5 quick questions: Barbara Hulanicki
You possibly won't stumble across too many folks who have launched a capsule fashion collection for Brit fashion fave TopShop, as well as rustled up a stunner of a wallpaper line (all gorgeously flocked) for Graham & Brown and designed the interiors of a slew of hotels in Miami, let alone had someone write a musical based on your life, and have a documentary about you debut to rave reviews. I'm talking fashion and design icon Barbara Hulanicki, who first stepped into the spotlight in the mid-Sixties when she opened the doors on Biba - her incredibly influential boutique - in London, and who kindly said yes to answering 5 quick questions.
Below you'll see a couple of snaps from Flock, her swish collection for G&B which - yes - includes flocked skulls, as well as Marie Antoinette-ish portraits. You'll also spot a pic of the kind of inlaid bone furniture that's inspiring Barbara right now (found here), as well as a trailer for November Film's Beyond Biba documentary.
For more on Barbara Hulanicki click here, and to check out the rest of the 5 quick questions interviews click here. And! Be sure to check out the Interior Design Show in Jan '10, when I'll have the pleasure of talking design with Barbara on stage.
Arren Williams: What's inspiring you right now?
Barbara Hulanicki: The tropical weather and Indian bone inlayed furniture.
AW: Is there anything you hate to see when you walk into a room?
BH: A white sofa.
AW: What's the next thing you have your eye on for your own house?
BH: A Colombian sisal rug which has a silver metallic weave.
AW: How would you describe your style, and has it changed over the years?
BH: I am very eclectic. I become a chameleon with each client or project.
AW: What's next for you?
BH: I would love to start coordinated Biba Home shops!