Biba

BIBA - Biba was founded by Barbara Hulanicki (1936-) in 1963 as a mail-order boutique, which then grew to a tiny shop in Abingdon Road in 1964. The company expanded in 1966 through the purchase of larger premises in Kensington Church Street. In 1973, BIBA took over the Derry & Toms department store. However, two short years later, the company closed its doors, bankrupt. Biba clothes were innovative and youthful, very retro and nostalgic in a 1930s Hollywood way, and sometimes used 1930s and 40s deadstock prints for economy. The palettes were usually broody and moody, in muddy plums, purples and dark reds, and the clothes tended to run small, with very high, tight armholes. The labels change and vary, though always feature a Deco sunburst motif or the famous Celtic logo. They can be printed on satin, woven, gold or silver on black. There is a current Biba company which was launched in 1996 that appears to use the same Celtic logo, but is nowhere near as desirable or collectable.