Whip Your Life Into Shape: December 2011

With the introduction of the birth control pill in the early 1960's, women were liberated from the millennia-old link between sex, children and marriage. Now, it was possible to have sex without fear of pregnancy and without dependence upon the man for protection.

Women were seeking to express their newfound sexual freedom and Mary Quant honed in on the vibe by designing the hotpant and the mini-skirt. These two garments were intended to be worn with tights.

Thin black tights were the symbol of the Quant fashion movement; reflecting female strength, independence and sexual freedom. Showing your legs was a statement of women's liberation.

Tights were not promoted by men. They were promoted by women. They enabled the skirts to be shorter without any loss of dignity.

Mary Quant enjoyed the dichotomy of tights; the black fabric accentuated the legs; beautifully flattering and revealing the female form, whilst simultaneously denying any access to the crotch. This emblematic message captured the essence of the new female consciousness: I decide, not you. Women were no longer bound by social taboos, male egos and manipulations. Luck, fate and chance were effectively retired from the situation.

Wearing thin black tights remains a symbolic gesture for women. It signifies a heightened sexual consciousness, strength and freedom. Here; I am showing my legs to you but if you want to touch me, it'll be on my terms.

Seductive, powerful but in control. The Quant message.