Of course, it’s easy to look up Barbara Hulanicki, O.B.E. and BIBA online – there are plenty of interviews, books, and photographs – but Stewart and I have had the pleasure of actually spending time with Barbara. She’s talented, creative, funny, easy to be with, authentic, and beautiful.
That being said, she has a phenomenal background. As the “godmother of fashion” in 1960s London, Barbara is best known for BIBA, a boutique she opened in the Kensington district of London.
Barbara was born in Poland and raised in Palestine. In 1948 after her father, the Polish Consul General to the Middle East, was assassinated, her family relocated to Brighton, England. There, Barbara attended the Brighton School of Art.
She began her career in fashion as a freelance fashion illustrator for various magazines. She married Stephen Fitz-Simon “Fitz”, and with his help Barbara sold her first designs through a small mail-order business. Her designs took off and in 1964, she opened BIBA in the Kensington district of London.
The shop was known for its “stylishly decadent atmosphere” and became a hangout for artists, film stars, rock musicians, and lovely young women. When this boutique became too crowded, she opened Big BIBA department store offering a range of products, and even hosting live music performances. In 1975 when Biba closed, Barbara moved to Brazil to open new stores, and designed for several big-named brands.
Then, at the request of Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, Barbara came to Miami Beach and designed the interior of Woody’s on the Beach, his pink neon nightclub.
Appreciating the Art Deco buildings, the weather, and everything else the City offers, Barbara made Miami Beach her home. And with her reputation, Chris Blackwell (Island Records) had Barbara design the interior of several properties he owned.
Of course, we are awed by the many prestigious awards she has received for her vast contributions to the International World of Fashion and Interior design. What stands out is her title. Barbara Hulanicki was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) by the Queen of England (Prince Charles officiated).
And now, Barbara is working for the City of Miami Beach, selecting colors for the exteriors of City-owned Art Deco buildings that are due for a revitalizing paint job.
Watch the “It’s Just a Conversation” Stewart had with Barbara Hulanicki, O.B.E. . . . you too will become her fan.
It’s Just a Conversation and Alive On South Beach are produced by Center for Folk and Community Art.
Text and Video Editing by Dena Stewart