Glasgow memories: Dior models rock the runway in 1955

Lucky, Francine, Claire, Lia, Odile, Alla and Victoire were in Glasgow for one of two fashion shows staged by French luxury designer Christian Dior in May, 1955.

The Dior ‘mannequins’, as our photographer described them on the back of the picture in our archives, had a breezy welcome to Scotland and really had to hold on to their hats.

The story goes that Dior insured his collection for £60,000 and flew 172 dresses worth about £300 each, eight models, three organisers and three dressers from Paris to Scotland for the shows, one in Glasgow and one at Gleneagles.

They were held in order to raise money for a charity which arranged exchange visits for Scottish and French schoolchildren and the shows were so popular they raised more than £4000 – a huge sum in those days.

Glasgow loves its fashion, of course, and another great platform for models and designers was the Scottish Industries Exhibition at the Kelvin Hall.

Here, Scottish models Judy Morgan, left and Susan Bayley display some of the textiles used in the display in September 1959.

Judy Morgan, left and Susan Bayley display some of the textiles used in the Scottish Industries Exhibition in the Kelvin Hall, 1959

So what did fashion have in store for us in 1955, when the Dior women were in town? The Evening Times fashion pages had one piece of advice - knit your own stylish wool jumper.

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“Has this chilly May weather made you realise a cosy long-sleeved jumper is going to be an essential in your holiday suitcase?” they asked.”Start knitting right away as we have found the perfect pattern...”

Did you see Dior in Glasgow? Get in touch.