Refashioning Bill Gibb for the 21st Century

Discover the life and work of one of the most innovative designers of 20th-century British fashion, Bill Gibb, in this richly illustrated reappraisal of his work.

Scottish-born Bill Gibb (1943–1988) was a fashion pioneer whose fantastical designs encapsulate the vibrancy of the 1970s. British Vogue awarded him the title Designer of the Year in 1970, but despite his contemporary relevance and associations with fashion icons like Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Twiggy, his legacy remains largely unexplored. With a foreword by Dame Zandra Rhodes, this groundbreaking book redefines Gibb’s contribution to fashion design, with insights from experts including Iain R. Webb, N. J. Stevenson, Jeena Sharma, Marie McLoughlin, and Christine Rew. There are also interviews with Gibb’s sisters, fashion designer Giles Deacon and Gibb’s long-time collaborator Kaffe Fassett to present a more personal perspective on his creative journey and attitudes to contemporary concerns like sustainability and cultural appropriation. Featuring over 100 colour illustrations including previously unpublished fashion drawings, patterns, and garments, this edited collection offers a unique perspective on Gibb’s artistic vision and shows how 21st century designers can learn from his unique body of work.

Author Biography

Shane Strachan is a lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen, UK, who grew up in the same Aberdeenshire town as Bill Gibb. He created and performed The Bill Gibb Line, a spoken word podcast, film and exhibition at Aberdeen Art Gallery, and has also worked with V&A Dundee on Gibb.

Josephine Steed is Associate Dean for Research at Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University, UK. She co-coordinated the Bill Gibb Symposium at Aberdeen Art Gallery in March 2021 and is the co-author of Sourcing Ideas for Textile Design (Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 2020).