Pretty Poetic

Yayoi Kusama

2012-01-14T11:54:00.000Z

"Will London like these works? Will they be in my show?" she plaintively asks Frances Morris, the Tate's head of international art collections.
"But Kusama, there are so many! We are hanging 30 of the new works in one room," answers Morris diplomatically, mindful if the endeavour and the cost of shipping. "However we would love you to come over to London for the opening".
"But I have to paint!" resorts Kusama, who has not left Japan for 12 years.
"Have you ever painted during a flight? We could give you mini canvases for the journey..." suggests Morris. Kusama tilts her head to one side before bouncing to her feet from her wheelchair, much to the alarm of her assistants, and zooming over to the rack to pull another painting.

(Taken from piece by Harriet Quick for Vogue Magazine)

Yayoi Kusama will be exhibiting at the Tate Modern 9 February – 5 June 2012. Really looking forward to this exhibition form the 82 year old polka dot queen.

Photo: MCA Australia

Also looking forward to the Kusama and Louis Vuitton collaboration... can't wait to see these polka dots interpreted in leather. Louis Vuitton does artist/ fashion collaborations so well, remember Takashi Murakami

Duro Olowu

2011-12-18T08:34:00.002Z

One of my favorourite discoveries of 2011 has been Nigerian designer Duro Olowu. I was perusing through the wonderful pages of Net-a-Porter one afternoon when I came across the most heavenly dresses. Heavenly to me because I love good print and garments that are whimsical, especially those that make reference to history.

Duro Olowu is a Nigerian born London designer who trained as a Lawyer but later on decided to pursue his love for fashion and lucky us that he did! To move from what's expected of you culturally or by your family and pursue something that is a dream or a passion takes an element of risk and confidence and a great deal of vision and planning. Professions such as Law and Medicine are usually a first choice for African parents when they're choosing careers for their children, I began university life studying Architecture. Usually it's because of the clear career path, you work hard, you gain certain qualifications, join certain societies and you 'automatically' guarantee yourself a well paid job in several parts of the world.

Olowu not only inspires me through his designs and prints (the prints used in his garments are designed and printed by his own label) but I am also inspired by his attention to detail and the path his career has taken. He took his passion by the horns and step by step established his label and has gained international recognition and respect.

Being an artist or a creative is not as 'flash in the pan' as it may appear. It takes time and a definite process to produce a painting, a poem or a fashion collection. Gaining true recognition requires even more plus an element of being in the right place at the right time and knowing where your work belongs. You can follow the crowd or a written 'artistic' path but you are more likely to find true success by understanding where you product or design fits, not where it appears to fit, who your audience actually is, not who it should be, again, it's about having a strong vision of your own from the start and not following someone else's vision or plan.

Read Olowu's interview with The Root here.

Photo credit: visionaryartistrymag.com

Photo credit: Style.com

Uhuru's Wings: Freedom to Fly

2011-11-28T07:09:00.001Z

Introducing Uhuru's Wings: Freedom to Fly

The beauty and craft of the Maasai culture is one that is loved and celebrated not only by East Africans. We have recently seen so many designers both local and international draw inspiration from this. Beadwork practiced by the Maasai's have decorated and made beautiful long before they began to inspire designers and artists around the world. Kangas, Vitenge and Maasai shukas have been part of Tanzanian fashion before 'African fashion' became couture. But recently we have seen them emerging on international catwalks and fashion collections.

This first collection from London based jewellery and accessories brand: Heart 365 Emporium is entitled Uhuru's Wings: Freedom to Fly. Drawing inspiration from the Maasai culture was a way for founder Jacqueline Kibacha to celebrate the beauty of the country of her origin, Tanzania and to share with the world that which is our own. Heart 365 will give back to the Maasai community by donating to the Emusoi Centre, Arusha through this collection. The Emusoi Centre is an organisation which finds funds to provide and facilitate opportunities for secondary age Maasai girls both in education and vocationally.

Uhuru's Wings: Freedom to Fly was launched in London earlier this month at the charity event by UK charity Comic Relief called: See Africa Differently. Visit www.heart365.co.uk to view some of this collection.

For more information contact: info@heart365.co.uk

Johnny Osbourne Truth and Rights

2011-11-21T09:33:00.000Z

Found myself singing this song this morning. Reggae classic which was released in 1979... a great year...

