Every object in the National Museums Liverpool collections has its own story, and for former model Julie Bramwell, 63, that story is now on display at the Walker Art Gallery. Growing up in the Lodge Lane area, she never imagined her clothes would be exhibited in an art gallery. However, entering a magazine competition in 1982 changed her life completely.
A Career Launched by a Competition
At 20 years old, Julie sent her photographs to a contest run by Look Now Magazine, hoping to become 'the face of 1983'. She was one of hundreds of local girls who entered and was eventually selected as the Merseyside Regional Finalist, a feat featured in the Liverpool Daily Post at the time. Although she did not win the final heat, Julie secured a contract with Select Model Agency, marking the beginning of an incredible career.
She worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and photography, including photographers David Bailey and Jocelyn Bain Hogg, and fashion designers like Betty Jackson CBE and Wendy Dagworthy OBE. Her work reads like a who's who of the fashion world. She even toured with Bryan Ferry, saying: "I loved Roxy Music. The day my mum came in and put Love Is The Drug on the turntable, I was so into them. I bought their albums and I just thought, 'wow'. Then to be able to tour with him was just brilliant."
Reflecting on her time with David Bailey, she added: "He was quite cheeky and I was cheeky back. I think that's why he liked me. He used to call me 'Liverpool,' he never called me Julie, because he said I had the same sense of humour as John Lennon."
A Vibrant Era in Fashion and Music
Julie described the 1980s as one of the most vibrant and intoxicating times of her life. "Designers were evolving and music was evolving all at the same time. It was just brilliant. We were all experimenting with hair and makeup. All the groups that I knew, A Flock of Seagulls, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, OMD, The Teardrop Explodes, they were all evolving as well. I would often, when I got a modelling contract, meet some of the groups in London. Everyone was just growing together and it was just wonderful." She lamented that the edge in fashion, music, and arts from that time is lacking nowadays.
Working with Vivienne Westwood
This immersion in the fashion world led Julie to work with one of the most influential designers, Vivienne Westwood. Around 1989/1990, Julie received a call from her agent about working with the designer, who was launching her Davis Street store in Mayfair. Vivienne fitted Julie into her outfit, alongside her team, and allowed her to keep it after the event.
The suit became Julie's party dress, worn for years to events and theatre shows. She has now donated it to National Museums Liverpool, and it is on display at the Walker Art Gallery for the exhibition Vivienne Westwood: Designer in Focus until October 17, 2026.
Julie said: "I loved her ethos. I loved what she was passionate about, as well as her fashion and her eye for detail. I would have loved to work with her more, I really would. I was just so grateful that she chose me to be one of the models to represent her."
She added: "Her clothes made you feel feminine. When you put certain clothes on, it affects how you feel. If you just want to chill, you're going to put your T-shirt and your jeans on. But if you want to really look amazing and feel amazing inside, because that's what her clothes did, 'I feel brilliant,' you know, I'm out on the town tonight in me Viv."
Donating to the Walker Art Gallery
After years of wearing the Vivienne Westwood suit to parties and theatre shows, Julie decided it was time to part ways and put it to better use. She donated her pieces to the Walker Art Gallery, giving them the showing they deserved. "I've always, since I was a little girl, have gone to the Walker Art Gallery. Every time I'm in Liverpool, I head to the cathedral and then the Walker Art Gallery. They're my two places."
One day, she walked in and saw a display with one Vivienne Westwood piece. She went to reception and said: "I've got a Vivienne Westwood wrapped in tissue in my loft. Would you like it to add to the display?" They put her in touch with Pauline, Head of Sudley House and Lady Lever Art Gallery. Pauline said she would create a brand new display around that one outfit and pull in all the other Vivienne Westwood pieces. Julie added: "It was her idea, it just inspired her. Her and her team did all of the hard work."
The exhibition has been well received. Julie noted: "When I was there one time, there were two ladies from the Royal Ballet and they'd especially come up from London. There was a group of women from the Women's Institute, you know, loads of people have travelled to see it."
Further information about the exhibition can be found on the National Museums Liverpool website.
