Written by, Eva Georgiou
ESVIE Contributor
This autumn hails the return of one of Britain most iconic fashion labels of the 60s and 70s. Anyone who knows anything about fashion, or is slightly obsessed by it, will recognise the name Biba. You may never have owned or worn a piece, but the label is synonymous with a by gone era, where it was hip to be part of ‘swinging London’ and everyone wanted to be seen, not with a Footballer, but a Rock star!
For those of you that know nothing about the label. Biba was started and created by Barbara Hulanicki, born in Warsaw to Polish parents, she came to England and studied at Brighton School of Art. And in 1964, with the help of her husband, opened her first shop in Kensington. By 1974, Biba, had become such a huge success that it moved to a seven storey department store, which attracted up to a million customers a week.
But as all good stories go, the demise of Biba happened quickly, as it hit financial difficulties, and the once, bright young thing, closed its doors in 1975. However, we all love a happy ending and the once, sleeping Beauty, after laying dormant for awhile, was re launched in 2006, this time with Bella Freud at the helm. Then, last year, House of Fraser brought the label, and the newly launched collection is now available in 35 stores, nationwide, 10 of which are concessions. You can also buy online by visiting Mybiba.com. Along with the re launch, it has a new face, in the shape of Daisy Lowe. Biba say ‘She embodies Biba, being confident, fashionable and glamorous’.
With Biba’s return, it brings with it glamour, sophistication and a beautiful, contemporary new collection, of pretty dresses, sumptuous coats and everyday separates. Its signature colours are Black and Gold. But theses have been combined with Inks, Teal, Grey and Dusty Lilacs. All of the collection has been designed in luxurious fabrics, ranging from Satin, Chiffon, Velvet and Silk. Add to that some striking accessories in Gold and Silver.
Hopefully Biba is, not only back, but here to stay and it will continue to produce wonderful, interesting and glamorous garments for us all to wear, for a very long time to come.
