THESE fashion fans almost became part of the exhibition as they visited Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery’s 19th century European Costume exhibition.

Some 13 members of The Phoenix Country and Western Club dressed in full Victorian costume for A Century of Style: Costume and Colour 1800-1899.

The exhibition displays rarely seen and meticulously conserved examples of womenswear, menswear and children’s clothing and runs until February 14.

Liz Duff, of the club, said: “Many of us are members of a small sewing class where we make and wear various fashions from the Romantic era through to early Edwardian, but mainly focus on Victorian dress and styles worn in the American West in the 1800's.

"We wear our outfits at various Country and Western festivals up and down the country.

“Although we try to use Victorian patterns were possible, we don't claim to be 100% historically accurate, we just look on it as a bit of fun.

"When we heard about the exhibition we thought it would be great fun to attend in some of our own outfits that we had either made ourselves or had made for us.

"Even some of the men folk got dressed for the occasion.

“We are all in awe of the costumes on display and we gained a new appreciation for the amount of time and work that must have gone into each piece when it was originally made.”

Delicate embroidered cottons, elaborate woven silks, beautiful wedding dresses and opulent evening gowns, created by leading Glaswegian dressmakers sit alongside exquisite beaded couture dresses designed by their international contemporaries.

Supporting the collection is a striking selection of accessories including delicate jewellery, embellished shoes, original draping Kashmir shawls, purses and parasols.

The accompanying interpretation explores how, where and in some cases for whom the clothes were made, together with the many elements which influenced the style, material and colour that dominated at different times throughout the century.

It reflects the city’s important role as a leading textile manufacturer and Glasgow’s dominance as a major retail centre.

Chairman of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham, said: “A Century of Style showcases the cream of the city’s amazing collection in all its splendour.

"Like many previous clothing exhibitions it has sparked people’s imaginations, drawing thousands to admire the incredible costumes on display at Kelvingrove.

“With period dramas dominating the screens post-Christmas, we’ve seen an increase in recent visitor figures and want to let people know the exhibition is only on until February 14.

"I would urge anyone who loves fashion to make a date and catch the show before it closes.”

While showing Glasgow Museums collection, the exhibition also researches behind the scenes of key inventions such as the sewing machine, aniline dyes and paper patterns.

Together these discoveries helped revolutionise the fashion industry, leading to the mass production of clothing and in time the high-street department stores which came to characterise much of the 20th century.

For more information visit www.glasgowmuseums.com