beautiful wearable knitwear - for women of all ages shapes and sizes who want to look and feel fabulous.
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