At long last, here is the definitive book on what is arguably the most important milestone in British fashion history. Alwyn W. Turner's indispensable 'The Biba Experience' is an dizzying journey back down the rabbit hole into Barbara Hulanicki's Art Nouveau/Art Deco-inspired wonderland of wide-eyed waifs in knee-high glitter boots. As super deluxe as its subject, this oversize volume offers a luscious feast of rare ephemera, as well as an exhaustive photographic catalogue of Pari's important collection of Biba originals. These visual gems embellish Turner's superlatively entertaining and informative text. The author successfully weaves his own exhaustive knowledge of the topic with poignant and often amusing accounts of those who actually experienced Biba firsthand during its dizzying heyday and tragic decline. At the same time, 'The Biba Experience' allows the reader to reassess Hulanicki's massive influence on fashion since the mid-1970s. In reviewing the gorgeously detailed photographs of Hulanicki's work here, it is evident that she did not possess the true couture genius of such contemporary designers as the mercurial Ossie Clark. But Biba encompassed so much more than fashion alone as the name of this book states quite accurately. Biba was a phenomenon-a fresh way of viewing the world that was equal parts nostalgic and futuristic. For its time, Biba was revolutionary in defining and satisfying a youthquake market that was frustrated with the childish frills and frippery that had been imposed upon them by conservative parents. Instead, Biba provided them with a darker-edged and openly sexual image, and one that was sometimes even dangerous in its Gothic undertones. 'The Biba Experience' cannot be more highly recommended. It will surely provide much lasting pleasure for the fashion student, couture historian, and fashionista alike.
