Biba is one of the most iconic and recognisable fashion houses, and epitomises the street style fashion of London in the 60's and 70's.
It is therefore not suprising that it made a comeback during London Fashion Week in 2006, and launched a new Biba boutique in 2008.
So what made Biba so popular, and how did it change the face of fashion?
HISTORY OF BIBA
Biba was founded by Barbara Hulanicki and was run with the help of her husband Stephen Fitz-Simon. It started out as a mail order company through the Daily Express, and had varying success until Hulanicki designed a gingham dress for a reader offer through the Daily Mirror. The dress was a huge success and over 4000 orders were received the morning after the advert went out.
In September 1964 the first shop was opened in Kensington, London.
THE BIBA LOOK
Biba was one of the first fashion houses aimed at the under 30's and was youthful in terms of its design and unlike anything before it.
Hulanicki described the look as "‘fresh little foals with long legs, bright faces and round dolly eyes."
Mini skirts and smocks were the most popular items.
Have a look at this video of Twiggy (one of the most recognised faces in the 1960's) reminiscing about the first Biba dress she bought.
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