I have been on a diet since 1962.

Mary Quant’s quote, "I have been on a diet since 1962," reflects her long-standing commitment to maintaining a specific lifestyle or appearance. By mentioning the year 1962, Quant highlights the duration of her efforts, suggesting that her dietary choices have been an ongoing part of her life for decades. This statement underscores the persistence required to adhere to a particular diet or health regimen, indicating that it’s not a temporary phase but a sustained part of her daily routine.

As a fashion designer known for her role in the mod movement, Quant was likely concerned with maintaining a certain aesthetic that aligned with her image and the fashion trends she was helping to define. In this context, the diet might reflect not only personal health choices but also an effort to meet the societal standards of beauty prevalent in the 1960s, particularly the thinness and youthful appearance associated with the mod look.

Quant's quote also highlights how the concept of being on a diet has evolved over time. It implies that the need to regulate one’s eating habits has been a constant part of her life, particularly within the context of being a public figure. The statement could also point to the changing nature of dieting, with different trends and approaches emerging over the years, but her commitment to the practice remaining constant.

Ultimately, this quote reveals how deeply ingrained the idea of dieting and appearance management can be in someone’s life, particularly for those in the public eye. It also reflects the broader cultural emphasis on body image and how personal decisions regarding diet can become a long-term part of one’s identity.