Mary Quant

Mary Quant (born 1934) studied illustration at Goldsmiths College. Mary Quant Ltd was set up by Mary Quant, Alexander Plunkett-Grene (who subsequently became her husband), and Archie McNair in 1955 when the first Quant shop, Bazaar, opened in Chelsea, London. Quant could not find the clothes she wanted to sell so launched her own range, which eventually included make-up and household goods as well as clothes.

Within 10 years she was an international name and played a major role in the development of London as a fashion capital. She was responsible especially for the popularity of mini skirts, hot pants, PVC raincoats and clothes in bold pop art colours.

Mary Quant Ltd was bought by a Japanese firm in 2000. Shortly afterwards Mary Quant resigned from the board but she remained as a consultant to the company.