Abigail’s passion for the history of fashion started in her youth, most of which was spent watching black and white movies whilst her mum did the ironing. Her formative influences were very much more in the vein of Myrna Loy than Madonna: vintage wedding dresses were already on the horizon. Being a frustrated historian who could sew led Abigail to a degree in Costume Design Interpretation at Wimbledon School of Art. Her time at Wimbledon taught her the practical skills of pattern cutting and dress construction, as well as fostering a greater understanding and respect for the dress makers of the past. After college a number of years were spent in the film industry (The Mummy, Gladiator, Wing Commander), theatre (Royal Opera House, Beauty and the Beast) and television. If the truth be told, more monsters feet were made than frocks for Pride and Prejudice. When the rigours of the movie industry meant that she barely saw her young children, Abigail turned to fashion and the slightly more sociable hours where she worked for a top ladies Evening and Bridal wear designer in London. Naturally the role involved miles of hand sewing, dress fittings and working with the pattern cutters and dress designers on some really wonderful gowns.
