RETRO trends will soon be sweeping through Southend to celebrate the iconic 1960s and 1970s fashion brand, BIBA.

Hosted at the Beecroft Art Gallery, in Victoria Avenue, Southend and Southend Central Museum, which is next door, the exhibition tells the rags to riches story of how BIBA began as a mail order outlet and exploded in popularity, expanding into homewares, cosmetics, and even food.

BIBA and everything associated with it became a lifestyle aspiration for nearly all teenagers and young adults during the 1960s and 70s.

The Council’s Head of Culture, Nick Harris said: “This fascinating exhibition will bring back vivid memories for residents who were teenagers in the 1960s and 1970s, but will also prove captivating for those discovering this unique brand for the first time.

“They will be able to see how it continues to influence the world of fashion today.

“We are fortunate that a prolific collector has loaned us the objects to make this exhibition possible.”

The Topshop of its day, BIBA was the brainchild of Barbara Hulanicki a fashion illustrator.

Her business, which changed the face of high street fashion, lifestyle wares and shopping forever, stemmed from her aim to create affordable fashion for all.

The neighbouring venues in Victoria Avenue, Southend, are jointly hosting a clothing and lifestyle exhibition of items from this famed firm, from Saturday May 28 until Saturday January 14 next year.