Bring That Swinging Sixties Back!
This fall many style sites and fashion mags go on telling us that the sixties is back with a vengeance. Well, I’m not sure if it ever was gone in the first place as we’ve seen a great deal of influences on 1960s style quite some time now. But anyhow, past two years have been somewhat different from the others because the ready-to-wear fashion world tries hard to breathe new life (or give artificial respiration – you pick the metaphor) into the fashion houses that ruled the 60s.
Interestingly, BIBA, one of the most desirable fashion brands of the 60s was resurrected in 2006. It is said that BIBA was the H&M or Topshop of the 60s and the 70s. It attracted both celebrities and common teenagers who wanted to be a part of “BIBA Experience”. BIBA’s relaunch in 2006 was a big media event but the collection failed to be a critical success.
Many critics have emphasized that today’s BIBA is reemerging in a completely different context from BIBA’s founding mother Barbara Hulanicki’s brilliantly original concept. Hulanicki’s attitude was described as “disposable fast fashion for teenagers”. These days, however, BIBA’s prices are much higher and the clothes are aimed at a designer bracket that is quite the opposite of what Hulanicki envisioned back in the golden days of BIBA. According to many critics BIBA’s trouble is that by now every mass-market retailer is churning out so many 60s BIBA ideas that the label’s whole reason for being has been undermined. Barbara Hulanicki seems to hit the nail on the head when she said she never liked the idea of resurrecting BIBA in the first place and people should have let BIBA rest in peace.
One of the latest brands that jumped on the 60s bandwagon is – surprise! – Topshop. I guess most of you are familiar with Topshop’s Archive Collection. The basic idea of this collection is to showcase the best of 1960s and 1970s fashion from the British high street and its international inspirators. Archive has pieces from the likes of BIBA, Lanvin, Bus Stop, Mary Quant and Jean Varon to name a few, and Topshop claims it is “a top-of-the-chocolate box selection of rare finds for die-hard vintage collectors”.
I have to say I held my breath waiting for the collection but honestly, it was quite a turn-off for me. First of all, I’m not a particular fan of maxi dresses that seemed to be the backbone of the collection. Second, my very high expectations on Mary Quant items were totally shot down by the collection’s mediocre and bland pieces. And last but not least, I guess all of those who have used to Topshop’s relatively adequate prices were surprised to find out that the Archive Collection was pricey indeed.
There are definite tendencies to bring that 60s buzz back to our wardrobes but I’m not sure if kick-start the old fashion houses is the way to go. Also, I’m not that keen to believe true vintage hunters go to Topshop and the likes to top up their collection. I guess we all want the original. And we all certainly are eBay savvy enough to score a true gem.
Do you have any 60s influences in your wardrobe?
Sanna 22. August 2007 | Inspiration | Comment [6]
