Part of the appeal of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is that not only does it show us Australia’s hottest designers, but that it also hosts a number of cultural events, showcasing fashion from around the world. One of these events if the Fashion Icons on Film series at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image – a series of documentaries showcasing designers who have had a significant impact on the industry.
One such designer is Barbara Hulanicki, the woman behind the iconic Biba label. The documentary, Beyond Biba: A portrait of Barbara Hulanicki (2009) takes us on Barbara’s journey from childhood when she and her family fled Palestine, to London where she started as a fashion illustrator and ended up as one of the worlds most recognised names in fashion.
The Biba store, in its heyday, was visited by musicians, film stars and artists, a favourite place of teenagers and bought a new level of glamour to high street. After its closure in 1975, Biba has become fashion folklore and Barbara the hero of a generation.
Today Barbara lives in Miami where she is using her unique fashion skills as an interior designer and decorator, but it is her time in London that truly placed her on the fashion map and cemented her place in fashion history.
Other films featured in the series at ACMI include Ralph Rucci: a Designer and his House (2008), Célébration (2007), a documentary depicting Yves Saint Laurent; and Ulstrasuede: In Search of Halston (2009). In addition, the latest looks on the runways of New York, London and Paris will also be shown in the ACMI Lounge where the latest episodes of Dressed Up For (Habillée Pour) will screened throughout the week.
Each film will premiere during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and screen at ACMI three times between the season dates of Saturday the 28th of August to Saturday the 4th of September, 2010.
Program Information:
Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston – Sat 28 Aug 2010, 7.30pm, Mon 30 Aug 2010, 7.30pm, Thu 2 Sep 2010, 2.30pm.
Beyond Biba: A Portrait of Barbara Hulanicki Unclassified – Sun 29 Aug 2010, 7.30pm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 2.30pm, Thu 2 Sep 2010, 8pm
Ralph Rucci: a Designer and His House – Tue 31 Aug 2010, 2.30pm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8pm, Fri 3 Sep 2010, 7.30pm
Célébration – Mon 30 Aug 2010, 2.30pm, Tue 31 Aug 2010, 7.30pm, Sat 4 Sep 2010, 7.30pm
All sessions:
Location: ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, Melbourne
Admission: Full $14 Concession $11
4 Session Pass: Full $40 Concession $32
