[EXCLUSIVE] Miniskirt inventor speaks to Dong-A Ilbo

Mary Quant opened her shop “Bazaar” on King’s Road in London at age 20 in 1955. She showcased a short and skinny skirt and named it after her favorite car “Mini,” which became the miniskirt.

Critics considered the clothing vulgar but sales of the item exploded. The miniskirt went on to symbolize women’s liberation.

In an email interview with The Dong-A Ilbo, Quant, 78, said she is surprised at the fast-changing nature of Korean fashion. Living in Surrey, England, she recently released her autobiography “Mary Quant: My Autobiography,” and gave her first interview with a Korean media outlet. “Korea rapidly adopted miniskirts that I designed and has become a leader in the fashion game,” she said. The miniskirt was introduced to Korea in 1968 when singer Yoon Bok-hee wore it. As for the global craze for hot pants, Quant said, “Isn’t it nice to show a woman’s beautiful legs?”

“Miniskirts and hot pants stemmed from hostility against maxiskirts. I was so bored with maxiskirts in the 1950s and cut them to design hot pants and a miniskirt. Coco Chanel disliked miniskirts because she thought a woman’s legs were ugly but I thought they were nice. I thought it even nicer to show such legs in miniskirts.”

The Briton challenged traditional practices and taboos by introducing waterproof mascara and the bobcut, and remains active despite her age. The cosmetics brand Mary Quant was acquired by a Japanese company and has 200 stores in Japan alone.

On her favorite fashion brand, Quant called Barbour her most "gorgeous" brand, saying, “Burberry and Chanel are always nice, Chloe is interesting, and Ralph Lauren is my type.”

Time named her one of its top 100 fashion icons this year.

When asked where she gets new ideas, she said from boredom, adding, "If one strives to change thoughts and fashion, one will create an invention like a revolution.

Quant said the definition of fashion changes before one gets bored. Her advice to women across the world is to stand in front of a closet to choose what to wear every morning.

“If you have no clothes to wear, give it up. Instead, go outside and find a new one. If you challenge a new fashion endlessly, you’ll find the right fit. Your knowledge of fashion will increase fast,” she said.

salthj@donga.com