Coat
1964 (designed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Mary Quant’s first boutique, Bazaar, opened in London's King's Road in 1955, launching a successful fashion career. Her youthful easy-to-wear clothing became so popular that in 1963, she launched a lower-priced ready-to-wear range called 'Ginger Group'. She also entered into licensing agreements with manufacturers to produce hosiery, underwear, cosmetics and accessories bearing her name. Almost anyone, whatever their income, could spare the money to buy a pair of 'Mary Quant' stockings or a lipstick. This enabled girls who could not otherwise afford her clothing to feel in touch with fashion, and made Mary Quant a household name and a commercial success.
Her contribution to British life was marked by a retrospective exhibition at the London Museum in 1973. The exhibition included many of Quant's most revolutionary garments, some remade as facsimiles if original ones could not be found.
Her contribution to British life was marked by a retrospective exhibition at the London Museum in 1973. The exhibition included many of Quant's most revolutionary garments, some remade as facsimiles if original ones could not be found.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Astrakhan and beaver lamb fur |
| Brief description | Coat made of astrakhan and beaver lamb fur, designed by Mary Quant, London, ca. 1964 |
| Physical description | Coat made of astrakhan and beaver lamb fur. |
| Gallery label | [Mary Quant Exhibition, 2019]
CUTAWAY COAT
1964
Worn by Mrs J. Wates
Like her dresses, Quant’s furs were intended for day or night. This example, modelled on a man’s traditional tailcoat, has masculine, plain buttons which contrast with the glossy rabbit fur. It was available at Debenham & Freebody for 220 guineas (about £4,000 today). Quant’s fur collaboration with the department store ended by 1967, as she focussed instead on designing for the mass market.
Persian lamb and coney (rabbit),
Labelled ‘Mary Quant London’
Made in London, possibly by Roat or S. London
Given by Mrs J. Wates
V&A: T.196-1997(30/02/2020) |
| Credit line | Given by Mrs J. Wates |
| Production | Possibly made by Roat or S. London |
| Summary | Mary Quant’s first boutique, Bazaar, opened in London's King's Road in 1955, launching a successful fashion career. Her youthful easy-to-wear clothing became so popular that in 1963, she launched a lower-priced ready-to-wear range called 'Ginger Group'. She also entered into licensing agreements with manufacturers to produce hosiery, underwear, cosmetics and accessories bearing her name. Almost anyone, whatever their income, could spare the money to buy a pair of 'Mary Quant' stockings or a lipstick. This enabled girls who could not otherwise afford her clothing to feel in touch with fashion, and made Mary Quant a household name and a commercial success. Her contribution to British life was marked by a retrospective exhibition at the London Museum in 1973. The exhibition included many of Quant's most revolutionary garments, some remade as facsimiles if original ones could not be found. |
| Bibliographic reference | This fur coat design was featured in Tatler magazine, 13 January 1965
Photograph by Eugene Vernier, modelled by Linda Medlicott
© Illustrated London News/Mary Evans Picture Library
Courtesy of Tatler |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.196-1997 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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