Let’s Talk About Mary Quant
Mary Quant pictured in 1965
This week we’re talking about Mary Quant, hailed as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. When you think of the 1960s, you think of Quant. Breaking into the fashion scene in 1950s London, she’s known for popularising the mini-skirt and turning the ‘Swinging Sixties’ into an iconic decade. British-born Quant once said of the mini skirt: ‘the sixties mini was the most self-indulgent, optimistic “look at me, isn’t life wonderful” fashion ever devised’. She also introduced coloured tights and modernised the cosmetics industry. At one time, 7 million women owned a piece designed by Quant.
The daisy logo, as seen on our cushion below, was sketched by Quant and became internationally recognised as a symbol of the 60s. It came to be seen as a ‘fun and life-enhancing rebellion’ and a ‘new way of dressing and thinking’. Wallpaper designs, paint colours, perfumes and the Daisy Doll soon followed, and Quant was selling her brand across the world.
Quant revolutionised the fashion and design world. We absolutely love our Back to the Sixties cushion, pictured below. It’s a carefree, vibrant, fun design, and we made it with Quant in mind. She’s a big influence on Beverley, her ability to break from the current trends is something we really admire. Her designs are timeless, just as we want this cushion to remain. On her contribution to the Swinging Sixties, Quant has said: ‘We didn’t necessarily realise that what we were creating was pioneering, we were simply too busy relishing all the opportunities’. This is why we love Quant, she’s all about having some fun in life and creating your own style.
Let us know if you think we should do more 60s-inspired cushions! You can contact us at shop@beverleysandoy.co.nz
Our Back to the Sixties cushion
