“The sixties mini was the most self-indulgent, optimistic “look at me, isn’t life wonderful” fashion, ever devised. It expressed the sixties, the emancipation of women, the Pill and rock and roll… It was the beginning of women’s lib.”
Mary Quant
Watching this self-classified official biography of Mary Quant, Britain’s original influencer, makes one ask, why has it taken this long to see this story on screen.
Mary Quant was the catalyst for a massive swing in modern fashion during the 60s. The press and public couldn’t get enough of her and her single shop on the Kings’ Road in Chelsea, grew into an international empire. Alongside her, partner in both life and business, Alexander Plunket Greene, helped navigate Quant from designer to entrepreneur.
Directed by Sadie Frost and featuring contributions from the likes of Kate Moss, Vivienne Westwood, Edward Enninful, Charlotte Tilbury, along with Mary’s family and peers, this profile goes beyond the glossy world of fashion to show how creativity can change the world.
Littered with archival footage, it is the business discussions between Greene and Quant that offer real insight into their business acumen. It’s these I’d have liked to hear more from. There are some out of place dramatisations from actors playing Quant at various times that seem more like time fillers. The soundtrack will be a boon for music fans of the period.
Quant is making its Australian premiere at the 2022 British Film Festival and opens from today. Check your local guides for screening times.
About Quant
Length: 86 mins
Director: Sadie Frost
Cast: Mary Quant, Kate Moss, Camilla Rutherford, Vivienne Westwood
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