Secret of Downton’s posh frocks: They’re from a second-hand shop in Glasgow!
TUCKED away down a quiet city lane, its unassuming green wooden shop front gives little clue to the starring role it has played in some of British TV’s biggest dramas. But Starry Starry Night, in Glasgow’s West End, has proved such a treasure trove to costume researchers that it has become a prime source of clothing and accessories – for everything from the hugely successful Downton Abbey to ITV’s current ratings hit, The Halcyon, a Second World War period drama set in a fictional high-end hotel. Memorable items found at the vintage clothing boutique include the pink dress worn by Downton Abbey’s Lady Rose – played by Lily James – when Atticus proposed to her during the fifth series, and an equally striking champagnecoloured, beaded frock worn by the aristocrat during that season’s Christmas special.
The series aired for the last time in 2015 but shop owner Anna Graham continues to supply outfits to other hit shows, from ITV’s 1950s detective drama Grantchester to BritishUS television series Outlander.
Miss Graham, who has owned the shop off Byres Road for more than 30 years, said: ‘I love providing for these shows, especially Downton Abbey. I provided for the last three series, when 1920s clothes were needed. The costume designer would call and say what she was looking for then I would gather all the items I thought suitable and have a rail ready for when she arrived.
‘She came to us twice a year over the final three years of Downton and would spend a few thousand pounds each time she came. The nicest dress I ever sold her was a cobalt blue velvet dress with copper beads. People were going crazy for that number.’
She added: ‘Downton Abbey is loved, everyone knows the show and it is wonderful to be asked to provide clothing for it. All the dresses we have given are in archives and exhibitions now. I am very proud.’
The period drama, created by Julian Fellowes, first aired in Britain in 2010 and at its peak was watched by 10.5 million UK viewers.
During its five years on air the show won three Golden Globes, two Baftas and 15 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Downton Abbey costume designer Anna Robbins is now in charge of clothing for The Halcyon and still sources accessories and outfits from Starry Starry Night.
So far, 1930s and 40s shawls, dresses, handbags and jewellery from the store have been used in the series.
The quirky shop was even the source of the deep peach chiffon and lace nightdress worn by Lady Hamilton – played by Olivia Williams – during her scandalous love scene with Lucian, shown last month.
Miss Robbins said: ‘I always come to Scotland to shop for vintage because there are brilliant vintage shops.
‘Starry Starry Night is one of my favourites – not least because it is a treasure trove of vintage finds but also because I love to see Anna and catch up with her. She has some of the best stories in the industry.
‘The store has a great range, collected by someone with such a great eye that you don’t have to trawl through uninteresting pieces to find the gems. Some of my favourite Downton costumes have been found there.’
‘Treasure trove of vintage finds’