The History of the Miniskirt: The Scandal, The Empowerment and the Runway Resurgence

The miniskirt has become a staple in many women’s wardrobes. Nowadays, It’s normal to see the silhouette on the runway or casually worn on the streets, no matter the season. However, the miniskirt wasn’t always such an everyday fashion piece. History of the Miniskirt The tale of short skirt predates modern civilization. Archaeologists have uncovered figurines dating between 5400 to 4700 B.C. dressed in kilt-like coverings, and Ancient Egyptian frescos depicting people in similar garb. A photo taken within the Tomb of Renni in Egypt. During the Warring States era of China from 476 B.C. to 221 B.C., men wore short skirts similar to kilts, too. While the miniskirt is a tale as old as time, it wasn’t until the 20th century that it would slowly start becoming part of the modern fashion zeitgeist. The Miniskirt Scandal During the roaring ‘20s, hemlines began rising thanks to the advent of the flapper dresses. History-making entertainer Josephine Baker shocked the crowd when she wore a miniskirt made from bananas to perform “Folies Bergère” in Paris. Josephine Baker in costume for her famous ‘banana dance’, circa 1925. But it wasn’t until a woman named Mary Quant came along that the miniskirt really took hold. Meet Mary Quant Dame Mary Quant

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