"Render your hearts and not your garments" translated as Change your life, not just your clothes, that's my thought for the week.

Happy Monday friends.

And so it begins... Heart 365

2011-11-19T09:51:00.001Z

This time last year I decided that there was more I could do creatively. I love writing and poetry will always be a part of what I do but having spent so much of my life studying and practicing art and textiles I wanted to bring my experience together in a new project I decided to call Heart 365 (more about this later).

I'm happy to say that earlier this month... a year later, I was able to debut a jewellery line Heart 365 Jewellery London at the Comic Relief: See Africa Differently launch event. Heart 365 Jewellery was showcased as part of the Africa Fashion Week London and Uber Africa Exhibition. The event was hosted by television presenter Andy Akinwolere and we had a special stand up comedy set from award winning comedian Eddie Kadi. It was a great evening where people from international and UK aid and development organisations, mingled with bloggers, music industry people, artists and business men and women all with an interest and a love for Africa.

Here are some pictures from the event including some of the guests trying on the title piece of the collection: Uhuru's Wings.

Myself with Comic Relief Director Amanda Horton- Mastin

Blogger and Fashionista wearing Uhuru's Wings

Myself with Ugandan designer Jose Hendo

UK Comedian Eddie Kadi wearing Uhuru's Wings

Guests at the event wearing some Heart 365 Jewellery pieces

Ronke Ademiluyi Director of Africa Fashion Week London

I'm really excited about the beginnings of the Heart 365 journey and so grateful to those who have encouraged me through their kind words, phonecalls, messages, time and amazing taste and graphic skills (last two are you in particular Aika). We all know it isn't easy to see someone else's vision before it materlializes, many of us become supporters once we see a persons success... but just to encourage anyone out there considering a leap into their dreams and plans, find your people, just a few, the ones you know are 'for you' and not just for what you could do or could become. There won't be many and in fact you may lose some along the way but the treasure in those that are yours cannot be measured.

Heart 365... It took a year to birth but now that we're out there there's plenty more to come... stay tuned.

Swahili Fashion Week - Eskado Bird

2011-11-14T12:19:00.001Z

Swahili Fashion Week wrapped up this weekend and I was especially waiting to hear who would win the Up Coming Designer of the Year award. Always excited about new fresh African designers I wasn't disappointed to see that the award went to Eskado Bird.

What I love about this collection? It says effortless chic with the perfect proportions of print, khaki and colour, a little tailoring and enough 'slouch'... and of course the wings, artistically referenced in the outside pockets, frills and drapes. I already know which pieces I'm getting!

Here's some shots from the collection entitled "What's Your Freedom". For more check out the Facebook page

Eskado Bird also took the award for the most impressive stands. Keep flying high team bird!

Paula Hemmings Photography

2011-10-28T14:51:00.001+01:00

With my model Kemi Olaofe

A sneak peak from the shoot

There seem to be so many artists out there but when you need services why is it so hard to find someone?

Yesterday we had the shoot for Heart 365 Jewellery my new project. What a great morning! I love to share so I must definitely recommend Paula Hemmings Photography, professional, helpful and I really felt that she treated my 'baby' as her own!

Check her out at www.paulahemmings.com

And join my jewellery journey via Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Heart365.co.uk more about this soon...

The Nobel Peace Prize 2011

2011-10-14T16:36:00.001+01:00

Photo credit: UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

Liberian president and Africa's first elected woman president - 'Iron Lady' Ellen Johnson Sirleaf


photo credit: Jessica Rinaldi

Liberian peace activist responsible for organizing a peace movement that brought an end to the Second Liberian Civil War (2003) - Leymah Gbowee


Photo credit: Khaled Abdullah / Reuters

The chairwoman of Women Journalists Without Chains, Yemeni journalist and activist, the face of the 2011 Yemeni uprising - 'Iron Woman' Tawakkul Karman

Thinking back to how this year started, cries for revolution and freedom from oppressive regimes causing outbreaks in Middle Eastern and African nations, the force of grass roots rising up with the message that there comes a time when only if taken by force can real peace be obtained, I was excited to know who would be the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize 2011. How inspiring to hear that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to these 3 women.

That 2 of them carry nicknames of 'iron' shows the kind of qualities needed for "non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work".

2011 I feel has marked the beginning of the new Age of Revolution. I'm proud that the Nobel Peace Prize 2011 was awarded to women of 'iron', women of change.

