Quant and Sassoon in Swinging London: Literally MAKING the Scene

Yesterday's London Times

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.