Life style
The return of the mighty mini
The mini-dress has a new lease of life – but why now?
It’s an old cliché that when the stock market goes up, so do hemlines. So why, given 2019’s tempestuous social, political and economic climate, are we in the throes of a miniskirt revival?
With skirts being styled with everything from neat tweed jackets to oversized skater hoodies, it is a distinct change in pace for the hard-edged androgyny of recent years, says Celenie Seidel, senior womenswear editor at luxury-fashion platform Farfetch: “Women are revisiting a more exuberant, playful and optimistic way of dressing again, and the miniskirt revival is a big part of that.”
Beyond the catwalks, UK chain Marks & Spencer reported that it sold 300,000 miniskirts over the winter – in no small part due to brand ambassador and TV presenter Holly Willoughby’s predilection for minis. The miniskirt is the “dominant skirt silhouette” sold by online retailers, and currently accounting for 45% of skirt sales in the UK, says Kalya Marci, market analyst at retail consultancy Edited. Marci adds that searches for miniskirts have increased more than 50% in the past three months compared with the same period last year.
An understanding of the miniskirt’s place in fashion history gives some context to its surge in popularity today. The social and cultural impact of the mini forms a major theme in the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Mary Quant retrospective, which runs until 16 February 2020.
We have reached the point where our hemlines are free to be as macro or micro as they please
Opinions differ on who invented the abbreviated garment – Cristóbal Balenciaga, Mary Quant and André Courrèges have all been credited. What is undeniable is that the miniskirt’s launch-pad was 1960s Swinging London, and it was local designer Quant who took the garment beyond the rarefied world of high fashion.
“The miniskirt came to symbolise freedom, empowerment and an increased confidence for the younger generation, who refused to conform and follow the stifling rules of their mother’s generation,” V&A curator Stephanie Wood tells BBC Designed. It also came to embody the broader social and cultural freedoms being fought for and gradually experienced by many women during the 1960s, she adds, “as more women entered the workforce, gaining their own independent wealth, and women began to gain more autonomy over their own bodies with the introduction of the contraceptive pill.”
Over the decades, the miniskirt has been subject to criticism by some feminist campaigners, and associated with an over-sexualised female stereotype. The current revival counters the recent gravitation towards more “modest” dressing, which has favoured longer lengths and looser silhouettes. The simple explanation is the cyclical nature of fashion trends: as midi and maxi lengths hit the mainstream, early adopters seek out something new.
Symbol of defiance
Meanwhile in 2019, we have reached the point where our hemlines are free to be as macro or micro as they please – but in the #MeToo era, when women’s bodies are increasingly politicised, the miniskirt is once again a symbol of defiance. “Fashion has a long history of representing political and social ideas, specifically because fashion is a powerful and very visible form of communication”, says Wood. “Perhaps the renaissance of the miniskirt can be linked with women feeling the need to reclaim their own bodies”.
While the miniskirts of the 1960s were a defining part of social shifts triggered by the so-called teenage “youthquake”, in 2019 it is notable that the trend has no upper-age limit. The Instagram feeds of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Rihanna are peppered with miniskirts, but the garment is also favoured by high-profile women in their 40s and beyond, such as Kate Moss, Chloë Sevigny, the Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Quant herself.
‘Sexy’, skin-baring items like the miniskirt have found new context – Alice Gividen
When it comes to ageism, fashion’s tectonic plates are shifting: Christy Turlington, 50, closed the show for Marc Jacobs at his New York Fashion Week show in February; Patti Hansen, 63, was the star model at Michael Kors. Simone Rocha cast several 40-something women in her London show including 1980s favourite Jeny Howorth, and Marie Sophie Wilson. Yasmin Le Bon, 54, declared earlier this year that she wears miniskirts more in her 50s than she did in her 20s or 30s.
“There’s a new narrative building around traditional, feminine items,” agrees Alice Gividen, fashion and beauty editor at trend consultancy WGSN. “‘Sexy’, skin-baring items like the miniskirt have found new context in a time where we can celebrate femininity and sexuality, in line with ‘fourth-wave’ feminism, and with the goal of simply dressing up for ourselves.”
Mary Quant sponsored by King’s Road is at the V&A, London, until 16 February 2020 (BBC)
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Bungalow
The grand opening of Peace Haven Bungalow at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle was celebrated with an unforgettable evening of opera. Guests were serenaded by internationally renowned talents including Concert Pianist Jean-Marc Pont Marchesi from Paris, Soprano Chrisni Mendis from Rome and Sri Lanka, and Russian Tenor Sergei Radchenko. These acclaimed artists were joined by celebrated local performers Indika Upamali and Subuddhi Lakmali, supported by Sanithi Dias, Manoj Sanjeewa, Madhava Bandara, Tusith Simpson, and Anosh Ismail. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, part of Minor Hotels,recently the resort’s most exclusive and luxurious event venue to date. It was a grand evening of glitz,glamour and entertainment.
