In 1965 Mary Quant designed a series of her trademark pinafore dresses, with distinctive halter neck fastenings (see V&A T.110-1976), which are echoed by the handle of this PVC handbag. The designer had been exploring the potential of PVC for rainwear since 1963 and in 1965 developed a successful range for the manufacturer Alligator, based in Stockport. This bag therefore combines two of Quant’s design traits of the mid-1960s and is also an effective way of demonstrating Quant’s early expansion through licensing deals with manufacturers of different products. These licensing agreements enabled her to provide a ‘top to toe’ coordinated look for her customers and provided a sound financial basis for the expansion of the Mary Quant brand.

The bag range was promoted in an article ‘Co-ordinated Quant’ published in Petticoat magazine, 7 May 1966, which included details about the new Mary Quant cosmetics range.