Biba founder, Barbara Hulanicki has launched her first handbag range for a decade and they're all on our Christmas list.
The Barbara Hulanicki collection, from the acclaimed fashion designer behind Biba, includes three distinctive designs that reflect her iconic sense of style. Fashion and function may be at the core to each eye-catching piece but her bold new collection is still full of surprises. The range returns to the designer's heritage, 45 years after Biba's launch and the label's art deco aesthetic and timeless appeal is showing no sign of fatigue. We're coveting the West End clutch (above): the ultimate in day-to-night glamour. In grainy soft Italian leather, it boasts a bright red interior lining and detachable wristlet and cross body strap adds versatility to this neat box clutch.
The lead up to Christmas, when us magpies flock to all things glittering, is a particularly apt time for Hulanicki to pay homage to her love of 'Auntie colours' - what we would call browns and burgundies - and how they look in the English winter light.
The new range marks Hulanicki's fashion design resurgence after she has spent the past decade focussing on interior design and her beautiful jewellery line for the V&A, as well as her Topshop collection. Similarly, this new collection is inspired by Barbara's own lifestyle. The Kensington cross body handbag in Italian leather (above) is the ideal travel accessory. In black and burnt orange leather with a sheer finish, the Kensington emulates all the warmth of an exotic holiday before even stepping on a plane. A zip top closure and a zipped pocket provide added piece of mind while the bright red interior is a gentle reminder that fashion should always be fun.
Watch Barbara discuss fashion and art, her childhood in Jerusalem and the beginnings of Biba.
Every handbag comes with a print of Barbara Hulanicki’s artwork for that design. The Barbara Hulanicki range is available to buy now from Peony and Moore, with prices ranging from £175 - £327.
Words by Francesca Donovan