Mwalimu Julius Nyerere

2011-10-14T10:02:00.000+01:00

Nyerere Day is a Tanzanian holiday which marks the death and celebrates the life of our first President Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

One of my favourite quotes from Julius Nyerere is

"We the people of Tanzania would like to light a candle and put it on top of Mount Kilimanjaro. It would shine beyond our borders, giving hope where there was despair, love where there was hate, and dignity where before there was only humiliation."

I love it because even though I've grown up outside of Tanzania it's a desire I was born with and taught to nurture, to live a life that can be likened to a candle that makes a positive difference to people that need it the most. It is an ambition close to my heart and hearing it said in the words of our Baba wa Taifa (Father of the Nation) makes me believe that home truly is where the heart is. It also gives me hope because if this lives in the hearts of many Tanzanians then there remains hope for Tanzania to one day become all that it could be.

Happy Nyerere Day!

Wangari Maathai RIP

2011-09-26T08:04:00.001+01:00

"African women in general need to know that it's OK for them to be the way they are - to see the way they are as a strength, and to be liberated from fear and from silence."

Wangari Maathai (1st April 1940- 25 September 2011)

At the age of 71 Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmental activist and the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize lost her fight with cancer in Sundays last hour.

Wangari Maathai did more than plant trees, she planted a seed of inspiration in women like myself to fight for my God given voice, to be proud of who I am as an African woman and to use what I have to make a difference in whatever environment I find myself planted.

As we strive and study and work and connect with other people let us do it with a vision for what we will be leaving as an example and a legacy to those who follow us. Let us consider how we use our hands to build and not tear down so that our impact on our environment and the environment is a positive and lasting one.

Rest in Peace Wangari Maathai.

Sheria Ngowi for Miss Tanzania 2011

2011-09-16T22:59:00.000+01:00

Sheria Ngowi Designs is a Tanzanian label which up until now has been all about the menswear. But Sheria Ngowi gave us a first look at his new work last weekend when he dressed the contestants for Miss Tanzania 2011. I couldn't wait for his look book so here are some pictures of a few of the fabulous gowns he created for the night pictures courtesy of Haki Ngowi's blog.

Old school glamour with a contemporary edge. Looking forward to seeing more.

Favorite of the night was this gorgeous gown designed especially for Ms Mwamvita Makamba of Vodacom Tz.

Miss Tanzania contestants on stage. These gowns definitely have the wow factor.

Arise Made in Africa at NYFW

2011-09-16T22:34:00.001+01:00

Arise Magazine had their 3rd annual show at New York Fashion Week last night and I was so excited to be able to watch it in London as it was streamed live.

I enjoyed all 7 collections but my favorite was Jewel By Lisa. I loved her use of print and sequins that took the garments to another level. Here are a few pieces from their Spring/Summer 2012 collection pictures courtesy of Haute Fashion Africa

Visit the Arise Magazine website to watch the highlights from the show

Respect La Diva

2011-09-09T08:32:00.001+01:00

I always get excited over inspirational women and the arts especially when supporting a good cause. Respect La Diva is a new London Show which opened on September 7th at the Garrick Theatre.

Respect La Diva is an uplifting musical celebration paying tribute to some of the greatest female singers of all-time including Diana Ross in Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Shirley Bassey, MariahCarey, Beyoncé, Dusty Springfield and many more.

The show's creators are working with a charity called Refuge which supports women against domestic violence and children against child abuse.

Check out this promo video and grab your tickets while they last!

You can buy tickets which start at £11 by clicking here

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

2011-09-07T21:50:00.000+01:00

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be reading at Book Slam in London this month! Really excited to hear this. A celebrated voice and high on the list of young Africans of influence she is the author Purple Hibiscus, Half Of A Yellow Sun and The Thing Around Your Neck. If you haven't seen the clip of Chimamanda on TED sharing The Danger of a Single Story please check it out.

Also taking the stage at Book Slam 20th September is Inua Ellams, the awesome poet, performer, graphic artist, playwright I've shared videos of in previous Pretty Poetic posts. His publication 13 Fairy Negro Tales is still one of my favourites, you need to get yourself a copy, the art work is amazing too.

Book Slam is a very cool, literary event unlike your conventional. I attended for the first time when it was in a Notting Hill club under a skateboard park. There's music and a nice buzz, it's always entertaining.

