The cutting edge of haute couture will soon be on the catwalk at the Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling. It’s a chance to admire outfits of the highest quality, from  some of Europe’s very best designers. An array of rich fabrics, hand-sewn, and superbly set off by top jewellers. Come along for a fabulous chance to see what every wealthy Scotswoman dreamed of wearing – back in the 1540s.


The show will be staged by the team of costumed characters who will spend most of the year showing visitors around the castle’s royal palace. It will give shoppers the chance to get close to some beautiful outfits, which have all been carefully researched to be as close as possible to the high fashions of the mid 16th century.

The costumes have been hand-made by members of the team including Mairi Gibson, from Bridge of Allan. One of her creations is designed for a noblewoman, and took six weeks to cut and stitch. It has a linen shift, corset, petticoat, underdress and main dress of black velvet with flame burnt orange taffeta detailing on the sleeves and accompanying French hood. The corset takes around three inches of the waist, but the multi-layered outfit puts it all back on again.

The 16th-century fashion show is just one part of a fabulous free event being staged by the Thistles Shopping centre on 28th May, 2011. Stirling Castle’s costumed characters will appear in the morning, while some of the city’s major retailers will put on a contemporary fashion show in the afternoon. Full details and timings are still being finalised and will be available from the website at www.thethistles.com.