Evening Dress thumbnail 1
Evening Dress thumbnail 2
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Evening Dress

1964 (designed and made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Mary Quant began her business in 1955 when she opened her first boutique, Bazaar, in London's King's Road. Bazaar catered for the new generation of young adults with money and time to enjoy shopping, and it inspired many imitations in 'Swinging London'.

In 1963 Mary Quant's clothes became more widely available with her cheaper 'Ginger Group' range, but she continued to use a label with her own name for more exclusive designs. This elegant, formal dress employs a sensitive use of quality fabrics with exquisite seam detailing. The donor, Cate Phillips, bought it from the Knightsbridge branch of Bazaar, together with a pendant and chain from Mary Quant's range of costume jewellery, and she wore the dress for many special occasions including trips to the opera at Glyndebourne.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wool crêpe and silk
Brief description
Full length evening dress by Mary Quant, designed and probably made in London, 1964. Black wool crepe with black silk collar and sleeves.
Physical description
Full length evening dress of black wool crêpe with black silk collar and sleeves
Dimensions
  • Bust diameter: 85cm
Production typeReady to wear
Marks and inscriptions
MARY QUANT London (Woven label stitched inside back neck)
Gallery label
Dress; Wool and silk; Mary Quant (1934-) United Kingdom; 1964 Worn and lent by Cate Phillips This elegant, formal dress is made in fine black silk and wool with exquisite seam detailing. It is close fitting with short silk sleeves. The lender, Cate Phillips. wore it for many special occasions including trips to the opera at Glyndebourne.
Credit line
Given by Cate Phillips
Summary
Mary Quant began her business in 1955 when she opened her first boutique, Bazaar, in London's King's Road. Bazaar catered for the new generation of young adults with money and time to enjoy shopping, and it inspired many imitations in 'Swinging London'.

In 1963 Mary Quant's clothes became more widely available with her cheaper 'Ginger Group' range, but she continued to use a label with her own name for more exclusive designs. This elegant, formal dress employs a sensitive use of quality fabrics with exquisite seam detailing. The donor, Cate Phillips, bought it from the Knightsbridge branch of Bazaar, together with a pendant and chain from Mary Quant's range of costume jewellery, and she wore the dress for many special occasions including trips to the opera at Glyndebourne.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
T.30:1-2007

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Record createdAugust 1, 2007
Record URL
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