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
wonderful inspiration!! thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Yellow Elm | August 07, 2011 at 07:53 PM
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
Posted by: Tammy | August 07, 2011 at 08:27 PM
Oh, I don't think I'd heard about this brand before. Everything looks so cool! I'd love to have that last pink dress!
Have a colorful week! ;)
Miki.
Posted by: Miki | August 07, 2011 at 08:52 PM
inspiring, indeed!! Those photos are amazing, and I can definitely see why you are drawn to the brand! I hope you find some vintage Biba in your lifetime! hey, I know... let's take a RV trip to europe for special thrifting adventures? I'm in.. and we can stop at Orla too. ;)
xo
Posted by: hollysarah. | August 07, 2011 at 08:53 PM
There is a new store in Portland, called Eden, that is completely inspired by Biba! You would love it. If you're ever here, you should check it out! www.edenportland.com -- the owner Cindy is a gem!
Posted by: Marisa | August 07, 2011 at 09:03 PM
I've actually never heard of biba but just looking at the photos I can see how much it's influenced recent fashion! I adore it!
Posted by: Josie | August 07, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Check out Lisa Eldridge's makeup tutorials with Biba makeup. They're fantastic! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwbggXSCe7c&NR=1
Posted by: Brittanny | August 07, 2011 at 09:46 PM
I LOVE Biba too and have been a fan for many, many years so I was tickled pink to see this post!!! My sister was so lucky - she won a collector's Biba book from her work. I live between the US and UK right now. ASDA (Wal-Mart equivalent) sells Barbara Hulanicki clothes. I don't buy my clothes from ASDA when I'm in England but I do enjoy browsing and seeing her name on things. I would love to go back in time and live in London in the 60s. My mother in law owned several Biba dresses in her day.
Posted by: Mrs L... | August 07, 2011 at 09:55 PM
Awesome post! You should check out Lisa Eldridge on YouTube, she recently did a video series using vintage bibs makeup!
Posted by: Cait a | August 07, 2011 at 10:15 PM
You're vey welcome Elsie. I just noticed that the link I left somehow added a ). at the end. If you delete these two characters from the hyperlink (and thusly wrong page) and click return you'll go where I meant to send you. Sorry for that.
I'm sure in time TopShop Biba will go vintage and then your luck might be in ;)
Posted by: Beka | August 07, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I love the post we have some great stores here in Chicago ! I will look they have some good stuff ! Should I find I will comment right away :) very informative I love fashion from this era :)
Posted by: jenny | August 07, 2011 at 10:55 PM
That's a very special feeling, when you get to find such a great source of inspiration, it is very magical.
thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Penelope | August 07, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Love it! Wow, that heart print dress is so uber-cute:)
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | August 07, 2011 at 11:11 PM
What an amazing collection! And you're right - the logo is smashing!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 07, 2011 at 11:39 PM
I love this list. Did you enjoy the latest free people catalog? :3
Posted by: Danielleorama | August 07, 2011 at 11:54 PM
if you like biba make up, then go to youtube and check out lisa eldridge. she's married to one of the director's of british vogue and is an outstanding make-up artist (who has a complete set of biba make-up). she's done some really cool tutorials using biba make-up!
Posted by: Christy | August 08, 2011 at 01:07 AM
Great post! I thought I'd never heard of Biba before, but the logo seems so familiar! Loving the cat pattern - usually I don't wear patterns really but I'd wear this one ;-)
http://thesignaturebow.blogspot.com/
NEW OUTFIT POST: At Robson Square
Posted by: Leonie | August 08, 2011 at 02:05 AM
Great homage to Biba and I love them too - it's not a design house, it was a complete style concept and so inspiring artistically!
Posted by: Belinda McCarthy | August 08, 2011 at 03:04 AM
Aaaaaw, My mum was a Biba girl. My sister and I have inherited a couple of Biba frocks, as well as some Ozzie Clark/Celia Birtwell ones. Lucky girlies. She used to queue up, when they had a delivery of boots, and people in the street would come and take pictures of her when she was Biba'd up. I named my little Shih Tzu after Biba, is kind of annoying now that there is this Justin Bieber boy, I hope no one thinks she is named after him when I yell her name in the park!
Posted by: lucy | August 08, 2011 at 03:13 AM
wowwww..i love it, it's a great way to style an shop...
Posted by: Marisa | August 08, 2011 at 03:20 AM