Thu Sep 26 13:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Biba Founder Barbara Hulanicki Revisits Iconic Fashion Brand in New Book
**London, UK -** Fashion icon Barbara Hulanicki, known for her groundbreaking Biba fashion empire, is back with a new book, “Biba: The Fashion Brand That Defined a Generation,” co-written with Martin Pel. The book, releasing on November 5th, takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the history of Biba, the brand that revolutionized London’s fashion scene in the 1960s and 70s.
Hulanicki, now 87, still embodies the rebellious spirit of Biba, sporting a signature all-black ensemble at a recent book signing event in London. She was surrounded by familiar faces from the Biba era, including Twiggy, Mary Austin, and Zandra Rhodes.
The book launch coincides with the 60th anniversary of Biba’s first boutique, and a recent exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum celebrating the brand’s legacy. Hulanicki reminisces about the early days of Biba, a time when London was still grappling with post-war austerity. Biba brought a burst of color and style to a drab city, becoming synonymous with the swinging 60s.
“We were giving customers things from Paris and Italy,” Hulanicki says, emphasizing Biba’s commitment to offering unique and fashionable pieces. The brand’s iconic seven-story flagship store, “Big Biba,” on Kensington High Street, was a landmark of the era, attracting a clientele that included Princess Anne, Brigitte Bardot, and Mick Jagger.
Biba wasn’t just about clothing; it offered a complete lifestyle, with a food hall, restaurant, and even a crèche for employees’ children. The brand even created its own diaries, filled with recommendations for restaurants, nightlife, and how to live the “Biba” life.
Today, Hulanicki continues to be inspired by the energy and creativity of the fashion world. She actively follows trends on Instagram and even designs her own clothing line. She admits to wanting to recreate the Biba concept for a new generation, aiming to capture the hearts of a younger audience with a similar blend of fashion and lifestyle.
“We’d start with certain things, and then we’d grow,” she says, expressing her desire to once again bring the spirit of Biba to a new era.
With her enduring spirit and passion for fashion, Hulanicki’s new book serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Biba and its founder, reminding us of the power of fashion to create a culture and inspire generations.
First Piper 