Sixties Brit brand Biba was originally founded by Barbara Hulanicki in 1964. It became hugely popular with its Kensington department store selling everything from fashion to home furnishings and more. Biba played a key role in classifying London as the most fashionable city in the world during the seventies. The store attracted many celebrity customers including Mick and Bianca Jagger, Twiggy, Yoko Ono, Bridgitte Bardot and Raquel Welch. The store were an amazing retail environment that combined Art Decco, Noveau, Victoriana and the golden age of Hollywood. Unfortunately in 1975, the store closed down.
In 2006, much to our delight, Biba relaunched at London Fashion Week. The new label has a modern look but still holds onto the bold and innovative design that was it signature back in the days. Biba is distinctly British and manages to combine the legendary rock and roll spirit of its heyday with present day style. I love Biba, probably because the clothes remind me of the sorts of clothes that my mother wore when I was younger.
For Spring Summer 08 Biba have surpassed themselves with a collection featuring rich prints and luxurious fabrics. The attention to detail on the garments make them really special with smocking, pintucking and pleating creating subtle but interesting texture and shape. The new fresh faced Biba has really topped off the Spring Summer collection with gorgeous accessories like the patent, canvas and kid leather pumps, brightly coloured shoes with striped stack heels and ethically inspired big gold buckles. The collection is nostalgic, charming and quite irresistible.
