Biography

Bill Gibb was born in New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire on 23 January 1943. He was the oldest of seven children.

Bill was educated at Fraserburgh Academy. His art teacher, Bob Duthie, encouraged his unique talent and encouraged him to attend St Martin's School of Art in London from 1962 - 1966. Bill graduated with honours. He then attended the Royal College of Art, London from 1966 - 1968. Professor Janey Ironside was one of his tutors.

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During the 1970s and the 1980s he was a highly respected International style and fashion icon and clothing designer who was much in demand. Many celebrities and stars wore his clothing including Twiggy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Collins, Bianca Jagger and Tessa Dahl.

He founded the Alice Paul clothing boutique in London from 1967 - 1969. Thereafter he worked as a much in demand freelance designer which included working for Baccarat, London from 1969 - 1972.

In 1972 he was the founder and chairman of the Bill Gibb Fashion Group, London. His first shop was opened in Bond Street, London, in 1975.

Bill Gibb exhibited worldwide, including the Musée du Louvre, Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London in 1971.

His clothing designs included long flowing skirts, shirts with wide and slashing sleeves, ethnic type dresses, flowing evening gowns, hooded capes, leather coats and jackets, and knitwear.

Ready to wear garments were produced by Bill Gibb and sold at Harrod's and Harvey Nichols of London.

Awards Of Bill Gibb

1970 - Vogue Designer of the Year Award
1975 - Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers
1979 - ITV Best Fashion Show Award

Bill Gibb Obituary

Bill Gibb died from bowel cancer aged 44 years on the 3 January 1988 at St Stephen's Hospital, London. He was survived by his mother Jessie and father George.

In 2006 Bill Gibb received a posthumous honour when he was inducted to the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame.

There are some examples of clothing designed by Bill Gibb on display at the Fraserburgh Heritage Museum.

More famous Aberdonians.

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