No, not something that can be added to the Mini car’s body, but a short skirt with a hemline usually about 20 centimetres above the knee. A defining ladies’ fashion garment, the miniskirt (along with the Mini) encapsulates the style that defined the 1960s. English fashion designer Mary Quant was inspired by the short skirt designs of Courrèges, and in 1965 made even shorter garments. As she was at the heart of the fashion scene in London at the time, the miniskirt was able to transcend the high streets and become an international trend.
The miniskirt made less of an impact on fashion in the 1970s with critics noting that the garment couldn’t get much smaller. But, the miniskirt never really went away, with cheerleaders wearing a variation in the 1980s and 1990s, and the ‘rah-rah’ and ‘puffball’ creations becoming popular. The hot summer of 2006 brought the miniskirt back full circle, with many being worn by women in London once more.
Did you know?
Jean Shrimpton caused a stir on Derby Day at the Melbourne Cup in Australia in October 1965 by wearing a short white shift dress by Colin Rolfe. Causing a sensation, Shrimpton reported that the designer had run out of material, but it was too late; the miniskirt had started a new fashion trend.
Tags: British Design Classics, Culture, Design