Fashion shows

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Details / Notes

Since the 1940s, fashion shows have run annually at GSA. These have been designed, planned and run by the students, with garments also designed and modelled by the students. The history of the fashion shows is documented here:

1940s: On the 14th January 1947, students from the Art School and College of Domestic Science came together in aid of Charities Week, to present a mannequin parade of more than 30 specially made outfits. During the early years of the fashion show, local press commented on different styles of garments, from 18th-century dress to modern swimsuits. The extra-curricular nature of early shows is apparent, with students noted as working during the holidays. Reports from the 1952 event mention a student committee charged with organisation. The programme for the coronation themed 1953 show, lists a team comprising convenor, associates, stage director, publicists, treasurer, electricians, compere, graphic designer and mannequins.

1950s – 1960s: Unusual materials and accessories, in particular headwear, commonly feature in shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s. From the mid to late 1960s more wearable and functional garments appear, often displaying geometric patterning and sometimes developed due to industry connections and competitions. During this period the event relocated from GSA's Assembly Hall, to various venues including the Mackintosh Building, with shows in the Lecture Theatre, Mackintosh Room and Museum. Shows were also held at external venues including Culzean Castle and the Scottish Design Centre.

1970s: GSA's Haldane Building became a regular choice for events throughout the 1970s. Large-scale placement prints, embroidered motifs, oversized garments and costumes featured in these shows. From the mid to late 1970s the theme of the fashion shows, decided upon by the organising student cohort (usually from the 3rd Year of a 4-year course of study), directs event design. For the 1977 'Fashion Circus' show, models paraded on a floor of sawdust and a gorilla costume featured. For 1978, the impactful visual identity of the show depicts a silhouette wearing a red carnation; this detail follows through to the programme, ticket and corsage worn by the show's compere. The programmes from this period state that garments can be purchased from students via the relevant department. The Bourdon Building Assembly Hall, now GSA's Library was also used for the event.

1980s: The first known audio-visual recording of the event is from 1982; this and other recordings (1984, 1985 and 1986) show a range of outfits from costumes to more wearable garments. Throughout this period shows appear to engage with topical, social and political themes, through performance-like presentations. The majority of 1980s shows took place in the Assembly Hall, the Students Union, indicating support for the event from GSA's Students Association. Throughout the history of the fashion show the involvement of students from departments across GSA is apparent, particularly when associated with GSA's Activities Week.

1990s: Photographs from the mid -1990s show backdrops, in front of which a mix of outfits are paraded. At this time, textiles at GSA was divided into 'Printed & Knitted' and 'Embroidered & Woven'. During this period design aspects of the show became more integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. By the late 1990s, as build up to Glasgow's year as City of Architecture and Design 1999, there was a shift in the scale of the show and large venues were used around the city. Themed 'Morphogeneis', the 1998 show included 40 collections, with projections of video works by GSA's Interior Design students. In 1999 GSA's textile departments were amalgamated into a single Department of Textiles combining embroidery, weave, print and knit.

2000-2017: At the start of the new millennium, large-scale fashion shows continued, taking place in the Fruitmarket and the Arches. The show moved back to GSA's Assembly Hall in 2004 and the 'boutique' was introduced to raise additional funds. With curriculum change the organisational aspects of the event were integrated into the textile design curriculum. This is still the case today, students work in groups and aspects of the project are delivered by GSA's Careers Services. Recent shows have provided opportunities to work on live projects with external organisations and companies, or with practising designers. The Students' Union, renamed 'The Art School' continues to be used as the venue for the show, although external sites were used during the development of GSA's Reid Building. The introduction of undergraduate fashion design at GSA in 2010 has meant that garments by fashion student are shown alongside those produced by textile students. Themes of recent shows have challenged students to consider the role fashion can play in the perpetuation of cultural stereotypes, explored issues of cultural appreciation and addressed gender neutrality.

In recent years, students have regularly been influenced by the material in the Archives and Collections when producing garments for the GSA fashion show. For the 70th Anniversary fashion show, 21-22 March, 3rd-year fashion and textiles students selected a period between '1947-2017' for inspiration.

