Fashion becomes art

Local photographer Kim Ayres was inspired by the three large Spring Fling Rural Murals (SFRMs) across the region. And she gathered at one with models Jessica Lee and Katarina Marie Kositzki to show off clothes by Kirkcudbright designer Morag Macpherson. Textile artist Morag was one of the creators of the mural backdrop at Meiklewood Farm, Ringford. So it was fitting that her her handmade silk kimono-style jackets, wrap round skirts and coats featured in the shoot. Kim said: "We'd originally thought of doing a fashion shoot with a big city graffiti backdrop – there’s not a lot of that in the Dumfries and Galloway countryside. "But when Morag worked with Italian street artist Tellas to paint a big, colourful mural on the steading at Ringford we realised it would be the perfect backdrop - creating a really bold and edgy mood." She added: "Our models were fantastic at throwing some attitude straight down the lens."

Morag said: "Having the fashion shoot was huge fun - the way the mural and the fabrics seemed to set each other off was quite amazing." She is just one of ten textile artists and designers taking part in this weekend's Spring Fling, from May 28-30. Thousands of visitors are expected in the region to see the 94 specially-selected artists and makers who are throwing open their studio doors. To find out more go to www.spring-fling.co.uk