History of Mary Quant in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

Mary Quant was a highly influential British fashion designer who played a key role in the Mod and youth fashion movements of 1960s London, contributing significantly to the city's "Swinging Sixties" culture. Quant is widely recognized as one of the designers who popularized the miniskirt and hotpants. Her impact on fashion was so significant that she was compared to Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, solidifying her place as a fashion icon.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 1930: Barbara Mary Quant's Birth

In February 1930, Barbara Mary Quant was born in Woolwich, London, to Jack Quant and Mildred Jones.

1953: Graduation and Apprenticeship

In 1953, Mary Quant graduated from Goldsmiths College with a degree in illustration and art education. After graduating she pursued her passion for fashion and began an apprenticeship with Erik Braagaard, a milliner in Mayfair.

1953: Meeting Alexander Plunket Greene

In 1953, Mary Quant met her future husband and business partner, Alexander Plunket Greene.

1957: Marriage to Alexander Plunket Greene

In 1957, Mary Quant married Alexander Plunket Greene, who became her business partner.

1962: Introduction of Harlequin Patterned Tights

Around 1962, Cristóbal Balenciaga introduced harlequin-patterned tights, contributing to the emerging trend of unique legwear, for which Mary Quant also later gained recognition.

1963: Dress of the Year Award

In 1963, Mary Quant received the Dress of the Year award for her contributions to fashion.

1966: Expansion of Design and Manufacturing

By 1966, Mary Quant expanded her design and manufacturing operations, working with a total of 18 manufacturers to meet the growing demand for her innovative clothing designs.

1966: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 1966, Mary Quant was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry.

1966: Quant Named a Fashion Revolutionary

In 1966, Mary Quant was recognized as one of the "fashion revolutionaries" in New York by Women's Wear Daily, highlighting her impact on the fashion industry.

1966: Referenced in "Sunny South Kensington" Song

In 1966, Mary Quant was referenced in the Donovan song "Sunny South Kensington", alluding to drug use.

1967: Beret Design for Kangol

In 1967, Mary Quant designed berets in twelve colors for British headwear company Kangol, featuring her signature daisy logo.

1970: Birth of Son Orlando

In 1970, Mary Quant and Alexander Plunket Greene had a son named Orlando.

June 1988: Release of the Mini (1000) Designer

On June 15, 1988, two thousand units of the Mini (1000) Designer, with an interior designed by Mary Quant, were released in the UK.

1990: Death of Alexander Plunket Greene

In 1990, Alexander Plunket Greene, Mary Quant's husband and business partner, passed away.

1990: Hall of Fame Award

In 1990, Mary Quant received the Hall of Fame Award from the British Fashion Council.

2000: Resignation from Mary Quant Ltd

In 2000, Mary Quant resigned as director of Mary Quant Ltd, her cosmetics company, following a Japanese buy-out.

2006: Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University

In 2006, Mary Quant received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.

2009: Miniskirt Featured on Royal Mail Stamp

In 2009, the miniskirt designed by Mary Quant was selected by the Royal Mail for their "British Design Classics" commemorative postage stamp issue.

2010: Release of 'Made in Dagenham' Film

In 2010, the film 'Made in Dagenham', which inspired the musical referencing Mary Quant, was released.

2012: Appearance on Sgt. Pepper's Album Cover

In 2012, Mary Quant was selected by Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover.

2014: Referenced in 'Made in Dagenham' Musical

In 2014, Mary Quant was referenced in the musical number "This Is What We Want" in the stage musical 'Made in Dagenham'.

2015: Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

In 2015, Mary Quant was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her services to British fashion.

April 2023: Mary Quant's Death

In April 2023, Mary Quant passed away, marking the end of an era for the fashion icon.

2023: Appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

In 2023, Mary Quant was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) for her services to fashion.

Mentioned in this timeline

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