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.
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.
Features
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Sew your own: Mary Quant 'Georgie' dress
Get creative with our free downloadable sewing pattern!
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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
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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
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Sew your own: Mary Quant-style minidress
Want to make your own 1960s-style minidress inspired by Mary Quant?
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Introducing Mary Quant
The most iconic fashion designer of the 1960s, Mary Quant's witty, irreverent clothing was critical to the 'Swinging Sixties' scene
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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
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1960s accessories
Our top-to-toe guide to iconic 1960s fashion accessories
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Paper dresses
The story of the novelty garment that unexpectedly became a fashion sensation
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The miniskirt myth
The true story behind the look that defined a decade
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The story of Mary Quant make-up
Find out why Quant's make-up range was as revolutionary as her clothing
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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
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Biba
Starting life as a small mail-order business, Barbara Hulanicki's design label 'Biba' evolved into a style and retail phenomenon
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'The Truth About Modelling' by Jean Shrimpton
A candid glimpse into the life and early career of the 1960s supermodel
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We Want Quant!
Your snapshots of lives lived in Mary Quant
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Mary Quant: Fashion Revolutionary
Hear how Quant developed her trailblazing affordable style
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Family, photography, memories: Africa Fashion
Find out about the personal stories and unique fashion histories from individuals across the continent
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Nigeria's first fashion designer: Shade Thomas-Fahm
Meet iconic fashion designer Shade Thomas-Fahm
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Fashion Unpicked: YSL couture evening dress and shoes
Discover a dazzling 1960s evening dress by Yves Saint Laurent and matching shoes by Roger Vivier
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Adaptive fashion: 1960s wedding dress and shoesA stunning example of 1960s adaptive bridal fashion
Collection highlights
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Pyjama dress, designed by Emilio Pucci, about 1968, ItalyV&A East Storehouse -
Jerkin, designed by Mirandi Babitz and Clem Floyd, made for Hung On You, 1967, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Leather ankle boots, designed by André Courrèges, 1965, Paris, FranceV&A East Storehouse -
Mini-dress, designed by Biba, 1967, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Jersey mini dress, designed by Mary Quant, 1967, London, England -
Mini dress, designed by Jeff Banks, about 1967, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Variable Sheets/Optical Shift, dress, designed by Stephen Willats, 1965, UKV&A South Kensington -
Skirt suit, designed by Foale and Tuffin, 1964, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Bag, designed by Sally Jess, 1966, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Men's lizard skin shoes, designed by Richard Smith and Mandy Wilkins, made for Chelsea Cobbler, 1968 – 9, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Cosmos, day ensemble, designed by Pierre Cardin, 1967, Paris, FranceV&A East Storehouse -
Fuz, sunglasses, manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith Eyewear, about 1964, UKV&A East Storehouse -
Ornament, designed by Wendy Ramshaw and David Watkins, 1966 – 7, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Paper dress, designed by Diane Meyersohn and Joanne Silverstein, manufactured by Dispo, 1967, London, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
Man's suit, designed by Mr Fish, manufactured by Hexter, about 1968, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington
