I got a fabulous birthday gift this year from Jen at Honey Kennedy- From A to BIBA, the autobiography of BIBA founder Barbara Hulaniki.
I have had an obsession with the English 1960s/1970s era boutiques (see my post on the book Boutique here), and BIBA is one of the most interesting stories out there. It was started by Barbara as a small mail order business, but it grew incredibly fast and, in the end, incredibly large- she had to keep moving the store into bigger and bigger digs to keep up with demand. The final incarnation was a dream come true, an entire multi-level department store (known as Big BIBA) that had everything from a restaurant to a housewares department. Amazingly, Barbara oversaw the design of every detail and every single product!
One of the first incarnations of BIBA
I love the theatricality and the fantasy of the clothing and the styling... all those lovely 1920s/1930s glamor puss looks channeled through the overblown, psychedelic lens of the 60s and early 70s. Who can resist?
Here is some more BIBA eye candy for you to enjoy:
Here is an amazing makeup tutorial from modern makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, using genuine vintage BIBA makeup:
The BIBA look has experienced a huge comeback lately- in fact, Barbara Hulaniki is making new designs for Top Shop. Viva la BIBA!
Ultra glamor babe Barbara Hulaniki
I love so much the Biba atmosphere! I wish it still exists, it is so rare to find a boutique that has a soul. Love the article Sasha!
Posted by: diane | 01/07/2012 at 11:59 AM
AHAH love...thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Kara Porkchop | 01/07/2012 at 12:04 PM
Love it. So creative. The makeup vid is amazing.
Posted by: cecelia | 01/07/2012 at 12:15 PM
Looks like a really fascinating book! I especially love the makeup tutorial you found too.
Posted by: Andrea Quinlan | 01/07/2012 at 01:33 PM
one of my favorite designers from the 60's along with Marie Quant & Ossie Clark!
Posted by: giselaandzoe | 01/07/2012 at 07:25 PM
oh lady, i am right there with you! i've got that book as well as the big purple one called "the biba experience". llooovvveee....
Posted by: nicole | 01/07/2012 at 08:48 PM
o m g. i am so all about this!! MAXI everything! cover it up, so much better than bare skin everywhere. love love love! xo m
Posted by: Mindy Sue B. | 01/10/2012 at 10:04 PM