The event on the 20th will be The Clapham Grand, St. John's Hill, SW11 1TT. £6 in advance (more on the door). Show starts at 7.30... people generally get there on time, if you're late you will miss out. Go to the Book Slam website for more details.

Merkato

2011-08-27T17:49:00.007+01:00

A beautiful, sensitive and heartwarming clip. I would LOVE to see how this project could develop if it gets enough funding... Here are a few words from the documentary's creator Sosena Solomon.

"This film is a beautiful and nuanced portrait of five unique individuals and their particular relationship with the market. The modern development in Ethiopia and its overall impact on the people and culture of this unique community is threatening the survival of MERKATO. I knew this moment had to be documented to share the unheard voices of the people affected the most. It has been a very exciting and personal journey filming MERKATO. I found a deeper insight in my own culture that was grounding and rewarding. I am so grateful for such a vibrant experience. I want to make this film & photo book because I have always loved this market; the smells, the people, the colors, the chaos! It just gives you an incredible feeling and I want to experience this with you."

Visit http://merkato.onsugar.com/ for more breathtaking images and information on how you can pledge as little as $5 if you love what you see, and want to support an independent film maker documenting a little of what we love about Africa...

Hero by Bahati Mabala

2011-08-10T22:47:00.001+01:00

With the London riots the past few days, the heart breaking images from the horn of Africa where there is a famine I fear we might forget about and Tanzania... no water, no electricity and now no fuel... I've been holding my breath and holding my tongue filled with such a mix of emotions both good and bad. Read this piece by Tanzanian poet Bahati Mabala... and I'm finally beginning to exhale...

Hero

hate’em or love’em, we can’t leave him
the country needs him
we just need a president who
still believe in him

A new chapter, old knowledge
like the revelations from the ancient mythologies
that still speak, the Mayan hieroglyphs,
smarter than the programmers
who encode symbols
so we can converse with our gadgets that never sleep,
your ipod shuffles my thoughts, but can’t shovel my voice
like Holy father’s magician, Jesus Christ
with his holy miracles
while our ancestors spiritual powers labeled evil,
and witchcraft,
but to us, an aircraft flying is simply genius,
undocumented migrant wanders
like undocumented traditions, still orally kept
with tabloid blogs the modern day Griots,
now watch how your identity
disappears, like the pages of Ujamaa’s wisdom
reason why, we still we looking for a hero

hard to relate, when everything is about race
I flip the scriptures, all I read is foreign names,
Before Christ, we had Gods
now they’re no longer twitter trend,
so we skip their lessons to assimilate, in the world
where you’re still the lowest in the human chain,
but we’re in crisis with ourselves, with the
blackouts in our black heads,
no wonder why some have black hearts
turning our black backs, on our rich ancient days
where pride was deep rooted, in our black soil of our dark skin,
But these are just thoughts
digging holes
searching for salvation in the form of gold,
reminiscing Mwanamutapa empire
so please God,
don’t embargo my blessings
or the wealth of my heart will also go into recession,
then what will my children inherit?
I have been a good Negro, buying your words
and ignoring my own,
no wonder
Black heroes are hard to find,
just villains

Back to the chapter, 50 pages ahead
& the story doesn’t inspire,
The Arusha Declaration philosophy
remains to be like a hieroglyph,
They can’t decode?
OR They
just busy searching for codes to the safe
to steal more,
The beginning of my end,
hospital shelves, empty, like our emptiness inside
thank God our bodies run on blood, and not on gas
& the Dr. is unqualified, Bagamoyo fisherman
now a heart surgeon,
But I refuse to prepare for our funeral,
although I’m on life support, and the machine is a boombax
watch how the poetry, in the Hip Hop musicology
brings back the pulse, inhales life back,
and I’m back, yes, & conscious,
but a foreigner in my indigenous land
and the indigenous
are the fictional characters we once read
coz today we’re less ourselves, & more than themselves
just tragedy, watching our existence scattering away

But what’s the essence of the present
is it Globalization apartheid?
recessions, inflations
leaving pockets empty, coughing dusts
dusts of gunpowder, while wallets hide blades
with masked faces
transforming us to mayhem
so you cling to faith, I’ll cling to my soul
you live the gospel, I’ll live Ubuntu
coz both the looks of Prophet Mohammed & God
are carved on my Makonde ebony mask
since knowledge was there before these colleges
that you pay millions, and still you can’t live decently
now who MUST BE CRAZY, you or the GODS?

