What I Wore to the BIBA Exhibition

 And Wow on Wednesday

Dear friends.  Had a delightful outing with friends from the Kettlewell Colour Club to see the BIBA exhibition at the London Fashion & Textile Museum. 

BIBA was a fashion brand started by Barbara Hulanicki in 1964.  It became very influential and along with Mary Quant, was one of the fashion retailers shaping "the London Look." 

The opening of "Big Biba" in London in 1973 was a landmark moment, with 7 floors devoted to fashion.

BIBA was just a bit before my time. It ceased operating in 1975. At this time I was a young teenager just getting started in fashion.  I didn't have much money to spend but when I did I went to Van Allen, C&A or a trendy boutique in Plymouth, where I lived, called Eve. BIBA didn't come as far west as Plymouth.

Nonetheless, it was fascinating to see all the influences (David Bowie, Twiggy and others) and the fashions and brightly patterned fabrics in the exhibition. A lot of the fashion is still highly wearable today.  There was a brief foray into soups and chutneys, and a makeup line with scent was inevitable.

You may remember BIBA being relaunched at House of Fraser in the 2000s.  I had a fuchsia taffeta blouse with black pencil skirt which I wore at a work event where I was required to "say a few words."  I don't have either piece now. 

What did I wear at the exhibition?  A dress with definite 60s vibes, which was mine for just £5 from a charity shop. It's a lime satin dress with a crochet type overlay. I don't know if it's a genuinely vintage piece. The label says Opus London. 

It was a sunny day and we had a fabulous time, followed by lunch.  

The shop had some excellent books about fashion history plus some jewellery and other items. I picked up a pair of earrings that looked very Mary Quant-esque  (check out my post from when Penny and I visited the Quant exhibition at the V&A). 

Here are a few pictures of the ladies plus some of the BIBA exhibits. Below: Clare, kneeling next to me,  is wearing a genuine BIBA top. 

I don't think many of us meet the BIBA shape definition,  below! 

The BIBA exhibition runs until 8 September at the London Fashion and Textile Museum. 

What are your memories of BIBA? Do you have any BIBA clothes? What shops did you you frequent as a teenager?  Do tell in the comments.  Scroll down below the link-up for the comments box.

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60s and 70s fashion, BIBA exhibition, fashion over 50, London Look, Mary Quant, retro 60s dress