BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH BARBARA HULANICKI

On April 28th, Barbara Hulanicki (one of the most iconic figures of British fashion) is launching her collection for Topshop!

Barbara began her career in fashion in the early 1960s working as a freelance fashion illustrator covering all the important fashion collections for the major publications of the day, including Women's Wear Daily and British Vogue.  

In 1964, and in partnership with her husband, she founded Biba; the store that changed the face of teenage dressing. Biba's reign throughout the 60s and 70s culminated in a giant emporium on Kensington High Street which became a hang out for the rock and roll generation (and the musicians themselves).

Biba's door shut in 1976 but Barbara continued working in fashion; designing and illustrating before moving into interior design. Now continuing from where she left off in the 70s, Barbara re-joins the fashion world for a new generation of fans. Including printed chiffon blouses, skin-tight flares plastered in animal prints, three-quarter sleeve suede jackets and wide-leg jumpsuits with cutaway shoulders, we can't wait for her new collection to land!

To get a glimpse at the collection here are some behind-the-scenes pics from our lookbook video shoot shot by Kinga Burza (a music video director with Ladyhawke and Kate Nash videos to her name). Keep your eyes peeled for the final video, we'll be posting it up soon!

Also Barbara herself will be on the blog in the run up to the launch answering your questions.  Simply post your question below and check back soon to read her answer...

Comments

[Sarah]

Hi Barbara! From the few pictures I've seen, this looks to be a really exciting original collection. I could ask lots of questions but I'll restrict myself to one! I'm curious to know how much you consciously either avoided or drew upon elements of your Biba legacy in this Topshop collaboration.

[Krystal S.]

I am thrilled for this, I seem to love all topshop's collaborations!

[Poppy]

This looks so great. I'm an 18 year old fan (and collector) of Biba and am really excited to be finally able to support the lady that made it all happen. It's gonna be hard not to buy the whole collection!

I'd like to ask Barbara-

How has your outlook changed now that, unlike twenty-odd years ago, young, cool fashions are readily available on the highstreet? Do you think
there is more to be done to perfect the fashion industry? What do you think the future of fashion looks like? Does it look bright?!

Thankyou, and I'm excited to hear back...!

[June Russell]

Hi Barbara

Hope you are well. I am a big fan of yours and still have your clothes from the sixties including a sequinned waistcoat for my daughter who was then 6 months old and is now 34! Is your New Collection strictly for the young, or will there be some for your older followers?

Very best wishes

June

[Elle Korhaliller]

Oh, I can't wait for this- read about it in Vogue!

[Esther]

Hello Barbara,
I'm really curious about your new collection for Topshop. My question is: for the Biba collections you were inspired by Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Victoriana. What was your inspiration for this new collection?
Thank you!

[Carole Semaine]

Hi Barbara

I'm so happy that this is happening! And about time too! Having been one of the Biba team I can't wait for the opportunity to wear your designs again - it's been too long coming!
Best wishes
Carole

[Marie]

Wow!! Looks so great! Do you know if it will be available in the online shop as well? I live in Denmark...

www.afashiontale.dk

[elisabeth]

so so excited, have just reserved the coral shoulder dress for delivery later this week!

i've got a question...

is there any trends in the last 20 years that particularly influenced the collection for topshop?

[Poppy]

Just seen the preview collection and i'm seriously impressed. Also, in the video there's what appears to be a black cat suit with no shoulders and a floaty neckline... thats gonna be in my wardrobe next week!

[jude gosselin]

just want to keep in touch

[jude gosselin]

hello,barbara good to see you,judex