Biba: The Biba Experience [Hardcover]

Alwyn W. Turner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2004

Biba brought the cutting-edge of couture to the masses. Brigitte Bardot, Yoko Ono and Princess Anne shopped there, whilst Sonny and Cher, Mick and Marianne, and David and Angie were regular visitors, but the store was never the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous: prices were kept deliberately low, and anyone who could tolerate the disdainful inefficiency of the staff was encouraged to soak up the glamour of a unique shopping experience. This lavishly illustrated and beautifully produced book is intended for those interested in the fashion and graphic design of the '60s and '70s, from a creative and historical standpoint, plus the huge number of people who remember Biba from the period with such affection. Alwyn W. Turner is a widely published writer on popular culture of the '60s and '70s. His work has featured in books such as The Rough Guide to Rock and in Mojo magazine and he is a contributor to the BBC Online website. His own websites Trash Fiction and Glitter Suits & Platform

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A must-buy for anyone seeking inspiration or a gentle reminder of a creative legend' Vogue 'A sumptuous and carefully-researched book' The Scotsman --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Alwyn W Turner is a widely published writer on popular culture of the 1960s and '70s. His work was featured in books such as The Rough Guide to Rock and in Mojo magazine and he is a contributor to the BBC Online website. His own websites Trash Fiction and Glitter Suits & Platform Boots - focus on books and music of the period.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Dist (September 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851494669
• ISBN-13: 978-1851494668
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,295,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Magic gone like Biba's gone, December 16, 2005

By 

Susan Maresco "suzemaresco" (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Biba: The Biba Experience (Hardcover)

I, too, was there in the late '60s, living and working in London with Biba just across the street beckoning daily. The text in this book is informative and interesting to anyone who has done retail or wants to know about its vagaries, and the photos are superb. But it is one person's collection, and for me, the visual essence and excitement of Biba is missing. Maybe it's the fact that there are no customers with their enthusiasm, or maybe I'm just missing the amazing array of color and design that hit you at each entry into Biba's, which the book does not really capture.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reliving the magic!, March 20, 2005

By 

Michelle B. Braverman (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biba: The Biba Experience (Hardcover)

As someone who was "there"-- a young New Yorker working for the fashion press in the late '60s, frequent traveler to London (first stop: Biba), habitue of Bergdorf's Biba Boutique for Mahogany lipstick and lucky enough to have a British friend sending catalogues and clothes, I can honestly say reading Alywyn Turner's book on Biba was like living it again. He accurately and lovingly recreates the temper of the times and the uniqueness that was Biba. He also takes you way behind the scenes (where even Barbara Hulanicki did not go in her autobiography) as to the crash and burn in 1975. I did not "get" Big Biba either, and have always felt a little guilty about that. Nice to know I was not alone. Both a beautiful coffee table book of gorgeous photogaphs, ephemera and loving detail shots of the garments. I understand Barbara was grumbling about this book and did not cooperate with the author. I think she missed being part of a great tribute. Oh yes, I never kept any of my Biba clothes or stuff. You can imagine my regret!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bibalicious!!!, October 27, 2004

By 

Lady Broadbent (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biba: The Biba Experience (Hardcover)

This book is the ultimate (and perhaps only) true documentation of the entire Biba experience. Barbara Hulanicki was a true visionary who actually preceeded Ralph Lauren in creating a total lifestyle shopping environment. Her unwavering vision ultimately grew too big and needed outside financial backing to grow and even survive, leading to it's untimely demise.
Alwyn Turner's book is a treasure trove of images and text that transport all of us who were not lucky enough (or old enough) to see 'Big' Biba in person. Pari's world class collection is presented in lavish photographs that truly paint a vivid (yet muted) picture of the genius that is Barbara Hulanicki.