STEP INTO MARY QUANT’S FASHION REVOLUTION! EXPLORE 100+ ICONIC GARMENTS, ACCESSORIES, COSMETICS, AND PHOTOS AT THE KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM IN GLASGOW UNTIL 22 OCTOBER 2023
Mary Quant, the iconic British fashion designer, is being celebrated in a major retrospective exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland. This exhibition, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), focuses on the years from 1955 to 1975, showcasing the period when Quant revolutionized the high street with her subversive and playful designs for a younger generation.
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary exhibition features over 100 garments, accessories, cosmetics, and photographs, providing a comprehensive look into the life and work of this fashion pioneer.
Quant’s journey as a designer was a personal rebellion against family expectations. Despite opposition from her schoolteacher’s parents, she pursued her passion for fashion design, eventually gaining a degree in art education. After working in a hatmaking business and acquiring technical skills through evening classes, Quant embarked on her groundbreaking career in the fashion industry.
One of Quant’s most significant contributions was her revolutionizing of shopping culture. Her first boutique, Bazaar, opened in 1955 on the King’s Road in Chelsea and immediately captured the public’s attention. The shop’s informal setup, modern lighting, extended opening hours, and vibrant music created a completely new and exciting shopping experience. Quant believed that wearing and buying clothes should be a joyful and fun-filled event, akin to going to a party. Initially, Bazaar sold clothes designed by others, but Quant quickly realized that the available items on the market didn’t meet her standards. Determined to offer something unique, she began designing and producing her own clothes, laying the foundation for her future success.
Quant’s designs went on to capture the spirit of the “Swinging Sixties,” a time of youth rebellion and cultural revolution. Her miniskirts, hot pants, and tights became symbols of liberation, allowing women to break free from traditional dress codes and express their individuality. The exhibition explores the evolution of the miniskirt, highlighting Quant’s novel use of modern materials like PVC. It also delves into the success of her Ginger Group wholesale label, which sold her designs internationally, from Glasgow’s House of Fraser to department stores in San Francisco and Sydney.
Beyond clothing, Quant’s impact extended to accessories and cosmetics. Her line of Quant Afoot shoes and her youthful brand of makeup played a crucial role in promoting her iconic looks. The exhibition showcases these items alongside photographs that capture the essence of Quant’s marketing campaigns, which played a significant role in popularizing her designs.
Mary Quant’s influence on the fashion industry was recognized when she was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the 1960s. Her designs challenged the dominance of luxury couture from Paris, shifting the fashion landscape towards more accessible and youth-oriented clothing. Quant’s innovative approach democratized fashion, empowering women to embrace their individuality and break free from societal norms.
As the V&A’s retrospective of Dame Mary Quant embarks on its final leg at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, visitors have a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of this fashion revolutionary. Through her determination, ingenuity, and unique personal style, Quant left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her designs continue to inspire and captivate new generations, cementing her status as one of the most iconic and influential fashion designers of the 20th century.
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary exhibition runs until 22 October 2023, It’s a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of design and cultural revolutions. Book your tickets here
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