Hulanicki went on to open her first
boutique shop in London, she had
clearly tapped into the market for the
youth style trend's of the era.
When asked her thoughts on fashion
today, Barbara commented “It's
moving a little too fast. There are too
many collections and information
comes up so fast - its exhausting.
There is some fashion I love but style
has really taken over and made
everybody more aware.” She went on
to talk about how designers should be
“Made to do all of it - the styling as
well." She commented "When I was
starting out, fashion schools weren’t
around but now the designers are so
well educated.”
Barbara observed how design
students are doing the ‘Sixties look’
whilst incorporating “their version of it,
that angle, today on yesterday.”
I asked where she drew inspiration
from, she replied with a smile "At the
time, I was heavily influenced by the
wartime period of my parents
generation. Outside of that, the only
point of reference were films. I'd watch
old movies from the 1930's of starlets
with dark lipstick and glamourous
costumes.”
Barbar's advice to designers today...
"Learn to sew and pattern cut as there
is a scarcity to do this today. “Go to
work first. Do not start your business
immediately. Work for someone you
admire and work in the stock room.
Learn mistakes as it is a heartbreaking
business. It is important not to get
emotionally involved - your heart will
get broken. That and don't stop
learning."