Gym teacher’s label legacy

Throughout life, Kirsteen Gibb knew it was important always to look her best.

Once described as an “upmarket version of Miss Jean Brodie”, the former St Margaret’s School for Girls dance and PE teacher was renowned for her array of outfits – and her habit of buying two of everything.

Before her death at the age of 89, she ensured others would be able to follow her lead – and all in aid of a good cause. As part of her will, the fashionista arranged a sale of more than 2000 of her cherished designer items.

The new and nearly new coats, hats and handbags will be on sale at the Parish Church of St Cuthbert on Lothian Road, of which Miss Gibb, who died last month, was a member.

Shoppers will be able to pick up bargains like a full-length Geiger coat – which would cost between £700 to £800 new – for £45. All proceeds raised go towards the church.

Irene Gill, 64, Miss Gibb’s church elder and friend, said: “She really wanted the clothes in her wardrobe to be sold to raise money for the church and that was part of her will.”

The sale – made up of clothes in sizes 10 to 16 – is in addition to having already bequeathed £100,000 to St Cuthbert’s on her death.

Miss Gibb, right, was also one of the most generous benefactors of St George’s School for Girls, donating the proceeds of the sale of one of her homes.

Describing Miss Gibb’s passion for clothes, Irene said: “Her mother once said to her, ‘You’re not going out like that’, and from then on she made sure she was always well dressed.

“She loved her clothes and she used to buy one item to wear – whether it was a jacket, a shirt or a coat – and one to keep good. She was therefore always very smart – she just loved to be colour co-ordinated and well dressed.

“She was really into modern things. There will be something at the sale for everyone.”

Included in the collection are around 150 Geiger jackets and coats, 120 handbags and 500 jumpers and cardigans. Labels will include Barbour, Tula, Radley and Eastex.

Miss Gibb, who grew up in Trinity, is said to have become particularly fond of leather trousers in her 80s. Irene said: “She was a great gardener and she said the trousers really helped to keep out the wind.”

Irene has been sorting through clothing for weeks for the event, which is expected to raise thousands.

“I don’t know where I’m going to put everything. This will give people a chance to pick up a really nice designer item at a price most people can afford.”

The event takes place on Saturday from 10am until 4pm.

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