A set of five (of six) Biba mail order catalogues dating from the late 1960s, complete with gilt-stamped logo embossed, postmarked envelopes and original order forms. Bursting with curiously cool photographs of Biba’s designs, some on fold-out pages, the brochures are highly collectable and present a snapshot of cutting edge “dolly bird” style.
Barbara Hulanicki asked designer John McConnell to develop a catalogue experience, “modelled on the atmosphere of a magazine editorial,” to expand upon the success of her Biba brand. Thematic collections were designed by Hulanicki exclusively for the innovative brochures, and photographed by the likes of Helmut Newton, Hans Feuer, and Sarah Moon. McConnell is said to have created the long, slim catalogue dimensions so they could be posted through British letterboxes without getting damaged.
Each brochure measures 14 x 7 inches. All supplied in original envelopes. Very good vintage condition.