Author: Helena Britt

Code

S760

Scope note(s)

Source note(s)

Hierarchical terms

Fashion shows

Equivalent terms

Fashion shows

Associated terms

Fashion shows

114 Archival description results for Fashion shows

Only results directly related

Student work

  • DC 093/1/1-3 Shift dress, jacket and printed coat made from sackcloth by Elizabeth (Betty) Sinclair (nee Stewart) for the GSA Fashion Shows c1950-52.
  • DC 093/1/4 Coat of woven material, designed and woven by Betty Myerscough in the Weaving Department for her Diploma show in 1954 and included in the 1954 fashion show
  • DC 093/1/5-8 Two dresses, plus one top and skirt made by Judith MacKechnie, 1975
  • DC 093/1/9-11 Two 'Penny Daintee' dresses printed and made by Sheila R McDonald, 1st year Textile Design, in 1977, plus 1 x original design sketch for these dresses
  • DC 093/1/12-16 Outfit comprising: printed beige georgette kimono coat and jodpurs; satin sash; satin strapless sequin top; satin pillbox hat and veil; made by Elizabeth (Lyz) Armstrong in 1979
  • DC 093/1/17-19 Black, white and grey graphic lace print tiered skirt; black 'teddy' cami bodysuit with graphic lace print trim; and a black cotton seer sucker petticoat made by Elizabeth (Lyz) Armstrong in 1978.
  • DC 093/1/20-21 Two items by Mary-Ann Chatterton, to be worn as male skirts, from the 1998 fashion show held at The Tramway, Glasgow. One yellow tulle with yellow lace waistband, red tie around waist and red thread at hem. Label inside waistband band that reads 'Chatterton centre back'. One large woven length of red fabric speckled with white featuring orange half-circle at one side and decorative coarse red thread stitches.

Sinclair, Elizabeth

Audiovisual material

GSA Archives and Collections hold 216 audiovisual files, covering a range of topics and a wide date range. The audiovisual material has been created both by GSA and by external organisations, such as the BBC (television and radio), STV and ITV, other educational institutions and the Scottish Arts Council. Media in the collection include 16mm films, 35mm films, audio cassettes, audio CDs, CD Rom, DV cassette, DVD, Floppy disk, Reel to reel audios, Super 8 film, U-matic films, VHS tapes and Video 8 tapes. The audiovisual files pertain to topics including the GSA Fashion and Degree Shows, and Activities Week; students discussing their work; lectures by architects; presentations by, and interviews and conversations with, GSA alumni; centenary of the Mackintosh Building; Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh; plays; and documentaries on GSA. Please note that this material is not yet fully catalogued and therefore some items may not be accessible to researchers. As at August 2017, only the fashion show audiovisual material has been catalogued. The remaining uncatalogued material is therefore not currently accessible for researchers.

Webster, Chris

Photographs of Robert Stewart's works collected by Liz Arthur

Contains 5 black & white photographs of : Robert Stewart climbing a ladder to hang his mobile at the 1952 GSA fashion show, Elizabeth Stewart wearing a hat designed by Robert Stewart for the 1952 GSA fashion show, and Robert Stewart demonstrating the use of procion to Richard Demarco and Romanian artists at Hill House, Loch Striven, 1969. Also contains 79 colour photographs of Robert Stewart's : post diploma show paintings, gouache on paper, 1946-1947; textile designs, late 1940s-early 1950s; Jon Noble, Ardkinglas commission, c1950; embroidered panel worked by Kath Whyte, 1955; designs for Christmas cards done for Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Tapestry Company, mid 1950s; Robert Stewart Ceramics storage jars and tankards, 1957-1963; graphic designs for Liberty, late 1950s; greetings cards, 1964; ceramic mural for Tappit Hen restaurant, Paisley, 1965; ceramic mural designed for West Dumbartonshire Burgh offices (Robert Stewart in picture), 1965; untitled paintings, procion, grease and gouache on paper, late 1960s; ceramic panels, late 1960s; 'First Sight of Santorini' painting, 1968; ceramic mural for Hebridean & Highlander restaurant, Queen Street Station, Glasgow. (Note : these dates reflect the year in which the work was done and not the year the photograph was taken.) As well as : fireplace designed by Robert Stewart for 5 Clarkston Rd., Busby, for commission by Ian Millen, 1963; Robert Stewart exhibition, Design Centre, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, 1969; Sheila Macfadyn's (nee McQuistan) diploma show textile designs (she was a student of Robert Stewart at GSA 1951-1953); and the Robert Stewart exhibition, Glasgow School of Art, 2003. Most photographs have captions handwritten by Liz Arthur.

*Not available / given

GSA Undergraduate Fashion Show

  • DC 093
  • Collection
  • 1950-1980

This collections in includes material relating to The Glasgow School of Art's undergraduate fashion show.

The Glasgow School of Art

Press Coverage

  • DC 093/4/1 Picture Post magazine published 7th February 1953, includes an article on the GSA Fashion Show; donated by Eirene Hunter (nee Paton), plus a loose copy of the article donated by Rena Hume.
  • DC 093/4/2 News cutting from 1961, donated by Sheila Bates
  • DC 093/4/3-5 Three press cuttings from 1975, donated by Judith MacKechnie and relating to the donor’s work, see DC 093/1/5-8
  • DC 093/4/6, News cutting from 1977, donated by Sheila R McDonald

*Not available / given

Photographs

  • DC 093/3/1, Portrait of Sheila Bates, 1961, one photograph
  • DC 093/3/3-6, ‘Penny Daintee’ dresses by Sheila McDonald, 1977 (see: DC 093/1/9-11) , four images
  • DC 093/3/7-14, Two photographs, one contact sheet, one contact sheet cut into five strips plus five negative strips relating donated by Elizabeth (Lyz) Armstrong, 1970s
  • DC 093/3/15, Copy of a photograph of Rena Hume, née Harris (Interior Design student) modelling a dress, 1950.

