BFW: Your name? Abigail Merkl

BFW: Company name? Be Urban Chic

BFW: When did you start your business? Four years ago, after leaving the London College of Fashion. Full of ambition I began putting pencil to paper, designing my own collection and making one off made to measure pieces for an independent boutique. 

BFW: Where are you based? Tunbridge Wells, Kent but my life is largely centred within our great capital city London, and Brighton.

BFW: What do you design/make? I make ‘Contemporary British fashion for the urban party girl’.

Describe your designs in three words? Charismatic, Alluring and Evocative.

BFW: Do you design and make everything yourself? No not anymore, I made everything myself for the first 3 years, but over the last year I have sourced ethical makers in the UK. Now I can really focus on my strength designing. It works well and I’m much happier.

BFW: What is your company’s philosophy? I believe glamour is about attitude, individual style and a certain confidence. Rather than the highest heels or biggest jewels (though these things can help!) It’s about how the individual feels in my garments. Every single piece from my collection is made with an icon or a good friend in mind. I believe you should ‘Be Happy, Be Yourself & Be Fabulous’ in fashion and more importantly in life.

BFW: Who is your typical customer? Our urban girl enjoys life and is 18  to 35. She fantasises about the past eras, people, style and fashion. She knows how to make it her own. She loves all types of fashion and collects pretty things. She mixes our collection with some vintage accessories and she loves to stand apart from others. Her experience in life leads her to want ethically produced garments, as she’s aware of how the world is today. She wants her attire to fit perfectly, so she can stand taller with more confidence to take on whatever life throws in her path. She’s charismatic, fun, and is invited to all the best parties.

BFW: If you could dress one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be? I don’t want to be a cliche but one of my most favourite, inspiring, beautiful women of any era, has got to be Marilyn Monroe. One of my most distinctive dresses of the collection is named after her. I was thoroughly inspired, having gone to a beautiful Travilla exhibition at the Bath Fashion Museum. Travilla was great friends with her & dressed her for nearly all her films. Many thanks to Richard & Mr Bill Saris for creating the exhibition for The Alzheimers Society, in the memory of the great Travilla .

BFW: Where do you see yourself in five years time? I would love to be in at least 10 boutiques across the UK, and 2 concessions in major department stores. I have always wanted my own boutique in Brighton, it’s where I have always wanted to settle. Possibly that would take slightly longer than 5 years though. I see myself in my own beautiful home. Thinking about starting a family with someone.... and yes I’m a hopeless romantic.

BFW: Is this the first time you have taken part in Brighton Fashion Week? Yes, and its hugely exciting. I have always wanted to show my collection on the catwalk at this is one of the most prestigious events in the fashion calendar, it’s just fabulous!

BFW: Why are you taking part? Because I love Brighton, love the people there and love fashion . So think it’s by far the best way to showcase my work.

BFW: How would you describe the event? Prepossessing.

BFW: Do you think Brighton needs a Fashion Week to rival other cities? Why? Yes, because Brighton has so much to offer, it’s a very innovative place. People who don’t know need to learn just what Brighton has to offer the fashion world.

BFW: What type of people do you hope Brighton Fashion Week will attract? An eclectic mix of personalities.  People that are creative in their chosen areas, fashion, media, design, styling, buyers, photographers, models and celebrities and  lovers of fashion. 

BFW: Do you think Brighton is a hub for creative people? Why? It’s by the sea from a start, sea air sure makes you feel good. It’s for people that didn’t fancy London but love the culture and class. It’s the gay capital of the UK so it’s known for its free attitude and easy going approach to life. This is bound to attract creatives because it’s got good karma and energy which helps us creative people to be inspired, happy and buzzing with ideas.

See Be Urban Chic at the Ready-to-Wear Shows, Saturday 12^th June, Brighton Corn Exchange