An introduction to 1960s fashion
Discover how a new kind of fashion helped mark the arrival of the modern age
1960s fashion
Marked by sweeping social change, the 1960s saw the birth of the modern age. Our collection of 1960s fashion charts the irreverent designs and innovative designers that defined a decade – from the iconic mini-skirt to the disposable dress, 'peacock' styles for men and the youth fashion revolution.
Read more Read less
Spanning the shift from 'Mod' style through Space Age to hippy chic, this eye-popping collection features the work of many of the decade's most iconic designers – including Mary Quant, Barbara Hulanicki (Biba), Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, André Courrèges, Pierre Cardin and Michael Fish.
Collection highlights
-
Pyjama dress, designed by Emilio Pucci, about 1968, Italy -
Jerkin, designed by Mirandi Babitz and Clem Floyd, made for Hung On You, 1967, London, England -
Leather ankle boots, designed by André Courrèges, 1965, Paris, France -
Mini-dress, designed by Biba, 1967, London, England -
Jersey mini dress, designed by Mary Quant, 1967, London, England -
Mini dress, designed by Jeff Banks, about 1967, London, England -
Variable Sheets/Optical Shift, dress, designed by Stephen Willats, 1965, UK -
Skirt suit, designed by Foale and Tuffin, 1964, London, England -
Bag, designed by Sally Jess, 1966, London, England -
Men's lizard skin shoes, designed by Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins, made for Chelsea Cobbler, 1968 – 9, UK -
Cosmos, day ensemble, designed by Pierre Cardin, 1967, Paris, France -
Fuz, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, about 1964, UK -
Ornament, designed by Wendy Ramshaw and David Watkins, 1966 – 7, London, England -
Paper dress, designed by Diane Meyersohn and Joanne Silverstein, manufactured by Dispo, 1967, London, England -
Man's suit, designed by Mr Fish, manufactured by Hexter, about 1968, London, England
Features
Sew your own: Mary Quant 'Georgie' dress
Get creative with our free downloadable sewing pattern!
Fashion unpicked: The 'Wet Collection' by Mary Quant
Curator Stephanie Wood explores Mary Quant's love affair with that "super shiny man-made stuff", PVC
The peacock revolution: 1960s UK menswear
Find out how designers like John Stephen and Michael Fish helped shape the men's fashion revolution of the 1960s
Sew your own: Mary Quant-style minidress
Want to make your own 1960s-style minidress inspired by Mary Quant?
Introducing Mary Quant
The most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s, Mary Quant's witty, irreverent clothing was critical to the 'Swinging Sixties' scene
Foale and Tuffin talk fashion
Pioneering 1960s designers Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin talk about how they helped to revolutionise Britain's youth fashion scene
1960s accessories
Our top-to-toe guide to iconic 1960s fashion accessories
Paper dresses
The story of the novelty garment that unexpectedly became a fashion sensation
The miniskirt myth
The true story behind the look that defined a decade
The story of Mary Quant make-up
Find out why Quant's make-up range was as revolutionary as her clothing
Six revolutionary designs by Mary Quant
Where would we be without coloured tights, skinny-rib sweaters and comfy loungewear? We owe them all to Mary Quant
Biba
Starting life as a small mail-order business, Barbara Hulanicki's design label 'Biba' evolved into a style and retail phenomenon
'The Truth About Modelling' by Jean Shrimpton
A candid glimpse into the life and early career of the 1960s supermodel
We Want Quant!
Your snapshots of lives lived in Mary Quant
Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary
Hear how Quant developed her trailblazing affordable style
Family, photography, memories: Africa Fashion
Find out about the personal stories and unique fashion histories from individuals across the continent
Nigeria's first fashion designer: Shade Thomas-Fahm
Meet iconic fashion designer Shade Thomas-Fahm
Fashion Unpicked: YSL couture evening dress and shoes
Discover a dazzling 1960s evening dress by Yves Saint Laurent and matching shoes by Roger Vivier
