Thea Porter

In the mid sixties Thea Porter opened "Thea Porter Decorations" in Soho London selling fabrics, caftans, carpets, pillows and other exotic goods. She soon started to design and produce the items herself due to overwhelming demand.She became a favourite of many celebrities, including Andrew Loog Oldham and Brian Jones."The Thea Porter clothing was wonderful. I had some myself, but had to be careful, I couldn't carry it off the way Brian could. I don't...

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John Bates

John Bates started his career as an apprentice at Herbert Sidon in the late 50's. Around 1960 he was asked to start the label Jean Varon. Although he claims to have come up with the name himself, "I called it Jean Varon because at the time an English name like John Bates meant nothing, you had to appear to be French. Jean is French for John and Varon because there was no ‘V’ in the rag trade book. Jean Varon made a good graphic image”John Bates was...

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Gina Fratini

Gina Fratini started out her career as a designer for films and theater. Then in 1964 she began her own label.She was known for her fun, romantic, whimsical designs that was a clear reflection of her earlier work.Her fame grew in 1971 when one of her gowns was chosen by Princess Anne for her birthday portrait. Even after her business closed in the 80's she was a favourite among royalty and would often design for Princess Diana.She also collaborated...

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Boutique Video

If you have been enjoying these posts then be sure to check out this video:http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/1960s/sixtiesfashion/ingear_video/broadband.htmlIt goes through the different boutiques on Carnaby St and Kings Rd in the 60's. It features Granny Takes a Trip, Hung On You, I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet, and I'm pretty sure I saw Biba in the...

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Annacat

I am just starting to learn about the boutique Annacat, so I will try and supply you with as much information as I can scrounge up. Annacat is one of the lesser known British Boutiques, although it has been referred to as "the Biba of The Brompton Road." In 1965 friends Jane Lyle and Maggie Keswick opened the boutique "Annacat" at 270 Brompton Rd. Kensington.The store sold clothes of their own label along with other designers. It has been rumored...

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Bus Stop

Bus Stop is one of the more famous British Boutiques.Owner, Lee Bender along with her husband Cecil opened the store originally as a manufacturing business in 1968. In 1969 they relocated beside Biba on Kensington Church St. as "Bus Stop."Lee Bender stated - "We chose the name 'Bus Stop' because it was so identifiably British; and red because it was the colour of telephone kiosks, pillar boxes, and London buses."Early 70's Satin Dress, £95(http://www.vintage-a-peel.co.uk/)The...

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Foale and Tuffin

I'm going to start off with a series of articles on different fashion labels that were apart of the 60's British Boutique Movement.Fashion Designers Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin met at Walthamstow Art School. They both went on to attend the Royal College of Art.After graduating in 1961 they opened their own boutique on Carnaby St. and by 1963 they were running a successful business.1966 Dress Featured in Vogue(courtesy of the V & A Museum)They...

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