Today I wanted to share my greatest source of inspiration for my shop, Red Velvet. It's the British fashion label, Biba (circa 1960s-1970s). I discovered Biba in the past year (thanks Mallory) and fell instantly in love. I love so many things about the biba brand. First of all, the story is absolutley magical! I ordered this book
last spring and have been so inspired by it!
Biba was trendsetting label. I love these designs by Barbara Hulanicki, creator of Biba. Through the years she's designed so many amazing pieces through her fashion label, but also in the interior design world. She's also an amazing illustrator. She's quickly become one of my heros in design. Here's my favorite wallpaper from her collection...
One of the first things I was attracted to about Biba was their incredible logo. It's perfect beyond words.
Oh my... the makeup. I love this look. A lot of the styling for Biba was inspired by the 1930s. So pretty!
Here's Kate Moss styled as a biba girl. I love this look. The hair, the eyes, the dark dark lipstick. Gorgeous!
When I read that Twiggy had modeled for Biba I couldn't help but be a little (tiny bit) jealous. She's such a legand that this made perfect sense! What a great fit. Not only did Twiggy model for the label, she was also a huge fan. I've seen a few interviews where she tells stories about Biba at it's prime and how competitive it was to shop there since things sold out so quickly. Love it!
I'm head over heels in love with this photo of the Biba shop girls moving to their new location! The shop had three incarnations, ranging from a small boutique to a seven story department store. Swoon! When I get my time machine, the first place I'm visiting is Big Biba.
The coolest thing I've ever seen in photos of the interior of the Biba stores is this giant record player! It's a display for records. So beautiful!!
I love the use of pattern in the Biba collections. So many beautiful graphic prints!
One of the best things about falling in love with Biba is that now I can search for it everywhere I go. Although the odds are very slim that I'll stumble on a treasure trove of vintage Biba, it's my new obsession and I love a good hunt! XO. Elsie
Oh my goodness! I just got Lucky magazine in the mail... was flipping through and there you are!!! I've been following you for a while and am so happy for you! What an awesome year you've been having, I hope the run continues. Congrats!
Posted by: Dana | August 07, 2011 at 05:22 PM
I just found your blog and I am IN.LOVE. over here! How have I not "met" you before?!
Posted by: Kristen | August 07, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Hi Els! Lovely "10 things I love" this sunday!!
I wish you a great week!
Posted by: Bruna Resende | August 07, 2011 at 05:52 PM
Oh, how I love Biba! Every image is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
http://thoreausdaughter.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Hillary | August 07, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Woah, that record display is sweet! Sixties London would definitely be at the top of my time machine itinerary. Thanks for the inspiring pictures!
Posted by: Candace | August 07, 2011 at 06:11 PM
Excellent Post!
xo
Posted by: CrowNology | August 07, 2011 at 06:15 PM
If you haven't already, you should check out the BBC's series, 'British Syle Genuis' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/britishstylegenius/). Biba was among those highlighted and was just part of a fascinating history of the style that is British fashion. I shouldn't wonder that your local library may have the series on DVD.
In the meantime, I do love those extra images you found/shared - very cool indeed and I can totally see why you are inspired by them. I think you and J should have one of those jumbo record players in your home/studio, just for the fun of it ;)
Hugs, xo
Posted by: beka {ginger*urchin} | August 07, 2011 at 06:23 PM
it looks very cool:).. the print were the greatest..
Posted by: ginella from my messy girlfriend | August 07, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Biba is the bomb! I'm with you on the time machine idea, I could spend hours in there playing dress up.
Posted by: Lisa Crumpets | August 07, 2011 at 06:26 PM
amazing! i love all the beautiful photos, and i'm dying over the record player display! it would be so cool to re-create that in red velvet and carry vintage and modern indie vinyl! WOW! i'll keep my eye out for biba in my thrifting excursions, and maybe if i find a special piece i'll send it your way.;)
Posted by: Mary-Beth | August 07, 2011 at 06:35 PM
The thing about Biba and the whole London scene in the 60s is that until then there were no clothes that weren't either children's or adults - serious, middle-aged adults at that! These new clothes gave room to move and showed off legs and were so totally radical it is hard to imagine now. The advent of lycra is possibly the only modern trend I can think of that changed the face of fashion in the same way. And like lydcra, mini skirts gave rise to similar unfortunate sights when people slavishly wear the latest fashion regardless of whether it flatters their body type or not!!! I do remember my first boss getting into trouble with the conservative people who ran our business for wearing pants to work - it was a trouser suit (pants and a tunic over it - nothing tucked in or `immodest')! By the way I am 49 - not 109 as you might imagine from these comments :-)
Posted by: Pilbara Pink | August 07, 2011 at 06:35 PM
presumably you're aware of the re-incarnated biba. i've never seen you wearing it - not a fan?
Posted by: laura kate | August 07, 2011 at 06:38 PM
This was so fun to read! I've never heard of Biba before but I can see why you're so in love. Their brand is beautiful!
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | August 07, 2011 at 06:41 PM
Kate moss is so gorgeous.
http://breatheandhush.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Katie | August 07, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Wow! This was a fun read! I absolutely agree with you about the logo - it's perfect. I was just reading on wikipedia about how it was such an integral part of Biba's marketing plan. And I would have loved to shop in one of those 7 story department stores - does the book describe how the stores looked? Wikipedia describes them as being really cryptic and seductive.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 07, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Cool! I'd never heard of this brand before. Loved this post, all the photos, and the way you drew on the pics. :)
Posted by: Ellen @ Black & White & Loved All Over | August 07, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Amazing. Great post!
♥ sécia
www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
Posted by: sécia | August 07, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I've never heard of Biba, but it looks so lovely! The logo and all of the styling is so amazing! I'm feeling so very inspired! Thanks for sharing your love! <3
Posted by: Ashlee | August 07, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Thanks for the comments!
Beka, Thanks so much for the link. I'll totally check that out!
Laura Kate, I'm actually not as interested in the new Biba lines. Would love something vintage, though!
I'm more a fan on Barbara Hulanicki and I find it very sad that they've carried on the Biba name without her, I guess. I did hear that she designed for Topshop a couple years ago and I'm veryyy sad I missed out on that. :)
Posted by: elsie | August 07, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Love this post!
Posted by: Lauren | August 07, 2011 at 07:49 PM