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s breathtaking southern coastline, Peace Haven Bungalow offers a stunning canvas for elegant weddings, private occasions, and high-end MICE events, blending timeless elegance with signature Anantara hospitality.
Perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this bungalow offers a unique setting for up to 200 guests. As the only venue of its kind along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it answers the growing demand for world-class luxury event spaces in the region with bespoke event planning and immersive culinary experiences.
Following the magnificent performance, guests enjoyed a lavish dinner and wine pairing experience, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
“This evening marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Peace Haven Bungalow,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. “This venue is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for change in how we envision luxury celebrations, stories, and moments. Our signature Anantara hospitality is geared to uniquely cater to each guest from this stunning vantage point on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.”
The creation of Peace Haven Bungalow represents a shared vision with Hemas Holdings PLC, a partnership that harmoniously combines heritage, innovation, and a deep appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Offering panoramic ocean views, impeccable design, and tailored service, the venue is poised to set a new benchmark for premier events in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set within a 22-acre coconut plantation, The resort is the only property in Tangalle situated on a rocky outcrop, offering a secluded and scenic retreat along Sri Lanka’s rugged southern coastline. The resort features 152 rooms and villas, including 14 Garden Pool Villas, 10 Ocean View Pool Villas, six Beach Pool Villas, and two -bedroom garden pool villas.
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- Arrival of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithree Wickramasinghe
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- Barbara Segal and Hemant Dadlani
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- General Manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – Erik Billgren addresses the gathering
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- (L to R) Tasneem Moosajee, Shyamalee Tudawe, Kishore Reddy, Champika De Silva and two other guests of the event
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- Dinner followed by the Opera event
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- The team who performed at the Opera event
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- Event setup
Cinnamon Lakeside , the epitome of luxury and refined hospitality hosted a spectacular two-day dining experience at its acclaimed Royal Thai Restaurant to commemorate Songkran, the cherished Thai New Year Festival,recently
This exclusive event was graced by the esteemed presence of ambassadors, high-profile media representatives, dignitaries, and distinguished guests who gathered to immerse themselves in a sumptuous celebration of Thai culture and cuisine. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President, warmly welcomed attendees, setting a tone of elegance and cultural reverence.
The evenings unfolded in a spectacular tapestry of flavours and traditions, masterfully curated by the culinary team of The Royal Thai Restaurant. Guests were delighted by an exquisite menu, reflecting authentic Thai culinary artistry, presented with flawless sophistication and meticulous attention to detail.
The vibrant ambiance was accentuated by opulent décor reflecting the essence of Songkran. Guests were enchanted by captivating traditional Thai performances and authentic rituals that beautifully symbolized the renewal and prosperity at the heart of Songkran.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo continues to be celebrated as a beacon of glamour and hospitality, curating unforgettable experiences that blend rich cultural traditions with modern elegance.
Pix by Darmasena Welipitiya
“Walk to Equality” – A Fashion Show Celebrating Life Without Labels was held recently, media representatives and distinguished guests gathered at Cinnamon Grand Colombo for the official press conference of the Walk to Equality fashion show It was an inspiring initiative presented by The Walk Model Academy in partnership with Cinnamon Grand Colombo. With the powerful tagline “Life Without Labels,” this event aims to redefine fashion by championing inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.
Set to take place on May 19th, the Walk to Equality fashion show will feature a groundbreaking lineup of models, highlighting their confidence and individuality on the runway. This bold move challenges conventional beauty standards while providing a platform for often underrepresented voices in the fashion world.
The press conference offered a heartfelt look into the mission behind the show and the stories of the individuals involved. Organizers emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative—not just as a show, but as a movement. With a strong focus on social impact, the event seeks to promote empathy, equality, and acceptance through the universal language of fashion.
Collaborating closely with the Equality team and a host of creative partners, the show has become a beacon of what’s possible when communities unite for a common cause. The behind-the-scenes journey, from training to fittings, has been designed to uplift and empower each model, making the event more than just a moment on the runway—it’s a celebration of strength and self-expression.
Tickets for the Walk to Equality fashion show are now available for purchase online, with proceeds going toward the Meals on Wheels charitable cause, supporting rural children in need. Those interested in attending, contributing, or simply spreading awareness are encouraged to visit our social media channels for updates, ticket information, or to become a well-wisher for this important initiative.
The Academy extended thier deepest gratitude to all who have helped bring this vision to life. They shared a special thank you to Cinnamon Grand Colombo, title and hospitality partner, for their continued belief in the power of inclusion. They extended thier thanks for all their generous sponsors for thier support and help
Together, we walk toward a world where every life is valued, and every person is seen—a life without labels sums up thier motto
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