Rokit Meets | Remembering Fashion Through The Decades With Biddy Stanford

With a strong personal love for 1940s and 50s fashion and over five decades of experience wearing, collecting, and creating unique looks, Biddy Stanford’s story is living proof of the enduring appeal of classic, second-hand, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Growing up in a creative family with ties to textile design, her early influences include iconic British fashion houses like Biba and revolutionary designers like Schiaparelli and Vivienne Westwood.

In our exclusive Rokit Meets interview, Biddy shares her journey from her first vintage find to her most cherished pieces, offering an interesting perspective on the allure of sustainable, vintage and secondhand fashion. From her favourite moments in British fashion history to tips for those new to vintage shopping, she reveals how clothes tell stories, celebrate individuality, and inspire a lifelong connection with garments. Join us as we dive into Biddy’s life, where every piece holds memories, style is a form of expression, and vintage fashion is a way of life.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background? 

My name is Biddy Stanford, I am 66. I’ve been wearing vintage clothes since the early 70s but I have been interested in fashion all my life. My father was a textile agent in South Africa and London and my mother was a textile designer and prolific seamstress.

Where did your 40s and 50s fashion influence come from?

I am from a big creative family and my oldest sister is 10 years older than me and was studying fashion at Ravensbourne in the early 70s, She used to let me tag along on shopping trips in Biba, Bus Stop etc and the strong vintage 30s/40s influence on those pieces led us a buy originals at jumble sales. I bought my first vintage piece- a 50s rose print ruched satin swimsuit – for pennies from the Village WI Jumble when I was around 12-. I still have it today and I still love it!  Later, in my teens I was immediately drawn to the 70s and 40s/50s styles of Miss Mouse, Strawberry Studio and Antony Price. These remain my favourite era - they are strongly vintage influenced,  but also have a 70s glam/ cartoon edge.

Our mother’s sewing room full of free fabric and shelves and shelves of vintage patterns dating from the early 40s onward encouraged me to sew for myself and learned early on that as with most aspects of life, taking the power into our own hands was the way forward! I have inherited those patterns and still use them all the time-  I consider my ability to make, alter and adapt my clothes invaluable. 

What historical brands are you obsessed with? (biba)

Biba remains my first childhood fashion crush of course- both my sisters wore Biba and shopping there at such a formative age was definitely a huge influence.

If I could wear any historical designer I would choose Schiaparelli for her wit and humour combined with Hollywood glamour and surrealism- all my favourite things!

In a more modern designer category I would choose Vivienne Westwood- I love her punk ethos and her historical references. Also Thierry Mugler for his super-feminine silhouette and superheroine vibes- oh and Galliano for the sheer beauty, construction and glamour of his collections. Although I wear mainly vintage clothes, I absolutely love fashion!

How is fashion from the last decade different to now?

I’m not sure I’ve really managed to categorise the 2010s vs the 2020s! I will say I remain hopeful of a trend towards individuality in style and choice. Less fast fashion and more developing a relationship with the garments you choose to wear and therefore creating a more unique personality and look.

Getting dressed is a creative process, whatever you select- and I like films, books, the landscape, Instagram- everything really!- to inform my choices on a daily basis.

What have been your favourite moments in British fashion history?

Oh London streets in the 70s/80s has to be my favourite time. Visiting Carnaby St in the late 60s with my older siblings in the midst of mods and hippies and then later working in Soho during punk and the new romantic era - and shopping in the Kings Road. I love the uniquely British attitude to fashion via various tribes and subcultures. Endlessly creative and inspirational.

Why do you incorporate sustainability, second-hand and vintage clothing into your personal style?

As the 3rd daughter, I think I am probably conditioned to embracing second-hand clothes! Even now I own and love garments I inherited from my siters and out Mum, and all have earned their place in my heart and wardrobe. I have a history and relationship with my garments and I love that I carry memories of previous wearers in these outfits. Our family willingly shares a family wardrobe (although I am definitely the biggest hoarder of this wardrobe) and a lot of favourite pieces have been worn by several family members, each with their own personal styling and attitude. Because I am used to wearing second hand/vintage/home-sewn clothes, I don’t find fast fashion appealing in any way. I am never going to want to wear something once and throw it away!

Can you share an example of how you've used vintage pieces to tell a unique story?

My favourite piece is our mother’s ballgown, made by couturier friends in South Africa for a Coronation Bal, it has strong historical influences to reflect the ‘new Elizabethan era ‘ being beckoned in in 1953. Despite it’s grandeur, I have worn it several times over the years, to a warehouse party in the 70s, to the pub in the 80s and to the Chap Ball and to party to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Do you believe vintage/secondhand clothing contributes to creative expression? If so, how?

 In every way! For a start- finding a vintage item is almost always the discovery of a one-off piece. Even if you want to recreate an exact look on the way you discover your own unique way of putting things together. Vintage outfits evolve and surprise- they keep you thinking, They very very seldom end in the ‘what was I thinking’ and are never boring. Clothes should never be boring – to wear or to look at!

What advice do you have for individuals who are new to vintage shopping or are hesitant to explore this sustainable fashion option? 

Vintage shopping is full of exciting surprises- it is the opposite of typing what you are looking for into a search field, or filtering out what you THINK you're not looking for!  I would say- don’t allow any preconceptions to cloud your experimentation. Go with your heart and try everything. I have ended up with mainly 40s /50s because, apart from personal choice. Those styles genuinely suit my figure and my head but I am still open to a beautiful piece from any era if I can incorporate it into my look.

Really look at what you like and why. Allow what you are reading and watching and listening to, to filter into what you put on.

Oh and lastly- vintage doesnt have to be at all expensive. There are fabulous things everywhere- just keep your eyes and mind open!