Dynamic duo and costume design students Abigail McLean and Abigail Farrelly have launched their online editorial platform and website Abi & Abi to support local creatives. With backgrounds in working in am-dram theatre, make-up and design, their aim is to create a brand infused with their love of everything “editorial, pink, red and groovy”. Putting their experience of working with local sustainable summer event Festival of Thrift and North East-based magazine Sunday Girl, to good use, these two Teeside costumiers and creatives are now revving up to launch their summer soirée on August 12th!

The summer soirée is “a networking party for creatives, featuring a fabulous runway, showcasing local emerging designers, pop up shops from it girls vintage and Anna Lowen and amazing makeup, hair and model collaborators. The designers who will be featured on the runway are as follows, Abigail McLean, Abigail Farrelly, Michael Wallace, Alice Calvert, Junk of Jess, Gabriel Gustard, Sass by Soph and Sophie Rodgers Studio. The room will be decorated by Izzie from Maad Productions, who will be helping with the set design of the room as we have many fabulous artists who will be showcasing their work .”

The two Abis met whilst studying on our BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design course.  Speaking of the experience they said: “It was a place we were able to find our creative similarities and grow our friendships and give us ideas for our brand.” Reflecting on their experience of the course and the advice they’d give to future costumiers they commented: “We would say definitely do it, it is a great course that opens opportunities and gives creative freedom. It will inspire and drive you as a creative.”

What are the next steps for Abi & Abi? “We would love to continue with hosting, organising and designing/making for these shows. This is an amazing space for creatives to come together and rise as a community, giving experience and sharing knowledge with one another.”

You can buy tickets the summer soirée here. The event takes place at The Social Room in Stockton. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the runway show starting at 7:30pm. A full list of the event’s collaborators can be found on Instagram, @aabigailaabigail.