Glasgow's Burrell Collection to host first ever fashion show

The Burrell Collection will host the event on Saturday, May 9 in partnership with rising Scottish designer Flora McFarlane.

McFarlane will debut her 28-look collection, Return to the Garden, on a catwalk set among the museum’s artworks, marking the first fashion show in the museum’s history.

Her collection draws inspiration from the museum’s 9000-piece archive, which spans 6000 years of art and history.

Model Danae Crawford in Flora McFarlane’s Dragon Lace Dress at The Burrell Collection (Image: Glasgow Life)

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."

McFarlane, a Glasgow School of Art graduate, is known for blending heritage textiles with contemporary design, using influences from nature and historic craftsmanship.

Her work has previously been featured on Icons of Style with Kirsty Wark and in a prestigious exhibition at V&A Dundee.

Model Danae Crawford in Flora McFarlane’s Dragon Lace Dress at The Burrell Collection (Image: Glasgow Life)

McFarlane's latest body of work incorporates knitwear and bespoke tailoring, reflecting themes found in the museum’s Chinese, French, and Medieval collections.

She said: "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.

"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."

As part of the show, attendees will have the rare opportunity to explore the museum after hours and meet with curators and conservators to learn more about the collection.

The project forms part of a wider creative programme extending into 2026, with planned workshops for young people, students, and community groups.

Model in Flora McFarlane’s Dragon Lace Dress at The Burrell Collection with Flora McFarlane and Burrell Museum Manager Juliet Fellows Smith (Image: Glasgow Life)

Juliet Fellows-Smith, museum manager at 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."

Tickets for the show start at £22.40 and are available from www.burrellcollection.com.