Mary Quant was born in 1930 and grew up in London to Welsh parents. She studied illustration at Goldsmiths College and hung out in bohemian circles in the Soho neighborhood during the 1950s.
She opened her first clothing store, Bazaar, on King's Road in 1955. Throughout the "swingin 60's" her clothes were in vogue among the young and hip people who moved in London's nightlife. She was awarded several awards by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to British fashion.