Biba's Back Baby...

Barbara Hulanicki, founder of groundbreaking 1960's fashion label Biba, casually and confidently likens the success and fame of her creation to that of The Beatles. And rightly so. "They did music and we did clothing", she said.

She founded the Biba boutique in 1964 with her late husband Stephen Fitz-Simon, starting out as a mail order business. Thanks to belief and perseverance, the store they finally opened attracted regulars such as David Bowie, Twiggy and Marianne Faithful. Biba was the first label at the time to really provide stylish yet affordable clothes. Mary Quant and Jean Muir were desirable but expensive. Many would say Biba paved the way for the affordable, on trend stores we find on our high streets today. It defined a generation.

I absolutely adore the Biba Art Nouveau logo. It encapsulates perfectly Barbara's love of patterns and prints, and is completely timeless. Biba as it was, finally closed in 1975 and the name was sold, but pieces are still widely sought after and collected by vintage lovers today.

SO... you may be interested to hear that in September 2010 (erm, that's 2 days from now), House of Fraser will be re-launching Biba as one of their house brands. They say,

"Biba has been recreated a couple of times but without much success. This time it is set to epitomise a new generation. House of Fraser will not only be creating modern day pieces but will also be recreating the archive collections."

Daisy Lowe has been brought in as the new face of the brand. I already have my eye on a black leather bag with the beautiful Biba logo stamped into the front, *drool*. I know what I'm asking for for Christmas this year!

Daisy Lowe wearing animal print Biba coat for HOF, £390.

Now it may not be a Biba coat, but why not get the look with this Love Miss Daisy Vintage faux fur leopard print number! UK 12/14, £75

The Biba collection will be available from September 2010 and will be exclusive to House of Fraser, it will be stocked online and in 30 select stores.