Fashion show inspired by Scottish art collection to be held in museum first

The Burrell Collection will host the show, by rising Scottish designer and Glasgow School of Art graduate, Flora McFarlane, who will debut Return to the Garden, a 28-look collection inspired by the 9,000 treasures within the museum.

The Burrell’s galleries will become a runway, with designs presented among the artworks that helped shape them. This project creates a bold new way to connect Sir William Burrell’s historic legacy and his world-class collection with contemporary design, emerging talent and future audiences.

Ms McFarlane’s work, which draws deeply on heritage textiles and the natural world, is infused with themes that closely reflect the richness of the museum’s Chinese, French, and Medieval artworks.

Her collection features knitwear and bespoke tailoring that reflects the craftsmanship of the objects which gave rise to it.

Guests will also have the rare opportunity to explore the museum after hours and meet the curators and conservators who care for the collection, offering deeper insight into the artworks that span 6,000 years of history.

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Ms McFarlane said: “I am deeply inspired by Scotland’s creativity and heritage, and my work is shaped by Scotland’s significant contribution to art and design. My grandmother’s family hail from Kirkintilloch and Galston, where they were artisans involved in the textiles industry and stonemasonry. She went on to study at The Glasgow School of Art, and both my mother and I have followed in her creative footsteps.

“My designs reimagine Scottish heritage textiles through my own creative language. I have had the privilege of working with and learning from the continued traditional skills still practiced in, cashmere mills in Hawick, the last lace mill in Ayrshire, as well as a leather tannery in the West of Scotland, all of which have contributed to the development of this project.”

She added: “We are so lucky to have free museums like the Burrell Collection filled with the world-class art and artefacts. Glasgow has been a constant source of inspiration since I began my studies at GSA in 2020 and I’m keen to encourage other emerging designers to stay in Scotland and draw inspiration from the treasures on our doorstep to spark their careers.”

Juliet Fellows-Smith, museum manager of the Burrell Collection, said: “This venture demonstrates how museums can support new talent and connect historic collections with contemporary audiences in fresh, meaningful ways. Flora’s fashion offers an innovative, insightful interpretation of our world-class collection, and we are excited to see people’s reactions.

“What makes it so exciting is that it shows young people they can create real opportunities for themselves here in Glasgow. Flora made a conscious decision to build her career in Scotland, taking inspiration from our collection and working with local makers, rather than feeling she had to go to London or Paris.

“Through the workshops and exhibition that follow, we want to be transparent about that journey - from inspiration to final collection - so that other young creatives can see these pathways are open to them. At a time when the future can feel uncertain, this collaboration is about creativity, confidence and showing that you can shape your own future using the talent, heritage and resources we have right here.”

One to watch, Flora McFarlane, is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading voice in Scottish fashion.

Having previously appeared on Icons of Style with Kirsty Wark, Ms McFarlane’s work has also featured in a prestigious exhibition at V&A Dundee.

The show is on Saturday 9 May.