Rare Museum worthy Mary Quant wool dress, circa 1960s.
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 10 (UK)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Bust: 32.5inch/ Waist: 26inch/ Hip: 32inch/ Shoulder:15inch Total length : 43.5inch Excellent vintage condition. Lining condition is good with one small hole and 1 watermark.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU917113036912
Mary Quant
Mary Quant revolutionized the world of women's fashion during the Swinging Sixties. The British designer substantially modernized hemlines, popularizing the miniskirt and essentially introducing hot pants. Quant’s extensive repertoire included a range of garments, some famously modeled by Twiggy. Her liberating and refreshing designs for skirts, blouses, sweaters, knitted jersey dresses and chic stretchy tights challenged the conventions of the day and greatly influenced fashion trends that followed.
Quant was born in London in 1934. She wanted to pursue fashion from a young age, but her parents — both teachers — were unsupportive. She instead studied art and illustration at Goldsmiths College. Quant graduated in 1953, but her interest in fashion persisted, so she headed straight into an apprenticeship at a high-end millinery shop and never looked back.
In the late 1950s, Quant began making her own designs. When her then-boyfriend Alexander Plunket Greene bought a building in Chelsea, London, part of the project was eventually relegated to a boutique named Bazaar. Quant took a few classes at night on tailoring and created clothing that was to be sold out of the space, and her work quickly caught the attention of publications like Harper's Bazaar. Her shirts, modern tunic dresses, and other apparel captured the vitality of the postwar cultural shift occurring at the time. She also cultivated a lively environment in her shop, playing music, serving drinks and staying open for long hours.
While hemlines had been gradually climbing above the knee before her contributions to the explosion in popularity of the miniskirt took shape — see the late 1950s-era pieces that Yves Saint Laurent designed for Dior or the Space Age dresses of Parisian couturier André Courrèges — Quant played no small role in challenging the conventions of traditional womenswear in the 1960s. She viewed the miniskirt as liberating. In the late 1960s, she also introduced short shorts that anticipated the later popularity of hot pants.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Quant focused more on makeup and household goods. In 1988, she designed the interior of the Mini 1000 car, which was originally called the Mini Quant.
Quant earned a great deal of recognition for her contributions to the fashion industry. In as early as 1963, she was the winner of the first Fashion Museum Dress of the Year award. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1966 and promoted to Dame Commander in 2015. Quant was also awarded the Minerva Medal — the highest honor of the Chartered Society of Designers, of which she was a member.
When the Victoria and Albert Museum held a retrospective devoted to Quant's famous designs from the 1960s and 1970s, Quant was heavily involved in the production of the show.
Find a collection of vintage Mary Quant clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Ted Lapidus made to measure couture finished yellow linen dress, circa 1960By Ted LapidusLocated in London, GBThis vibrant Ted Lapidus couture-finished dress No: 21853 is a French take on the fashion that characterised London Mod subculture of the 1960s. An A-line shift dress made from linen in the flamboyant yellow of the era. The metal buckle on the faux-belt highlights the small of the waist. Metal features on the flaps frame the armholes on this sleeveless dress. This beautiful dress is designed to be worn on its own or in the style of the 60s over a skinny rib sweater...Category
1960s French Mini Dresses
- Lanvin navy and turquoise dress, circa 1976By Lanvin ParisLocated in London, GBThis Lanvin sleeveless dress is constructed in an acrylic wool blend knit. The bodice has a fine navy ribbed knit while the skirt, pleated from the hip, is decorated with a tartan p...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- Courreges mohair Pointelle jersey dress with floral patterns, circa 1970sBy Courrèges, André CourrègesLocated in London, GBThis Courreges mohair piece is made from Pointelle stitches. This fine knit pattern make the fabric lightweight , delicate and suitable for warm climates also. The dress is decorated...Category
1970s French Casual Dresses
- Emanuel Ungaro printed crepe and linen hostess maxi dress. circa 1970By Emanuel UngaroLocated in London, GBThe French designer was celebrated for the colourful and elegant designs he imagined particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Ungaro dared to mix clashing colours that created a strong visual impact. Yet the craft elements of his designs in the form of prints and silhouettes were never overwhelming. His flamboyant use of pattern to design comfortable and flattering clothes that sensually encased the female body made Ungaro a favourite with high profile celebrities including Jacqueline Kennedy and...Category
1970s French Maxi Dresses
- Courreges red knitted dress Circa 1980By André CourrègesLocated in London, GBThis contemporary wool knitted tunic dress is constructed from simple stockinette stitches. Ribbing on both the round neckline and the sleeveless arm holes. It features a blue appliqué of the Courréges logo. The shape and colour of this tunic are evocative of Andrè Courréges’s ’60s...Category
1980s French Casual Dresses
- Guy Laroche black and orange dress and Jacket ensemble, circa 1980By Guy LarocheLocated in London, GBA beautiful and delicately constructed ensemble made from bi-color cotton. The dress features a fitted bodice with fine straps and adorned with a bow under the bustline. This black s...Category
1980s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Dries Van Noten Taupe Silk Slip Dress - 42By Dries van NotenLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Dries Van Noten slip dress is taupe silk. It has spaghetti straps and a v-neck. This dress is in excellent condition. Measurements Bust: 34" Waist: 38" Hips: 43" Length (...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Day Dresses
- Alaia Camel Silk Knit Sleeveless Flare Dress - 40By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAlaia Camel Silk Knit Sleeveless Flare Dress - 40. This sleeveless scoop neck silk knit blend dress is a pretty camel color. The top bodice is mesh, and the rest of the dress has a t...Category
2010s French Day Dresses
- 1920's European Linen Art Deco Day DressLocated in New York, NYCharming 1920's European Linen Day Dress from the 1920's. Simple straight shape with printed bias cotton tape and openwork detailing on edges. Mother of pearl button accents. High Ar...Category
1920s European Maxi Dresses
- Michael Novarese 1970s Vintage Day Dress w Lace Trimmed SleevesBy Michael NovareseLocated in Portland, ORThis lovely vintage 1970s Michael Novarese day dress is in a neutral beige tone with ivory guipure lace on the sleeves. This vintage sheath dress is in a medium weight opaque crepe f...Category
1970s North American Day Dresses
- Andrea Wilkin 1970s Silk Ivory Fantasy Bridal Dress in Edwardian StyleBy Andrea WilkinLocated in London, GBThis exquisite Andrea Wilkin 1970s fantasy bridal gown in soft ivory exudes femininity and is in wonderful condition. Layers of silk fabric are beautifully arranged to create the cla...Category
1970s British Wedding Dresses
- Christian Dior dress 2015By Christian DiorLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRDIOR -(Made in Italy) Multicoloured silk dress. Size 36FR. Resort 2015 collection. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 38 cm - Chest: 42 cm - Waist: 35 cm - ...Category
2010s French Day Dresses