Once called “the world’s most beautiful store,” London fashion label and retail icon, Biba, exemplified the swinging 60s and groovy 70s. It wasn’t just a fashion label: it was a shop, a sensation and an attitude for the times.
Every “It” girl of the day passed through its walls: Twiggy, Bianca Jagger, Jean Shrimpton. The brand, which turns 40 today, even provided Anna Wintour with one of her first fashion experiences — the Vogue editor-in-chief worked at the store as a young woman.
When Barbara Hulanicki created Biba in 1963, it was a much humbler practice than the hefty boudoir-style department store it would later become.
it was a shop, a sensation and an attitude for the times
But everything took a turn thanks to a pink gingham Bridget Bardot look-alike dress that captured London’s attention and sent orders into the thousands ultimately leading Hulanicki to open an actual store in 1964 … and then an even bigger store in 1973. The premise of offering affordable, trendy pieces made Biba a gateway to the modern fast fashion we see today.
When the brand relaunched in 2010, we were excited to see it sticking to its High Street roots, and even more excited to see model and certified cool-girl Daisy Lowe as its new face.
Biba
Still distinctive and glamorous, Biba is looking pretty good for its age.
SHOP THE BIBA LOOK
Vivienne Westwood jumpsuit, $840, at Net-a-Porter
Quay Oh Mi sunglasses, $42.19, at Asos.com
Balenciaga Paris, $110, at Sephora
Metal tab satchel, $110, at Topshop
Stacking ring, $49.50, at Club Monaco
Crystal opal statement ring, $59.50, at Club Monaco
Kors Platform pump, $248, at YOOX