*Not available / given

Papers of C A Wallace Shaw

  • DC 114
  • Collection
  • 1957-2021

Variety of materials relating to the design work of former GSA student C A Wallace Shaw, including student work; Pringle of Scotland LTD; Donna Karan International; Braemar International; and Fornton Knitting Company LTD. The collection also includes a number of personal and professional photographs; designs and textiles; and personal papers.

Please note that some of this material is not yet fully catalogued and therefore may not be accessible.

Shaw, Wallace

Advertisement photograph

Menswear photo from file of photographs for men's and women's clothing collections. It is not known which brand the designs are attributed to.

Not available / given

File of fashion photos

File containing 20 fashion photographs. The photos are undated and it is not known which brand the designs are attributed to. The envelope is annotated with the 'Wallace' and in the lower right corner '(hold while in Hong Kong)'.

Not available / given

Programme for the Gala Fashion Show

Programme for the Gala Fashion Show by Pringle of Scotland on the 22nd October 1968 at the Savoy Hotel, London. Includes information on the history of Pringle of Scotland, and details information of the designs shown during the fashion show.

Pringle of Scotland Ltd

Charity Presentation Press Release

2-page press release detailing the upcoming Royal Gala Fashion Show. Information included dates the press release to the 22nd October, from the Savoy Hotel, London.

Pringle of Scotland Ltd

Fabric poster - fashion show

Screen-printed poster on fabric advertising a fashion show, with the text 'Design a set for fashion show. (Mac. Lec.) Prize £15. Designs for 14 Feb Textiles.'

Cosgrove, James

Poster for The Glasgow School Of Art activities week

This item is one of nine sections of a large scale poster advertising lectures given by Bob Godfrey and Joe McGrath during The Glasgow School Of Art's annual activities week in 1971. Bob Godfrey is best known for his animated cartoons such as Roobarb and Custard and Henry's Cat. Joe McGrath is a Scottish director famous for his films Casino Royal and The Magic Christian. The entire poster would have been one of many displayed on huge billboards on Renfrew Street to advertise events happening during each of The Glasgow School Of Art's annual activities weeks.

*Not available / given

Misc: Interesting

Folder containing contacts and negatives of photographs taken by George Oliver. Most are annotated. Includes: Glasgow School of Art Fashion Show in 1989, paper workshop, Glasgow books, Bently, gable ends, Hungarian reception, Dick Wing Royal Infirmary, Port Glasgow, McLean Museum and Crieff shops.

Oliver, George

GSA Fashion Shows

A number of the GSA fashion shows were filmed and some of these films are held by GSA Archives and Collections, namely the films for 1978, 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1986. These show models on the stage plus in some cases backstage footage and/or stills, and the audience arriving at the venue. For four of the films held by GSA Archives and Collections, the soundtracks have been incorporated at the editing stage and reflect the songs played at the show.

Carruthers, Colin

Poster for The Glasgow School Of Art fashion show

This poster advertised a Glasgow School Of Art fashion show that ran from the 24th to the 29th April 1978. Tickets for this event were priced at £1 and could be purchased from the registrar's office at The Glasgow School Of Art as well as The Design Centre on St Vincent Street. This particular print is number five of ten editions.

Wilson, Colin

GSA Fashion Show film

The 1978 Fashion Show was held in the Mackintosh Lecture Theatre from the 24th to 28th April 1978. The film comprises a combination of still images and film footage of students preparing for the show behind the scenes, and modelling on the stage. There is a mixture of men’s and women’s garments. Styles and themes include metallic fabrics, sportswear, bodysuits and off-the-shoulder dresses. Children’s clothes were also modelled in the show although these are not shown in the film. Garments were designed and modelled mostly by students or former students. Indigo Designs also designed evening dresses for the show. Students involved in the show came from a variety of subject areas and years, including: 1st year; Embroidery and Weaving; Textiles; and Graphics. Hair was by the Hely Design Group and shoes were from Ravel. The set for the show consisted of a pale, self-coloured ruched fabric backdrop. A soundtrack was recorded separately to accompany the film but GSA does not hold a copy of this. A short clip of this film is available online at https://vimeo.com/channels/504825/222346017. To view the full length film, please contact GSA Archives and Collections. Note – the full length film contains some nudity at 5:17 and 9:42. The information above has in part been provided by staff and alumni of GSA.

Carruthers, Colin

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