How Mary Quant Revolutionized 1960s Fashion (And Why Her Legacy Still Inspires Today
Posted by MQ Staff on 9th Apr 2025
Image by Mary Quant and Vidal Sassoon, 1964. © Ronald Dumont/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
When you think of 1960s fashion — bold, playful, and boundary-breaking — one name shines brighter than the rest: Mary Quant.
Known as the inventor of the mini skirt and a pioneer of vibrant, youthful style, Mary Quant didn’t just follow trends — she created them. Her fearless designs captured the spirit of a generation hungry for freedom, fun, and self-expression.
The Birth of a Fashion Icon
In 1955, Mary Quant opened her first boutique, Bazaar, on London’s King’s Road. What followed was nothing short of a revolution.
Young women were tired of dressing like their mothers. Quant offered something entirely new: shorter hemlines, lively colors, and daring designs that celebrated individuality and joy. By the early 1960s, her mini skirts, hot pants, and geometric prints became must-haves across London — and soon, the world.
As Mary herself said,
"The young were essentially tired of wearing the same as their mothers."
She gave them a new uniform: liberation stitched into every seam.
1960s Fashion and the Rise of the Mini Skirt
The mini skirt became an international symbol of youthful rebellion, feminism, and cultural change. Bold, brash, and unapologetic, it was perfect for a decade defined by transformation — from music and art to politics and personal freedom.
Mary Quant didn’t just dress a generation; she empowered it. And while the world has greatly changed since then, the spirit she unleashed is just as powerful today.
Why Mary Quant’s Legacy Still Matters
Fast-forward to today, and the energy of Mary Quant’s designs continues to inspire.
At Mary Quant, we celebrate her belief that fashion should be about joy, freedom, and self-expression — values that are more important than ever.
Our modern collections bring Mary’s iconic spirit into today’s world: playful, colorful, and always a little bit rebellious.
Discover the latest collection — and wear a little piece of history.