Is it Biba?

L

lexx oliver

Registered Guest
Hello!

I did post this question on the 'Show and Tell' section, but its probably more suited here :)

I bought this AMAZING (but tiny) dress from a charity shop for £3 the other day: it has no label, but I simply adored it so had to have it! I then read on the label resource that pre-1968 Biba clothes did not have the Biba label, but did have a small white size label with red writing.....what do you all think? Ive also sent pictures to the V&A museum to see if they can help too. Im so excited!!
 

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Hi, We are unable to authenticate items as per the forum rules but I can say that many vintage clothes have no brand label and only a size tag remaining - some were made this way, many have lost their labels along the way. The fact it has a red sizing label is not enough to associate it with Biba clothing from this era. Biba has a very recognisable style and this does not resemble it to me. As Mary Jane indicated, this doesn't look like a high fashion dress - more like a department store line.
Now, if you had seen, say a vintage magazine advert with a Biba garment in it that resembled yours, or had the same print etc. you might have something to go on. As it is I can't see any link I'm afraid.
It's a great fun dress, wear it and enjoy.
 
That is a wonderful dress. The length is little on the short side for pre 1968, but not terribly so. Something about the pattern of the bodice and style of the dress strikes me as more 1969-1971. I also am not familiar with size tags on early Biba or British boutique clothing in general, and wonder if the 12/36 is an American sizing?
 
Cute dress, I agree with Barbara in that it's a little later than '68. It looks like a poly knit and I suspect the hem has been shortened, as that style would be usually longer.

As Melanie said, the size label is not an unusual one and many manufacturers probably used them. Agree with MJ in this is not a style that looks like the designs of Biba in the '60s, more of a Pucci-inspired print.

The size label is interesting in that it is for the hips - suggesting it is a '60s dress (usually sizes lean more heavily on waist or bust). The size 12 with a hip measurement of 36 equates to a modern Australian size 8 (US 4), which was a Australian size 12 in the late '60s to early '70s. I think British sizes were similar at the time, so that also points to a late '60s date.
 
Hello!
Thank you for your replies- little disappointed its not as special as Biba, but I still love it >.< You are correct in saying it should be a bit longer- I checked the hem and its definitely been taken up. Id still love to know what shop its from, so I shall do a bit more looking around. Thank you again folks! xx
 
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