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Eva by Barbara C.1971 © Barbara Hulanicki
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped and how Biba earned its spot as the brand that epitomises 1960s and 1970s fashion.
The exhibition explores the history of Biba, from the first simple shift dresses, to the glamorous devoré wraps, sequinned bodices, leopard print coats, trouser suits, floppy hats and feather boas that came to epitomise the Biba look. Under its legendary founder Barbara Hulanicki, it was a phenomenon that has never been replicated. Lasting just over 10 years, it remains influential to this day and interest in this cult fashion and lifestyle label has never waned.
Drawn from Hulanicki’s private archives including her press books, correspondence, and marketing material, The Biba Story visually charts the rise of Biba with over a hundred items including extremely rare articles of clothing loaned by private collectors. The exhibition also showcases a selection of the iconic lifestyle products that were on sale at Big Biba from make-up to home furnishings, and the six Biba catalogues that were the genius concept of Hulanicki.
"It isn’t just selling dresses, it’s a whole way of life" – Barbara Hulanicki, 1970.
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BOOK OFFER
OFFICIAL EXHIBITION BOOK
Biba: The Fashion Brand that Defined a Generation | £30.00
A revealing look at Biba through the words and images of the people who were intimately involved with the company and its phenomenal success.
Entry to The Biba Story included with the first 50 copies sold
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About the curator
Martin Pel is curator of fashion and textiles at the Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton. He has curated numerous exhibitions including Lee Miller: Dressed (2023), Stephen Jones Hats at the Royal Pavilion (2019), and Biba and Beyond: Barbara Hulanicki (2012). He has authored, co-authored and edited four books including The Biba Years 1963 – 1974 (V&A Publishing, 2014).
Exhibition organised by the Fashion and Textile Museum, London
Images: 1. Eva by Barbara C.1971 © Barbara Hulanicki, 2. © Fashion and Textile Museum
