Mary Quant: the Sixties icon’s wardrobe up for auction
Two years after her death, the personal wardrobe of Mary Quant, a key figure of the Swinging Sixties and inventor of the miniskirt, is up for sale at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London. A unique event for vintage fashion enthusiasts.
A wardrobe steeped in history
Mary Quant, revolutionary icon of the 1960s, left an indelible mark on the fashion world by popularizing the miniskirt and the Mod silhouette. The British designer, who died in April 2023 at the age of 93, is now seeing part of her personal collection auctioned off. This exceptional sale, entitled Vintage Fashion, Antique Costume & Textiles, will take place from March 25 and will feature 35 pieces from her personal wardrobe.
Vintage fashion expert Kerry Taylor describes an intimate, overflowing dressing room, where each piece testifies to Quant’s commitment to bold, free fashion. Clothes she wore every day, reflecting her influence on the rebellious youth of the Swinging Sixties.
An emblematic wardrobe under the hammer
Highlights include a crepe dress with a pierrot collar, Liberty print dresses, striped satin shorts and furs. There’s also a collection of straight mini-dresses, emblems of Mary Quant style. These creations, mostly dating from the 1960s, embody the modernity and feminine emancipation that marked that decade.
But the sale doesn’t stop at Quant’s creations. His personal collection also includes rare pieces by Azzedine Alaïa, Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Estimates start at around 200 euros, but the legendary aura of these garments could push bids well beyond that.
A timeless heritage
Mary Quant will forever be associated with the sartorial revolution of the 1960s. Where fashion and freedom merged to create an unforgettable aesthetic. This auction offers a unique opportunity for collectors and vintage fashion enthusiasts to acquire a piece of fashion history. And in so doing, perpetuate the legacy of a designer who changed the way women dress to this day.
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