From A To BIBA

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

 

Comments

[diane]

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!

[Kara Porkchop]

AHAH love...thanks for sharing...

[cecelia]

Love it. So creative. The makeup vid is amazing.

[Andrea Quinlan]

Looks like a really fascinating book! I especially love the makeup tutorial you found too.

[giselaandzoe]

one of my favorite designers from the 60's along with Marie Quant & Ossie Clark!

[nicole]

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....

[Mindy Sue B.]

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