In the early 1960's Barbara Hulanicki founded Biba. It became the place to be, offering something different for a generation of women establishing a reputation for innovative youth style.
Biba became hugely popular among budding fashionistas and stars of the swinging sixties providing fashion similar to Mary Quant but with a more affordable price tags.
From the exterior it looked private and mysterious. The windows were blacked out and never exhibited anything, the theory being that people would be intrigued to enter the shop. This theory proved successful and Biba became a popular fashion emporium for young women.
The interior featured Art Nouveau references and the blacked out windows restricted sunlight, heightening the legendary charged atmosphere. A romantic environment in which girls fell in love with fashion was created and many visited the iconic London fashion store for the shopping experience.
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Clothes were displayed in an innovative manner, hung from coat stands scattered across the shop floor. Additionally Biba became the first store to allow customers to try make-up before buying it. This led to women rushing in before work, putting on make up in the store, then rushing out to go to work.
Sadly Biba experience financial difficulties and closed in 1975. However the brand has enjoyed a strong revival and is now available in House of Fraser.
The collection features a range of coats, tops, trousers, dresses and handbags. All the garments retain their quirky character and hold significant vintage essence.
We do not have a House of Fraser in Aberdeen but on a girly weekend to Edinburgh I persuaded my friends to help me find Biba. To my delight, we found it and I bought a Biba notebook and even got a Biba bag to add to my collection!
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