Overseas Influences
Mary Quant is a British fashion designer who introduced the mini-skirt in 1964. The skirt was eventually worn by most young women in the western world. The mini-skirt rapidly gained popularity in Australia after the British Supermodel Jean Shrimpton wore her synthetic white shift dress to the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1965.
During the 1990s Chinese and Japanese clothing styles began to influence mainstream fashion. Straight, simple Oriental-style dresses with short unfolded 'mandarin' collars, embroidered Chinese fabrics and decorative beaded purses were available in Australia.