Mary Quant with models, London, August 1967, photo courtesy V&A Press Office
“I don’t have time to wait for Women’s Lib,” declared Mary Quant. Judith Schrut’s been to the V&A to see why Quant became a role model for a generation of women.
As a kid growing up in so-called liberal California in the 1960s, my cultural idols were not at all homegrown. They were the Beatles, Twiggy, Mary Quant and all things Swingin’ London.
I recall the thrill of shopping for my first miniskirt and sparkly Quant-style pantyhose. That we were forbidden to wear these items to school– there was a strict two inches above the knee dress code, enforced by having to appear and kneel before Vice Principal Miss Cloes (yes, really) to be skirt-measured and reprimanded– made them all the more exciting.
That’s why my visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum’s latest exhibition, Mary Quant, was such a treat. All the best Quant garb and paraphernalia are joyfully displayed: miniskirts, shiny boots and androgynous pant suits, PVC raincoats, swing coats and colourful berets, A-line pinafores (‘jumpers’ in the US), ‘Crybaby’ mascara, ‘Jeepers Peepers’ fake eyelashes and Daisy dolls. The show explores the years 1955-1975, when Quant’s ideas and designs revolutionised high street fashion, captured the youthful, innovative spirit of the Sixties and inspired a new generation of young women to rebel against the traditional clothes of their mothers and grandmothers. Quant herself personified the energy and fun of Swingin’ London. “I don’t have time to wait for Women’s Lib,” she memorably declared.
Mary Quant, sponsored by King’s Road, at the V&A until 16 February 2020, vam.ac.ukmaryquant, photo by Aubrey Waddy
Months before the show, the V&A launched a public call-out to track down saved and treasured Quant garments from wardrobes around the UK. It received over 1000 responses. A selection of these, displayed along with their owners’ fascinating Quantwear back stories, is for me one of the highlights of this show.
Mary Quant, sponsored by King’s Road, at the V&A until 16 February 2020, vam.ac.ukmaryquant, photo by Aubrey Waddy
The Mary Quant exhibition runs until 16 February 2020 at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7, sponsored by Kings Road. Free museum entry, exhibition tickets £12, V&A members and children under 12 free. Find out more at vam.ac.uk and on Twitter @VandA.
