Blue beret, wool felt, designed by Mary Quant for Kangol.

Blue beret, wool felt, designed by Mary Quant for Kangol. It is stamped inside with both the daisy logo and the Kangol crossed knitting needles. Manufactured in 1967 by Kangol in Cleator, Cumbria.

Mary Quant announced a collaboration with British beret makers Kangol in 1967. Quant berets were made in wool and available in twelve colours and cost 12 shillings and 6d. They were stamped inside with both the daisy logo and the Kangol crossed knitting needles. The berets were marketed as an integral part of the Quant look but also as an inexpensive way to update an outfit. They were widely featured in younger maga¬zines including Vogue, Petticoat, Flair, Jackie and 19, generating additional business for both Kangol and Quant.
This object is one of over 35 objects acquired in preparation for the Mary Quant exhibition, 4 of them being berets showing the range of the Kangol line (yellow, black, grey and beige versions). These objects have been chosen to show the range of Quant’s designs and chart the development of her career and brand, from 1955 to 1975. Many of them have been acquired as a direct result of the V&A’s call for Mary Quant garments (#WeWantQuant), broadcast as part of the upcoming Mary Quant exhibition. Many have well-documented provenance.

T.15-2019