Handed down WITH LOVE

Three women tell the special stories of how their families have shared clothes across the generations

- GILLIAN HARVEY

'An extra layer of emotion was added to an already special day'

Fashion designer Jayne Lasley, 45, lives in Langbank, Renfrewshire, with her husband Keith, 45, and their children Carrie, 16, and Alfie, 13.

When my mum Lesley, now 73, brought out a small box, opened it and drew out the christening gown, I gasped. It was perfect. 'I didn't know this existed!' I told her. It was 2008 and I'd been talking to her about having my own daughter, Carrie, now 16, christened when Mum brought out the box and surprised me.

The dress had been bought in 1953 and she'd worn it at her own christening. Apparently I'd sported the same outfit for my special day and, as a young child, had seen my cousins being christened in it too.

I held up the gown, with its pretty lace overlay, and marvelled at how beautiful and tiny it was - trying to imagine a miniature version of my mother being christened. Mum showed me pictures of my own christening in the 70s and that of some of my cousins, all wearing the gown.

It was made even more special by the fact that both Mum and I have the same love of beautiful clothing - fashion is something that has bound us together for years. Mum's love of clothing inspired me to follow a career in fashion - first working as a buyer then starting my own brand, Fairlie Curved, in 2020. Mum came out of retirement to work on it with me.

Our family is quite religious - all of us got christened and went to Sunday School each week growing up. The church in Langbank parish where we all live has become a family church, and a place that has seen several marriages and christenings over the years.