An intriguing new exhibition at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum shines a spotlight on Biba, one of the most influential fashion brands of the 1960s and 70s. The display opens with a strikingly simple dress made from fabric reminiscent of the cheap coverings once used on café tables. This unassuming garment was pivotal in Biba’s transformation from a modest mail-order catalog to a prominent department store that, at its peak, became one of London’s top tourist destinations.
The Biba exhibition, located in Bermondsey, delves into the factors that made the brand a cultural phenomenon among young people eager to embrace its distinctive style and the lifestyle it represented.
For attendees who experienced the 1950s, there’s a unique pleasure in being among the younger members of the audience, as the exhibition attracts many who fondly recall their youthful nights spent in Biba dresses.
A key factor in Biba’s widespread appeal was its affordability. As one of the exhibit panels explains, the challenge of sourcing large quantities of fabric led to limited production runs of designs. This strategy allowed Biba to frequently update its offerings while maintaining prices within reach for the fashion-conscious youth of the time.
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