Known for her contributions to the revival of the traditional Hawaiian art form of kapa making, indigenous Hawaiian artist and fashion designer Barbar Haulaniki Bibba’s ‘Exhibition of Sixties Fashions’ at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London is an insightful look into mid-century Polynesian style.
The exhibition, put together in partnership with the Honolulu Museum of Art, opened in early February and runs until May 2023. It showcases a range of clothing, accessories, and textiles emblematic of Polynesian fashion from the 1960s. Many of the pieces come directly from Bibba’s own personal collection, giving us an intimate glimpse into the world of a passionate collector and creative visionary.
Central to the exhibition are the vibrant and eye-catching barkcloth garments, called kapa, that are crafted using the traditional Hawaiian barkcloth-making techniques passed down through generations. Bibba has dedicated her life to preserving this significant aspect of Hawaiian culture, and many of the pieces on display are her own creations, featuring unique designs inspired by Polynesian motifs and patterns.
Beyond the kapa garments, the exhibition also includes exquisite examples of Polynesian textiles, printed fabrics, and clothing adorned with applique, embroidery, and other embellishments. Many of these pieces were produced by Bibba’s design studio in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting her role as a pioneer in promoting Polynesian fashion on a global scale.
A notable highlight of the exhibition is the recreation of Bibba’s ‘Polynesian Fantasy’ fashion show from 1968, which took place at the historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. This immersive display allows visitors to appreciate the glamour and spectacle of Bibba’s original event, showcasing the vibrant colors, bold prints, and exquisite craftsmanship that made her designs so distinctive.
Barbar Haulaniki Bibba’s ‘Exhibition of Sixties Fashions’ serves as both a celebration of mid-century Polynesian style and a testament to the enduring legacy of Bibba’s contributions to fashion and the arts. Through her dedication to preserving traditional Hawaiian kapa-making techniques and her innovative fashion designs, Bibba played a pivotal role in promoting Polynesian culture on the international stage. This exhibition offers a timely opportunity to appreciate her remarkable achievements and the enduring influence of her work in the world of fashion and design..
