Spring/Summer 2022 sees the return of the ‘mini’, not that it has ever really went away, however over the past few years we have been more inclined to wear it over the Autumn/Winter months, with thick black Opaques, chunky knits and boots.
We have Mary Quant (above) to thank for it’s arrival, some 60 years ago.Having graduated with a Diploma in Art Education, she moved on to become an apprentice Couture Milliner. Convinced fashion needed to be affordable to be accessible to the youth of her day she opened her own retail boutique called BAZAAR (on the King’s Road). This was 1955 , known as the ‘mod’ era with clientele wearing what was aptly called the ‘chelsea look’.
Still not satisfied (there wasn’t the range of clothing she was looking for available), she decided to design and manufacture the clothing herself, making knee-high, white patent plastic lace up boots, tight skinny rib sweaters, striped or bold checked ……………….. otherwise known as the ‘london’ look.
In 1961 she opened her second store in Knightsbridge (I’ve actually been in it-loved it) and by mid 60’s she had designed shiny plastic raincoats, little grey pinafore dresses and the iconic ‘ mini’ (named after her favourite car).
The rest, as they say, is history.
Why not make a bit of history yourself this season, by being right on trend – here are a few ‘mini’s’ courtesy of ZARA.
ValApparel 