In our last episode we questioned how, in a few short years, London transformed itself from a battered, austere, post-war city to the vibrant, swinging “Capital of Cool.”
So, here we are, in 1960s London, and we’ll meet scene-makers and movers and shakers, fashion designer Mary Quant and hair stylist Vidal Sassoon.
Jump in your Mini, and join us as we explore:
MARY QUANT >
- Her dive and subsequent splash onto the fashion scene as early as 1955
- the innovative marketing techniques she employed
- her willingness to experiment with synthetic materials never before used in the industry
- the head-to-toe looks that were revolutionary for the time
- the celebratory vibe of both her garments and her shows
- her uncanny ability to anticipate the next big thing
- and of course - the iconic miniskirt
VIDAL SASSOON >
- His young life in tenements, an orphanage, and as a young war refugee
- The prophetic vision of his mother
- His lifelong interactions with antisemitism
- Mentors: those that guided him, and those that he rebelled against
- His influences
- The freeing of women via wash and go hair
- Celebrity customers and muses
- His kinship with Mary Quant as they create what becomes Swinging London, and
- What happened next…
Photos, sources, and recipes can be found in our show notes HERE.