The miniskirt is a skirt with a hemline well above the knees ( generally 20 cm , or more , above knee level ).

The mini was the defining fashion symbol of "Swinging London" in the 1960s.

The miniskirt's existence in the 1960s is generally credited to the fashion designer Mary Quant , who was inspired by the Mini Cooper automobile, although the French designer André Courrèges is also often cited as its inventor (the French referred to it as la mini-jupe), and there is disagreement as to who invented it first.

Some give the credit to Helen Rose who made some miniskirts for actress Anne Francis in the 1956 science fiction movie " Forbidden Planet " , but examples of midresses appeared in previous sci-fi movies , like the minidress of Dale Arden in 1940s movie " Flash Gordon " .



Recently, Marit Allen, a Vogue " Young Ideas " editor at the time, has stated that "John Bates, in particular, has always been completely unappreciated for his contribution to the innovation and creativity he brought to the London design scene." He bared the midriff, used transparent vinyl and, Marit Allen asserts, was responsible for "the raising of the hemline. It was John Bates, rather than Mary Quant or Courrèges, who was responsible for the miniskirt."

Bates' costumes and accessories for Diana Rigg , as Emma Peel in the ABC TV series, The Avengers, from 1965-7, helped to define " Mod style " . As The Avengers' filmed episodes were made several months before screening, Avengers producer Brian Clemens confirmed in interviews that the miniskirt designed by Bates had to be used as a "gamble", since they did not know if it would catch on in public or be seen as a fashion failure by the time the episodes aired . However, Emma Peel's fashions were accepted by the public and even spawned a line of replicas of her clothes for public sale.

Another, more "immediate" proponent of the miniskirt on television was Cathy McGowan, who introduced the weekly rock music show, Ready Steady Go! (1964-66).

