Mary Quant: trailblazing icon and entrepreneur
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Published
14 April 2023
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The fashion world is mourning the loss of Dame Mary Quant, a pioneering fashion designer and entrepreneur who has died at the age of 93. As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in from across the industry, celebrating her contributions to fashion and entrepreneurship.
"Dame Mary Quant was a fashion icon, one of the most internationally recognised fashion designers of the 20th century," said Ms Alison Lowe, Course Leader in Fashion Entrepreneurship in the School of Arts and Creative Industries.
"She revolutionised fashion with her trailblazing vision. A true entrepreneur, Mary had an indomitable spirit for the new, for innovation, and her creative talents resulted in her being one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry since the 1960s.
"Taking inspiration from countercultures, she led the fashion trends, taking them out of the post-war Britain into a new era of fun and freedom. She created designs that made fashion accessible to the masses and was a pioneer for the mini skirt and hot pants."
Mary Quant’s influence on fashion was recognised by many in the industry. In 1966, she was awarded an OBE for her contributions to British fashion, and in 2015, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She continued to be involved in the industry throughout her life, serving as a mentor to young designers and supporting charitable causes.
Her bold and innovative designs, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to making fashion accessible to all have inspired countless designers and entrepreneurs around the world, and her legacy is likely to shape the fashion industry for years to come.
Ms Lowe said, "Dame Mary Quant made a unique contribution to the fashion industry, and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her, but her passion lives on in the many people she inspired."