An impulse selection from the library shelves - the vibrant orange titles and sixties style of the cover called to me! Mary Quant is a style icon - she more or less single handedly revamped fashion for the young in the 60s, creating the mini skirt (named after the car), the tights to wear under them, and waterproof mascara.

Mary tells her story in a light, anecdotal style, interspersing short chapters on travel, gardening, style and colour throughout the selective account of her personal and professional life. Bono was right - she talks (and writes) in soundbites! Perhaps wisely, she glosses over the details of her long marriage to Alexander Plunket-Greene ('APG'), referring only briefly to his womanising ('that makes life bumpy' - 'I knew it was partly my fault').

Mary is a powerhouse of talent and style, who has truly earned her fame, and she tells a great story. A light, entertaining read. ( )