Bill Gibb

(1943-88) Born in Scotland, trained at St Martin's School of Art 1962-66, and Royal College of Art 1966-67. He achieved immediate success with buyers and the press. Designed for Baccarat 1968-71 and then launched Bill Gibb Ltd with Kate Franklin. In 1975 they opened a retail outlet. Inspired by the rich diversity and volume of ethnic costume as well as Scottish Highland dress, he created layered clothes often in contrasting patterns, colours, and materials with ornate trimmings. In conjunction with Kaffe Fassett, he designed a range of machine- knitted separates. His signature motif was the bee (B for Bill) which often featured in his stylish daywear as well as his romantic and fantasy evening clothes. Late in his career he introduced a haute couture line.

Source: The Cutting Edge - 50 years of British Fashion. The Overlook Press.

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