A new exhibition is exploring the work of an internationally acclaimed, but often unsung, north-east fashion designer.
The Bill Gibb line, by Aberdeen-based Shane Strachan, features poetry and film alongside original garments and drawings from the New Pitsligo designer and has now gone on public display at Aberdeen art gallery.
The exhibits are displayed next to new garments created by students from Gray’s School of Art, which have been inspired by the life and work of one of the fashion industry’s most talented and innovative designers.
Eight poems by Mr Strachan, all of them inspired by a different fashion show from Gibb’s illustrious career from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, are displayed alongside his original work.
Some of the renowned designer’s creations are in storage at Dundee’s V&A museum.
Regarded as a cult hero of British fashion, William “Bill” Elphinstone Gibb’s ability to mix contrasting prints and fabrics resulted in dramatic glamorous designs.
Born near New Pitsligo, he went on to attend Saint Martin’s School of Art in London in 1962.
In 1967, Gibb and a group of friends co-founded the Alice Paul boutique, for which he designed typically flamboyant 1960s outfits.
He also lent his talents to the London fashion house Baccarat between 1969 and 1972. During this time, in 1970, he was voted Designer of the year by Vogue.
Mr Strachan, who is from Fraserburgh but now based in Aberdeen, said that the closeness of where he and Gibb were born had inspired him.
He said: “When I found out I would be exhibiting here, I was absolutely blown away.
“It’s a real celebration of an often unsung north-east star and I hope it’s a great introduction for those who were unfamiliar with Bill Gibb until now.
“I think that 70s fashion is coming back now, so an exhibition like this will hopefully spread more awareness of Bill’s work.”
Council culture spokeswoman Marie Boulton said “For me, bringing a new audience to the art gallery is as big a part of the renovation as the work on the building.
“This is about showing that Aberdeen is not just about oil and gas.”
Gray’s School of Art student Kirstie Noble, 21 said: “ It’s a really great opportunity to have our pieces in the art gallery. We’re from Gray’s school of art, so we made the garments last year for a university project.
“He [Bill Gibb] is very unique.”
