Adam writes… To the Fashion & Textile Museum for The Story Of Biba 1964-1975.
Polish-born designer Barbara Hulanicki is a revolutionary figure in the world of women’s fashion. In the 1960s, her affordable clothes opened up a world of style to younger women who may have been left behind by the more pricey Mary Quant.
Influenced by early 20th Century styles, the Biba story begins in a back street in the hinterlands of Kensington/Earl’s Court. By the 70s, Biba occupied a five-floor department store on High Street Kensington.
The exhibition looks at the story of the brand against the backdrop of the period. With a myriad of Biba outfits on display, it’s a feast for the eyes. And we are treated to a gallery of Hulanicki’s designs hung as paintings.
For younger (and younger-at-heart) visitors there’s an excellent area in the gallery where one can colour-in Hulanicki’s wonderful designs. Not only that but you can also download the templates and keep colouring at home.
I was so looking forward to the exhibition and it really delivered. Barbara Hukanicki is one of the stars of my London In The Swinging 60s walking tour. I’m a big fan of her work, but I learned a ton that I didn’t know at the exhibition. An excellent afternoon was had and I will definitely be going back.
NB As with ALL my reviews on the London Music Tours website, no complimentary review tickets were sought. I attended on a paid-for ticket on Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
Looking For Biba
Having seen the exhibition, you may want to find the locations of the original shops. So I’ve put this map together. It also includes the location of the Fashion & Textile Museum…
For use alongside the map, here’s a quick video of the locations you are looking for, as they look today…
The Exhibition
The Biba Story at the Fashion & Textile Museum runs to September 2024. My visit was on a super-busy day – it looks like it’s going to be a popular show and deservedly so. So I’d advise booking ahead. Visit the Fashion & Textile Museum website here: fashiontextilemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/
Playlist
As I write, my soundtrack is Marylebone Beat Girls 1964-1967…
… an excellent 25-track CD featuring a roster of female singing talent from the EMI labels in the 60s – Billie Davis, Julie Driscoll, Cilla’s on there, too. Buy the CD directly from the Ace Records website: www.acerecords.co.uk/
