Some of you may have heard that next month an exhibition will open in Brighton about Biba and Barbara Hulanicki. I was already really looking forward to this, but my excitement levels went totally through the roof when Visit Brighton got in touch to say they would be spending a day filming Barbara, and wanted different bloggers to submit questions to her.
Where to even start? In the end I asked about the glamorous Biba store interiors, since the label was known as much for the unique shopping experience as the clothes themselves. You can watch Barbara talking about the store designs below, and I have also included a gallery of pictures so you can get an idea of how incredible it must have been setting foot into the stores. Oh, for a time machine!
1960s polka dot mod dress by Berketex
1970s green and red tartan knit jumper dress
1960s black and white check blanket dress
1970s floral print hippy smock dress by Emanuelle
Excellent question – and so fascinating to hear she was influenced by Disney!x
I didn’t know about this exhibition til now but will be making a special trip to Brighton as soon as it opens! Thanks x
I actually visited the one in south kensington aged 15 or 16 I think. I remember roundish counters, bags of henna, purple dresses, peacok feathers ? and that it was quite dark. I couldnt afford anything, think in the end I bought a purple velvet jacket from kensington market. I remember being aware it was an experience and everyone in there seemed very sophisticated. Just wish I had a camera at the time! Was very very disappointed by the Biba outlet in Manchester, nothing like the real thing, a souless imitation. Was actually quite cross about it. Would love to see this exhibition in Brighton though.
Great question! Really enjoyed her answers ; )