Kirstey Whicker Reviews the Movie about Mary Quant
‘Fabulous UK style icon Mary Quant’s name first came up to me when I was starting as a teen wearing miniskirts! Some say she started the whole miniskirt-craze in the 50’s, some say she’s responsible for pantyhose turning into fabulous opaque tights, others claim her similarity to Coco Chanel in designing clothes that women actually wanted to wear, but all of it is put together in this remarkable documentary from actor (and Jude Law’s ex-wife!) Sadie Frost.
Frost brings together generations of British Fashion elites to discuss the impact Mary Quant had on fashion. Everyone from Kate Moss, to designers Jasper Conrad and Vivienne Westwood, from Zandra Rhodes and Charlotte Tilbury to Vogue editor Edward Enninful, they all reflect on Quant’s enduring legacy. However, it is Dave Davies of The Kinks, who made me laugh the most when he thanked Quant for making skirts that were easier to slide one’s hands up!
The documentary could almost be called a ‘love story’ between Mary and Alexander Plunkett Greene. He was labelled as the “Impoverished Aristocrat” who knew everyone who was anyone and that seemed to meld well with Quant who was said to have a “curiosity” and creativity around him. We see an incredible partnership which led from them being an “item” in the 50’s to getting married and opening a shop in Chelsea, to establishing an iconic empire through clothes and makeup, which continues today.
I really enjoyed this documentary, because it sort of brings up things I had heard of before, but never really seen. It gives more details and the fabulous array of British fashion and Mary Quant’ liberation of female fashion over the years. With an amazing soundtrack of music memories combined with a fabulous spotlight of Mary Quant designing in the 60’s, Quant is a documentary that will be enjoyed by so many different people , as there is a bit of something for everyone!”
Featured Image by Getty Images. Watch the official trailer.
– Kirstey Whicker
