Daisy (doll)

Daisy Doll was a famous 1970s doll designed by fashion designer Mary Quant.

Mary Quant's Daisy doll was released in the UK in 1973. With the tag line 'Mary Quant makes Daisy the best dressed doll in the world' Daisy was manufactured in the 1970s in Hong Kong by Model Toys Ltd, in connection with Flair Toys Ltd. Flair Toys Ltd went out of business in 1980 but Daisy continued to be manufactured until 1983.

Mary Quant's 'symbol' is a Daisy flower, hence her doll's name.

The doll is 23 centimetres (9 inches) tall and there are three different versions of her: Dizzy Daisy, who has a stiff body and unbendable legs,with just her arms and legs swinging up and down from the hips and shoulders, basic bodied version with bendable legs, as well as the swivelling arms and leg joints, and an active version called Dashing Daisy, whose body is the most bendable. Her hair colour has ranged from different shades of blond to brunette and red.

Other dolls were manufactured from the same moulds. Havoc, Super Agent was released in 1976 and Daisy's best friend Amy, who was only available by redeeming daisy tokens from Daisy packages.

Daisy's clothes were designed by Mary Quant and there are hundreds of different models. The doll and its accessories were sold in ordinary local shops and children had easy access for their fashination to grow on her.The clothes were cutting edge 70s design, which would be expected of Mary Quant, one of Britains leading fashion designers and inventor of the mini skirt and hot pants. Materials included satin, for long evening gowns and flared pants, stretch jersey nylon/polyester for T-shirts, Fake 'Fun Fur' for jackets and matching hats, and denim for jeans, waiscoats, hats, skirts and even a 'boiler suit' which was very fashionable at the time. Cotton was used extensively for all manner of outfits, long gypsy style dresses, again highly fashionable, blouses, tabbards, mini dresses, etc. And patterns, again, were cutting edge fashion with great use of flowers, stripes and polka dots. Footwear was just as fashionable with platform clogs and sandals in every colour, and Go-Go Boots with the Quant daisy on the side.

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