Biba, complete set of catalogues

BIBA. Six mail order catalogues. [London, 1968-1971].

A complete set, very rare, of the six mail order catalogues issued by London legendary fashion store Biba: a quintessential snapshot of 1960s style.

Established in 1964 by Polish-born fashion illustrator Barbara Hulanicki, Biba offered affordable fashion appealing to young women. Over time, Biba evolved into the world’s first lifestyle brand, reshaping British retail and fashion culture. Its flagship store in Kensington became a popular hangout for artists, film stars, and rock musicians, counting Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Marianne Faithfull, and Cathy McGowan among its clientele.

All six catalogues were designed by John McConnell, who also created the iconic Biba Art-Nouveau inspired logo. Each catalogue features images captured by a different photographer, including Helmut Newton, Donald Silverstein, Sarah Moon, and Harri Peccinotti. The catalogues’ unusual rectangular shape made them easy to fit through letterboxes.

Six booklets (35.5 x 18 cm), illustrated throughout, wrappers with Biba logo to upper covers; overall very good (some light cockling and creasing, extremities slightly rubbed, a few tiny holes from staples, occasional pencil and pen annotations). An original Biba plastic bag and Biba envelope are included.