Your questions answered by Barbara Hulanicki

Q: Dear Barbara Welcome back. I’ve waited 30 odd years for this – and the new collection is really great and totally in line with the old days AND contemporary fashion. I will be first in line at my local Asda for the dresses especially. One question – will the sleeves be tight? I remember that I was a size ten in London all those years ago and sometimes found the sleeves a little tight. I can understand why – the lines of the dress looked better. I’m happy to say that I’m still a size ten (although I understand the definition of a ten is a bit bigger) and my legs are OK, but the old arms have not got smaller at 57. Hopefully, they’ll be stretchy? Can’t wait. Regards Wynne

A: In the 60s we did not have these marvellous stretchy jerseys. It was only at the end of the 60s I found a double jersey, which helped with those skinny arms

Q: I still have a Biba black and gold (empty) baked beans tin which I used to have with ostrich feathers in. I only remember the Big Department Store, which was amazing especially the ground floor with the make up in every colour that was just not available anywhere else. I had one of the famous Biba posters on my wall all through university. I remember buying a midi skirt which was made from panels of contrasting material, all cut on the bias, winding round and then flaring out slightly mid calf. I did a lot of dressmaking at the time and knew that it would be very difficult to make such a skirt myself which made me appreciate it more. I wore it all the time. The question I would like to ask Barbara is did she ever think of becoming an architect? I know she has been doing interiors for some time, but think that should would have also made an excellent architect – there always seems to be to be a cross over between fashion and architecture. Good luck with her new venture and look forward to seeing the new range in George, and hope that not everything sells out before I can get there!” – elizabeth from Sheffield Funny you should say that but when I started doing interior design in Miami I had to instruct carpenters. I found it was just like pattern cutting but almost easier as wood doesn’t move and alter like fabric. I love doing both though, especially moving back and forth between the two, clothes and buildings. “Barbara, from your early 60s fashion sketches through to the sneak peek at the new range for George and via the decadent women you created for Sin Biba the ethereal yet strong women in your drawings intrigue me. Can you tell us something about them, are they your muses, your inspiration, the women you wish to dress, the sort of people you see the wearers of your clothes to be? Or is it something else? I’ve always felt that a beautiful piece of fashion comes with a dream attached and your ladies seem to exist in a whole dream world of their own. Thank-you Barbara for clothes that make me feel decadent in an effortless way.” – Emma-Jane from Elland

A: My ladies have always been very strong and independent. In the 60’s it was one of the first times that girls ceased to be treated like children, seen and not heard, they were earning their own money and moved away from home. They danced all night. Strong women inspire me.

Q: “Used to get Biba frocks first, from the original little shop in Kensington, and they accomodated the bump which is now middle-aged twins. Look forward to wearing some Biba designs again – and being able to buy them locally and on line. See from the preview that like us they have matured as we have and shall still suit us ex-mods, and our budget now, as pensioners. ” – Heather from Lincoln

A: This range is definitely for the x-mods and their daughters. There is no division today between the age groups. It’s really about how you wear it.

Q: “I loved all of my Biba clothes in the 60’s living in London was fantastic then and the Biba range was absolutely the best. I am so looking forward to seeing the collection in Asda and hope Barbara remembers the now 60’s in her new range. Where did the name Biba come from ?? ” – Helen from lanarkshire I am very excited to be designing for George at Asda. The clothes were meant for today’s BIBA babies and the x-mods. As I said, it’s really about how you wear the clothes.

A: The name BIBA was my sister Biruta’s nickname.

Q: “BIBA – Barbara Hulanicki is a genius, got a Saturday job as a teenager just so I could buy BIBA clothes, shoes and makeup – spent all my time in Big Biba every night after school, just heavenly, can’t wait to see the George collection from Barbara, hoping there will be some pieces evocative of the old BIBA style?” – B carroll from London

A: Everyone says it looks like BIBA GROWNUP! I am so happy you remember those fun days, it was great wasn’t it?

Q: “I think your collection looks fantastic! What I would like to know is who was your muse/what was your inspiration for the collection? Thanks!” – Lucy Earnshaw from Retford, Notts

A: My muse was the lovely long-legged English girl who is very eccentric and a FASHION BRAVE!

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