1965 Mary Quant Documented Black Playsuit with Crochet Bodice
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 35 in (88.9 cm)Marked Size: 6 (UK)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)Hip: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Style:1960s (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU55022790302
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 7 days of delivery.
- 1974 Documented Bill Gibb Piano Key Pattern Five Piece EnsembleBy Bill GibbLocated in London, GBThis is a rare and complete 5-piece ensemble by the legendary Bill Gibb in collaboration with renowned knitwear designer Kaffe Fassett who worked extensively with Gibb and Missoni during the 70s and 80s. The knitted elements of the ensemble are made up of a complex 'piano key...Category
1970s Cardigans
- 1970s Aubrey Beardsley Inspired Monochrome Print JumpsuitLocated in London, GBThe fabulous monochrome black and white floral print on this original 1970s jumpsuit is really striking and we've no doubt that it was inspired by the ink designs of the artist, Aubr...Category
1970s American Jumpsuits
- 1970s Janet Moira Cotton Maxi Skirt SuitLocated in London, GBThis coordinating skirt and jacket was designed by Janet Moira, a short lived fashion boutique in Covent Garden in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It is tailored from soft, pure cotto...Category
1970s British Skirt Suits
- 1950s Suzanne Pardo Couture Blue Floral Dress and Jacket SuitLocated in London, GBThis 1950s French Couture Suzanne Pardo dress set is made with a beautiful iridescent silk in a pretty floral print. The dress has a classic 50s silhouette, with a more fitted bodice...Category
1950s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- 1990s Gail Hoppen Pink Dress Suit with BeltLocated in London, GBThis early 1990s Gail Hoppen dress suit is crafted from the most fabulous shade of raspberry pink silk jacquard fabric with an abstract polka dot pattern. ...Category
1990s British Dress and Coat Ensembles
- 2003 Givenchy Fall Haute Couture Green Velvet Skirt SuitBy Julien Macdonald, GivenchyLocated in London, GBThis is an an exceptional green velvet cocktail suit by Julien Macdonald for Givenchy's Fall/Winter Haute Couture 2003 presentation and is look number 2. The jacket features unusual gathered puff shoulders and a tapered sleeve with a zip detail at each cuff, creating a romantic, almost Victorian...Category
Early 2000s French Skirt Suits
- Prada grey linen runway set, SS 1999By PradaLocated in London, GBGrey linen skirt set from the Prada SS 1999 collection as featured in the show. Leather trim Snap button closure Side zip of skirt and top Size: Top...Category
1990s European Twin Sets
- Emporio Armani Linen Two PieceBy EMPORIO ARMANI EA7Located in Glasgow, GBBeautiful linen two piece from Emporio Armani. Maxi skirt with matching blazer jacket In a dark grey/green tone linen mix. The jacket has a ribbon and mesh frill trim around the co...Category
2010s Italian Skirt Suits
- Marc Jacobs Houndstooth Skirt SuitBy Marc JacobsLocated in Glasgow, GBWool and cashmere mix Marc Jacobs skirt suit from the eponymous brand. Houndstooth upper with a chunky black lace trim around the hemline and at the cuffs. The jacket is double breas...Category
2010s Skirt Suits
- Ivory Tom Ford Skirt SuitBy Tom FordLocated in Glasgow, GBIvory Tom Ford skirt suit from the eponymous brand. Silky ivory blazer style jacket and matching below the knee pencil skirt. The pencil skirt features gunmetal zipper detail running...Category
2010s Italian Skirt Suits
- 90s D&G Top Skirt Set Black LaceBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Miami, FLDolce & Gabbana D&G label top and skirt black lace set. The top is a sleeveless shell and sheer with piping along the edges. It falls below the skirt line. The skirt is a pencil skir...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- ysl 80s pleated skirt with matching sweater 80s YslBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Viareggio, ITPleated skirt with floral print 1984 collection multicolored silk-blend from Yves Saint Laurent featuring a fully pleated all-over floral print, high waist and straight hem. Yves S...Category
1980s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles