Vintage Mary Quant Swimsuit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 32 in (81.28 cm)Marked Size: 14 (UK)Bust: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU442319939772
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 14 days of delivery.
- Vintage Its' a Christina SwimsuitLocated in London, GBA charming vintage 'Its a Christina ' swimsuit. The costume is in a wonderful print of green , pink and caramel, and can be worn as a halterneck or strapless. It...Category
1950s Canadian Sunsuits
- Vintage Hermes Paris Green Wool Skirt with PocketsBy HermèsLocated in London, GBA wonderful vintage green wool skirt by Hermes, Paris. As you would expect the fabric is of a high quality. The skirt has two pockets and is fully lined. Size 40, Measurements: wais...Category
1970s French Skirts
- Kenzo Foral Print Top with Matching ScarfBy KenzoLocated in London, GBA pretty and easy to wear top by Kenzo with matching scarf. The top has a black background with floral print, and has a round neckline. Measurements: Bu...Category
2010s Blouses and Tops
- Zandra Rhodes Print Halter Neck DressBy ZANDRA RHODES IILocated in London, GBA stunning vintage halter neck dress from Zandra Rhodes 11 line. The dress has a built in bra and button back opening with a wrap over front...Category
1980s British Day Dresses
- Mc Queen White ShirtBy McQ Alexander McQueenLocated in London, GBA great , classic white cotton mix ahirt by Mc Queen. The shirt has a double button cuff, and pattern on the breast pocket. Size 44 Measurements: Bust up t...Category
2010s Shirts
- Max Mara Pianoforte Dress and BoleroLocated in London, GBA pretty outfit by Max Mara, Pianoforte Line. In a peach/pink colour and silk / cotton mix the dress has a round neckline , back central zip and cap sleaves. Size UK 10 , measuremen...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Black Men's MX1 Moto Distressed Sweatpants Jogger XXL PantsLocated in Downey, CABlack Men's MX1 Moto Distressed Sweatpants Jogger XXL Pants Amiri's signature mx1 jeans are reinterpreted for the new season in the form of these black cotton-jersey track pants. A ...Category
2010s American Pants
- 1940s Rayon Teenage Playsuit With Novelty Roman Warrior PrintLocated in London, GBThis lovely 1940s vintage rayon playsuit is a rare find and designed to fit a pre or young teen. Of particular note is the magnificent novelty print depicting Roman warriors, chariot...Category
1940s American Sportswear
- Hermes Women's Cocoon Base Layer Fauve Top SBy HermèsLocated in Miami, FLMightychic offers an Hermes Women's Cocoon Base Layer Top in Fauve. Long sleeved extra thin Merino wool blend top. Part of the Equestrian collection, the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Riding Clothing
- ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 "Eye" 2pc White Herringbone Athletic Skirt Set NWTBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Thiensville, WIALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 "Eye" 2pc White Herringbone Athletic Skirt Set NWT (New With Tags) Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring / ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- COURREGES c.1970's Hyperbole Navy Plush Half-Zip Sport Hoodie SweatshirtBy André Courrèges, CourrègesLocated in Thiensville, WICOURREGES c.1970's Hyperbole Navy Plush Half-Zip Sport Hoodie Sweatshirt Circa: 1970’s Label(s): Courreges Paris Hyperbole Designer: Andre Courreges Style: Zip sweater / hoodie Col...Category
1970s French Sportswear
- A Jumpsuit Short Pants and Skirt in Wool Gabardine - England Circa 1930Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1930 England A collectible Jumpsuit Amazon short pants and skirt in twill gabardine with black wool from the designer house Robert & Carroll in London and dated 1930. Short pa...Category
1930s English Riding Clothing