Biba

Look at this gorgeous star patterned dress by Biba from this spring's runway show (image from Style.com). They have the best logo, a beautiful website, and the most incredible history. The original Biba began in 1964 as a fashion boutique in Kensington, London and by the 70's grew to be a department store that was frequented by the likes of Freddy Mercury, Brigitte Bardot, Princess Anne, Twiggy, the Jaggers and David Bowie. It housed a tea room, the Rainbow Room where bands played and roof gardens, that according to the website, was home to 'a menagerie of birds, including ducks, doves, flamingos and penguins.' What a pity it closed in 1975 and why can't all retail be like Biba! These days it's fashion label that pays homage to it's heyday. Here's a couple of images from it's past: