Recommended Reading: Quant By Quant (1966)

I just finished reading the memoirs of legendary 1960s fashion designer, Mary Quant. In 1955, Quant and her husband (Alexander Plunket) founded the groundbreaking Bazaar boutique on the King's Road in London's Chelsea district. Successive years saw the expansion of the Mary Quant brand name into an international fashion empire producing in Quant's own words, "wild clothes at tame prices" on a mass-market scale. She worked with the top fashion models of her day such as Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, and Pattie Boyd just to name a few. Mary Quant is perhaps best known for popularizing the mini skirt. (And let's face it, the world would be an even more dreary and depressing place were it not for this particular fashion innovation.) She is also credited as being one of the key figures responsible for the influential "London Look" which quickly became a worldwide phenomenon that would forever change the face of fashion.

Published in 1966 at the height of Swinging London, Quant By Quant is a fascinating insider's account of the 1960s fashion revolution. Along the way, Quant also offers insight into her own personal style philosophy.

Quant By Quant is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in fashion or 1960s culture.

New Candy Darling Documentary Coming Soon!

I'm really psyched about the upcoming documentary film, Beautiful Darling: The Life And Times Of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol Superstar.

Candy Darling was a true original who exuded glamour and star power. She was one of the more interesting personalities of the 1960s and 70s. I loved her in Paul Morrissey's Flesh (1968) and Women In Revolt (1971). I also own her fabulous book, My Face For The World To See: The Diaries, Letters, and Drawings of Candy Darling, Andy Warhol Superstar.

For further information, see:

• Beautiful Daring Website
• Candy Darling Superstar

My Own Story: The Truth About Modeling (1964)

I think that today's models are so boring compared to the 60s girls i.e. Jean Shrimpton, Peggy Moffitt, Penelope Tree, Veruschka, Twiggy, Pattie Boyd etc.

Jean Shrimpton is my personal favorite.

From my personal collection.

A Girl Called Boots (1968)

Trashy sex novel goodness!

From my personal collection.

Birds Of Britain by John E. Green (1967)

While reading Pattie Boyd's excellent memoir, Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, And Me, I came across repeated reference to a 1960s book called Birds Of Britain by fashion photographer John E. Green. I was unfamiliar with this title, so I decided to look into it. To my dismay, I discovered that this scarce and out-of-print book is listed in the price range of $200+ by third party sellers on Amazon. Fortunately, my school library had it on hand, so I was able to check it out.

Birds Of Britain (1967) is without a doubt one of the best books on the 60s that I've come across. It is large format in size and features profiles of the reigning dollybirds (models, singers, actresses, and movers and shakers) of Swinging London. Many of the black and white photographs are two-page spreads, which made scanning a bit of a challenge.

The lovely ladies included in the book are: Pattie Boyd, Sandie Shaw, Charly Rampling, Sue Murray, Susannah York, Sue Cornwallis, Ingrid Boulting, Lady Eliot, Edina Ronay, Rory Davis, Sibylla, Julie Christie, Sarah Miles, Paula Noble, Annette Andre, Susan Hampshire, Lane and Victoria Ornsby-Gore, Victoria Mills, Jane Asher, Diana Macleod, Angela Pringle, Mary Quant, Marianne Faithfull, Pat Booth, Annabella Macartney, Ingrid Hepner, Shirley Scott-James, Lulu, Juliet Harmer, Susan Maughan, Martine Beswick, Alexandra Bastedo, The Jay Twins, Claire Bewick, Hayley Mills, Jane Barry (Birkin), Lady Mary-Gaye Curzon, Chrissie Shrimpton, Viviane Ventura, Venetia Cuninghame, Lady Jacqueline Rufus-Isaacs, Cathy McGowan, Sandra Paul, Paddy Carrington-Bates, Shirley Ann Field, Mary Bee, Samantha Juste, Shirley Watts, Vicky Hodge, Cilla Black, Suzanna Leigh, Annegret, Sue Lloyd, Ilona Rodgers, Cetra Hearne, Dusty Springfield

Pattie Boyd - Beatle's Wife, model, and rock muse

Chrissie Shrimpton - sister of Jean and former lady love of Mick Jagger

Mary Quant - legendary fashion designer

Jane Asher - actress and one-time girlfriend of Paul McCartney

Hayley Mills - child star turned serious actress

Charly (Charlotte) Rampling - actress

Jane Barry (Birkin) - actress, singer, fashion icon, and Gainsbourg muse

Alexandra Bastedo - model. Smiths fans may recognize this iconic shot.