For those of you who aren't familiar with the name Barbara Hulanicki (and if you're not, where have you been for the last 50 years?!), she is the original founder of BIBA, a chain of fashion stores in London and Brighton in the 1960's and 70's. BIBA became so popular, it wasn't just a clothing line, it was a way of life. And with famous fans such as Twiggy and Cilla Black, everyone wanted a bit of BIBA. The company eventually met it's untimely demise in 1975 and has seen many an unsuccessful revival, mainly in the 1990's and early 2000's. Thankfully, the label was purchased by House of Fraser in 2009 and is currently a concession sold within the majority of their department stores and online. Hulanicki has also been recently involved in designing collections for Topshop and George, ASDA's in house clothing label.
The exhibition itself covers every part of Hulanicki's life, from her childhood years in Poland, to moving with her family to England, to setting up 'Big Biba' - a stunning department store located on Kensington High Street (where Derry & Toms department store is located today) - to her most recent design endeavours and everything in between. There are many interactive delights to enjoy during the exhibition; video clips, sound bites, photos, interviews, catalogue clippings...the highlight for me however? The incredibly breath taking collection of original BIBA clothing. A massive haul of vintage pieces, beautifully displayed all in one place? What heaven is this?! Every single item is utterly stunning and in near perfect condition. The one piece that really stood out for me was a black floor-length evening dress with plunging sequin neckline and matching black jacket. I couldn't stop staring at it and just wanted to put it on & frolic around town like a 1970's film star! The exhibition even boasts a fabulous display of original BIBA make-up, kindly on loan from make-up artist, Lisa Eldridge (if you haven't yet checked out Lisa's YouTube channel, it's definitely worth taking a look).
I have been lucky enough to visit the exhibition twice. The first time was back when it first opened to the public in September 2012, the second with my Mum just last month. I am even more lucky to own a BIBA item myself - a lovely pinstripe wool jacket from the first revival collection for A/W 2009. It's a real piece of history that will no doubt increase in value with age. I can't ever imagine selling it though, it's too beautiful and such an amazing piece to have in my collection.
'BIBA and Beyond' is on at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery until 14th April, so if you hurry, you might just catch it! It's a £6 entry fee but students, seniors, children and Brighton & Hove residents benefit from generous discounts. Well worth the money I might add. There is also a special event affectionally named 'BIBA Believers', being held at the Museum on 23rd March. A day of events celebrating everything BIBA, where the wonderful woman herself will be making a guest appearance and doing a book signing. Tickets are £5 but you do need to book in advance. See you there!
Have you been to see 'BIBA and Beyond'? What did you think? Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
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