Manik Mercian

2011-08-02T17:07:00.001+01:00

Last month we had the UK Jewellery Awards 2011 and I really wanted to share my favourite inspiration. She was the winner in the 'Catwalk Jewellery' category, meet Manik Mercian a super talented London based artisan. I love how she references her Sri Lankan heritage in her work and of course that she works with the medium I love... crystals!

You might recognize Mercian's work, or perhaps the wearers of her work as her pieces have been worn by a lot of familiar faces, but most notably, she has been designing 'jewelled metal couture' for the Victoria Secret catwalk show for the last 6 years.

Here are some photos of a couple of her pieces.. Heavenly Creatures (as modelled by Chanel) and something a little... darker.

For more on Manik Mercian check out her website.

Melody Ehsani Interview

2011-07-28T09:19:00.002+01:00

CY Mag: How do you deal with creative blocks?

M.E: At first I would get a little frustrated but now I’ve grown to really understand that a lot of people have a mistaken idea about creativity…they think it’s just a light bulb that goes off in your head and you think of an idea and that’s it.... I know I start in a place that is kind of dark in the sense of you don’t know where it’s going to lead and where the light is going to crack through. Once it does it’s kind of like a circle and it’s amazing going through that process.

Read the rest of the interview on Melody Ehsani's blog

Art of Change Exhibition

2011-07-19T23:18:00.003+01:00

With my piece, 'Visionary' oil paint and fabric

Last night I attended the private view for the Art of Change Commonwealth Art exhibition held at the Commonwealth Society. I attended as an artist as one of my pieces 'Visionary', was part of the exhibition.

A favourite of ours by another artist

Art of Change is a visual arts exhibition of diverse media by women representatives of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth. This is in line with the 2011 theme of the Commonwealth "Women as Agents of Change" The exhibition was coordinated by Chima Ezeilo director of Kambani Arts an organisation dedicated to promoting African artists around the world.

I wore Chichia London. Representing Tanzania all the way

An honor to exhibit with such brilliant women

Kemi and Swarovski crystal man

With my painting

If in London you can still see the exhibition as all works will be showcased at The Royal Commonwealth Society's Commonwealth Club Gallery from 18 July to 5 August 2011 (25 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5AP Tel 020 7766 9200)

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela

2011-07-18T09:15:00.002+01:00

"In my country we go to prison first and then become President." Nelson Mandela

The same can be said of pursuing dreams and ambitions in life I believe. To achieve your goals and to get to the top of your mountain you first go through the lowest and hardest points where the peak seems no where in physical sight but is somehow engraved in hope, in the visions of your heart.

27 years in prison I'm sure there were days when Nelson Mandela felt the vision of his heart fading away. But he somehow maintained it and now we celebrate him as one of the most significant leaders in history.

Vision takes a person through the darkest times. The power of a vision that is wider than just 'me', creates a legacy that can live for good, far beyond our appointed days on this earth.

Happy 93rd Birthday Mr Mandela! Thank you for your vision and your example.

Labour Women's Network Dinner

2011-06-21T17:35:00.003+01:00

I recently attended the Labour Women's Network Fundraising Dinner. Special guests included Rt Hon Yvette Cooper and Baroness Oona King who nearly lost her voice doing the auction.

The venue was gorgeous, the food was amazing, my favourite, North African. And the company- I love being around inspiring women who are determined to make a difference in their families and communities. It was so great to see women MPs, women Councillors and those with aspirations, pushing boundaries and working hard. I attended with the Labour Black Women's Network, a group of fabulous women with admirable drive and ambition and most importantly in my book... sisterly love and support for each other.

What touched me most, perhaps because I am a wife and mother, was seeing women with very young babies standing up and talking about what they had managed to achieve. Stories of starting out with the Labour Party not knowing how far they wanted to go on their political journey or in fact could go, and then finding their feet and their place within what is still a male dominated environment- all through being a part of a supportive network.

It was lovely to see a few men at the dinner either there to support or holding babies whilst the women took the mic and shared their stories. It's not an easy road and even more so for women. Although this is 2011 when you're a wife or a mother it is an especially challenging journey of juggling responsibilities and dividing yourself between your various roles. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. That's why as women we should never be putting each other down or stepping on each other to reach our goals.... we need to be building each other up.... and men.... your women need your support and for you to be proud of them, their journey is a journey for your daughters also.

