The
designs of Mary Quant will be seen in the Fashion world for the rest of time.
Her most signifying piece would be that of the mini skirt. She established this
design based on the want the youth felt for freedom, and the way a woman could
feel sexier with them hemline brought above the knee. “The mini said look at
me. It was very exuberant, pure glee…it was the begging of the women’s
movement.” (Polan 105). This style made women feel more confident, and free to
express sexuality through dress. Without the mini skirt, the women’s movement
of the 1960s would not have been as successful as it was. The way the woman
moved away from the cookie-cutter, housewife look of the 1950s was greatly due
to the new styles of clothing in the 1960s. The trend of the mini skirt
continued into the 1970s, and gradually swam though the rest of the decades. In
todays fashion industry the mini skirt is everywhere. A person could not walk
into a store without finding a piece that was inspired by the design of Quant. The
silhouette of the mini skirt is a significant design in fashion history and is
something that will last into future trends far into the upcoming years. Another
famous work of Quants would be that of the ‘Hot Pants” in the late 1960s. (Mary
Quant) This style of pant grew even more popularized in the 1970s, and is still
in style today. In 1996 Amy de la Haye wrote:
“Bazaar caused a fashion revolution. Its
short production runs of youthful ready-to-wear clothes were a far cry from the
established formula for formal, structures and highly accessorized styles. In
comparison to haute couture pieces, Mary Quant’s clothes were considered cheap.
Rejecting the conventional categories of day and evening wear and seasonal
collections, she produced new designs year round.” (Polan 105)
This
expert opinion shows that based on the success of the boutique Bazaar, Mary
Quant was able to start a new revolution of fashion. Her ability to create new
designs year round was a huge trend of Quants, something that will always be
associated with her label. This is an impact on present and future trends
because it will cause designers to be inspired by this design tactic, and will
make them want to also produce fresh, new designs each year. Mary
Quant has influenced other designers such as Betsy Johnson. Johnson has often
focused the theme of youth into her designs just as Quant had. The ability
Quant had to create fun, playful designs also inspired Johnson to develop
clothing lines that similarity to that spirit. Growing up I have always owned
styles that have been influenced by Mary Quant. Mini skirts are something I
have worn for years, and incorporate them into a look at least once a week. I
also love to dress youthful, playful, and have a sense of freedom in my attire.
All of these ideals are purely inspired by Mary Quant.
Below are designs reflecting the signature styles that have impacted past and future trends:
(Style Sight) (Style Sight)
Bibliography
“Mary Quant Red Hot Pant” Web. Nov. 2012.
“Mary Quant Vintage 1960s” Web. 30 Nov. 2012
"Mary Quant - Biography on Bio.." Bio: Shows,
Video, TV Schedule and More on Bio.. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012.
Polan, Brenda, and Roger Tredre. The great fashion
designers. English ed. Oxford: Berg Publishers,
2009. Print.
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