Couturier Sandra Murray MBE has announced that she will be presenting a series of masterclasses for the first time, to pass on exclusive insights into the world of couture and the detailed process involved in creating her masterpieces, and revealing how a highly skilled artisan can operate independently of large fashion houses.

In an intensive one day course, fans of couture and bespoke fashion will learn from the master artisan how she works with fabrics such as tweed, organza and silk to produce her unique, highly complex yet structured designs. Taking place at Murray’s own studio, the Sandra Murray Masterclasses will also give a behind the scenes look at how top designers develop their individual styles.

Originally from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where she grew up in a creative environment – her father is a boatbuilder and her mother ran a knitwear business – Murray trained in painting at Glasgow School of Art in the 70s before setting up as an independent designer. Working from a studio in Inverness, in the romantic Scottish Highlands, she cites her love of the Scottish landscape as the primary inspiration for her work. Her loyal clientele are based around the world, from Japan to Switzerland and America. Murray was commissioned to dress the Queen for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and was awarded an MBE for services to the Scottish fashion and textiles industry in 2009.

Murray states: “ People aren’t often aware of how much time and attention goes into creating a couture piece. They are closer to works of art – sculpture, really – and extraordinarily labour intensive. I’m looking forward to giving those attending my masterclasses a deeper insight into the construction of handmade pieces and the beauty of the materials involved. A great passion for colour and fabric has always been at the heart of what I do; I hope very much that it will prove to be infectious.”

The masterclasses will be structured to incorporate an introduction to Sandra’s work and methods. This will be followed by a more detailed look at how bespoke clothing is constructed, and the development of a collection, including the creation of story boards and lookbooks. The classes are divided into four distinct themes; Behind the Seams – a detailed look at the texture, construction and finishing of a couture garment; Collage Culture – focusing on the creation of one of Sandra’s signature pieces, the Heirloom Bodice; and Frockcoats and Tales , where Sandra will talk about her life, influences and inspirations, and take a closer look at unique tailored ensembles such as the one created for HM the Queen.

Murray will launch a concierge service in the near future, offering an on the spot styling and bespoke couture service for the time-precious. The service will particularly be aimed at those in the performing arts, such as opera singers, pianists, soloists and musicians – performers who require statement pieces for large venues. She has also just begun work on a series of unique heritage frockcoats based on Highland castles and their associated tartans, to be launched later in the year.

Prices for the Sandra Murray Masterclasses start at £390 – the one-day courses run from May to November and numbers will be strictly limited. Specially tailored classes, with a translator if required, can be arranged for small groups of visitors from overseas wishing to book a course as part of their travel itinerary.

For more information and to book call +44(0)1463 220091 or visit www.sandramurray.co.uk