Below are some photos of some of the ladies at my table. Take a close look, whether at the front or behind the scenes these women are going places. I'm proud to get to get to know them.

Chichia London

2011-06-20T17:57:00.005+01:00

Finally got to wear one of my new Chichia London pieces this weekend. If you haven't heard the recent buzz around this fashion label (that's been around for a few years now), then I don't know where you've been hiding. To name a few Chichia London's recently been spotted in Look Magazine, Grazia Magazine , Pride Magazine and Marie Claire.

Chichia London is owned by London based Tanzanian designer Christine Mhando. I had the pleasure of meeting the chic, petite Ms Mhando and was excited that she is the embodiment of her brand. I love that Chichia London is a mix of both cultures that I've grown up in and love. I LOVE the slightly retro feel in the choice of prints and the completely on trend silhouettes.

'Like' Chichia London's Facebook page for more info and a look at their collections. Chichia London totally satisfies my hunger pangs for gorgeous prints. I know you will love it as much as I do.

Raza Mohamed exhibition in London

2011-06-14T19:36:00.000+01:00

I'm thinking of putting my paint brush down this weekend and going to check out the paintings of Raza Mohamed. Mohamed is a painter and a 'national treasure' in Tanzania, having painted and illustrated since 1952.

I'll be heading over to the exhibition with some friends who grew up on books illustrated by Raza Mohamed which I'm also looking forward to. Means so much to see an artist's work that has a special place in people's hearts.

If you're in London, the exhibition opens on 17th June until Wednesday 20th July at Mulberry Tea Room, Charlton House, Charlton Road, Greenwich, London SE7 8RE

For more on Raza Mohammed check out his profile on Afrum
For more on the exhibition visit the organisers page- Global Fusion Music Arts

Art of Change Exhibition

2011-06-08T22:37:00.002+01:00

For all my Londoners, Art of Change Exhibition coming soon...

The exhibition will run for from 18 July - 5 August 2011 at the Royal Commonwealth Society.

For tickets to the private viewing on 18 July please email Chima Ezeilo (please be advised tickets for this evening are very limited and confirmation will be given nearer the time)

Here's a video preview. I'm excited to be exhibiting amongst some great artists.

70s child

2011-06-05T09:56:00.009+01:00

A friend was teasing me that Kid n Play was before my time, nevermind the hi-top fade, mine was the time of the original afro... well, in spirit. Truth be told I was being born as the 70s were drawing to a close but somehow I still can't get enough of it. I've spent the last week pouring over all things African and vintage from tribal to bohemian drawing inspiration for a couple of projects I'm working on. There's something so appealing about the 70s. From the fashion to the music to the smell of love and revolution intermingled in the atmosphere.

In the UK at least when I think of fashion in the 70s I think Biba (and Mary Quant makeup of course). Biba was a fashion boutique that was mail order and had a store in Kensington London (opened in the 1960s/70s).

The boutique had its own definite style that is a perfect fashion interpretation of the times. There's a great interview with Barbara Hulanicki the woman behind Biba on the Design Museum British Council website. She talks of how she started selling clothes by hanging them up in her apartment playing loud music and opening the doors...

"I was amazed when all these people arrived, and that was just the lunch hour! It got to the point that people would show up in the middle of the night."

What eventually followed was this famous exotic interior visited by the likes of Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful but never to be a exclusive to celebrities, Biba always remained affordable so that all could have a piece of decadence and glamour.

The 70s have made a comeback in fashion, as has Biba although in my opinion it doesn't have the same impact. Feels a little out of place in House of Fraser in between Top Shop and Warehouse with Lady Gaga playing in the background.

Some of the garments are still amazing to look at but something is missing as the target market has changed and the classic aubergines and bottle greens have been replaced by bright red and electric blue. Perhaps I'm still craving a step back in time with all of my senses at once, or perhaps it's just that the Biba brand is so beautifully vintage and should not be updated but made reference to and celebrated for what it gave birth to.

I can't see myself buying from Biba revived, would much rather come across original Biba pieces whilst scavenging markets and second hand shops I think. I won't, however, let that take away from the fact that the original Biba label, Art Deco from logo to interior, remains an iconic piece of popular culture and its DNA a definite part of British high street fashion as we now know it.

Biba mail order

Vintage Biba