| Individual or organisational biography | Mary Quant opened her boutique ‘Bazaar’ on the Kings Road in 1955. Quant is well known for her contribution to the youth quake movement, as well as her popularisation of the miniskirt. With the rise of the youth culture in the 1960’s, Mary Quant designed clothes that appealed to a younger generation through the use of design experimentation and innovative materials. Mary Quant has been recognised for her work within the fashion industry and was appointed an OBE in 1966 as well as various other accolades.
Clothing manufacturer Alfred Radley, worked with many designers during this period such as Ossie Clark. Alice Pollock opened the boutique ‘Quorum’ in London, and Ossie Clark and his wife Celia Birtwell later joined her. The store was a success but later fell into debt and was subsequently sold to Radley. Celia Birtwell then began to design for the Radley label.
Celia Birtwell has been hailed as one of the most important textile designers of her generation. In 1965 she started designing the textiles for Ossie Clark’s collections and became an international name. She left the fashion industry to join the world of interiors. Her innovation and wit as well as her bold and romantic prints are heavily praised and referenced.
Biba was created by Barbara Hulanicki, who opened the first boutique in Kensington in 1964. After numerous moves and many years later Biba then went on to occupy the Derry & Tom’s building on Kensington High Street, which had seven floors. The Biba store was a tribute to Hollywood glamour and Art Deco; it was a haven for young girls and became the trendy place to be seen. The store turned shopping into a leisurely and independent experience. Biba aimed to produce young and fashionable clothes for the girl next door, offering sophistication to the masses.
Jean Muir gained a lot of experience as a young woman, whilst working for Liberty of London and then going on to Jaeger. She then went on to design under the Jane and Jane label. In 1966, she launched Jean Muir Ltd with her husband. There was an emerging youth culture in London in the 1960’s, which had an interest in fashion and had the disposable income to buy into it. Jean Muir was not inspired by trends, and is most known for her classic and timeless designs, which had a minimalist and feminine approach to them. She has been strongly associated with the popularity and rise of the Little Black Dress. |
| Custodial History | Given to the LCF Archives by Felicity Harding |