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MODA Members Meetup: A Tour of Abbey Glass Studios

MEMBERS ONLY


What does it take to turn a creative vision into a garment that makes someone feel their best?

Fashion design is more than what we see on the runway or the rack. It’s a process of translating ideas into form, balancing creativity with craftsmanship, and making thoughtful decisions about materials, fit, production, and the people who will ultimately wear each piece.

MODA members are invited to step inside Abbey Glass, an Atlanta-founded womenswear brand celebrating 11 years of timeless style. During this special Members Meetup, members will hear directly from the team behind the brand about the many layers of fashion design, from initial concept and textile selection to production, brand storytelling, and the business of bringing a collection to life.

Hosted within the Abbey Glass Studio, this behind-the-scenes experience will offer a closer look at how design decisions shape not only what we wear, but how clothing makes us feel. Following the conversation, members will take part in a hands-on experience that brings the creative process to life, offering a new perspective on the thought, skill, and collaboration behind the clothes we wear.

What to Expect

  • A behind-the-scenes look at Abbey Glass and its approach to timeless, approachable, and attainable luxury

  • A conversation with members of the Abbey Glass team about the fashion design process, from early concepts and pattern-making to production and final product

  • Insights into the intersection of creativity and commerce, including how design, brand identity, and business strategy work together

  • A closer look at the collaborative process that brings a womenswear collection from idea to finished garment

  • A hands-on creative experience within the Abbey Glass Studio

  • Time to connect with fellow MODA members and explore the many ways design influences our everyday lives

Meet Your Hosts

Maddy Clements, Jr. Designer

Maddy Clements supports the design and development of Abbey Glass collections, from initial concept through production. She holds a BFA in Fashion Design and brings more than five years of industry experience, including previous roles at Sid Mashburn and apparel startups. With a background spanning both creative and operational aspects of fashion, Maddy is passionate about thoughtful design, responsible production, and creating distinctive pieces that balance quality, longevity, and creativity.

Alex Arai, Design & Production Coordinator

Alex Arai manages the workflows and logistics connecting Abbey Glass’s in-house creative team with its production vendors, helping ensure that collections meet design specifications, deadlines, and quality standards. She holds a BFA in Textile Design from the University of Georgia and has worked in creative product development at STATE The Label and Accent Decor. Alex is passionate about empowering women through clothing that helps them feel confident and their best.

Eleanor Peery, Director of Brand Marketing & Creative

Eleanor Peery leads brand strategy, creative direction, and initiatives that bring Abbey Glass to life across digital and physical experiences. Her previous experience at Hilma, The New Yorker, and Vogue spans integrated marketing, creative storytelling, and brand partnerships. Eleanor is interested in how design and storytelling work together to build meaningful brand experiences and drive business results.

Mary Julia Moore, VP, Commercial Operations

Mary Julia Moore oversees a broad portfolio at Abbey Glass, including retail, e-commerce, marketing, operations, client services, and strategic partnerships. Her leadership experience includes LAKE, Aritzia, Michael Kors, and Target, where she helped guide retail expansion, multi-state store operations, and large-scale teams. Mary Julia is passionate about collaborative, people-first leadership, elevating the client experience, and translating creative vision into sustainable business growth.

About Abbey Glass:

Founded by a classically trained fashion designer with a background in women's tailoring and pattern-making, Abbey Glass began with custom-made dresses before expanding into ready-to-wear in 2015. Today, the Atlanta-headquartered brand is known for timeless, approachable, and attainable luxury designed to help women feel confident for life's memorable moments.

With a flagship store in Atlanta's Buckhead Village District, additional storefronts in Dallas and Charleston, a presence in more than 75 Dillard's locations, and a recent launch on Nordstrom.com, Abbey Glass continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to thoughtful design and enduring style.

Image Courtesy of Abbey Glass.


Registration:

Registration is free for MODA Members and a guest, but is required to attend this event. 

Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes early to check in outside the Abbey Glass Studio. Please reach out with any questions about parking and accessibility. 

If your plans change and you’re no longer able to attend, please notify Felicia at felicia@museumofdesignatlanta.org so we can open your spot to another MODA member. Thank you for helping us make the most of this experience for our member community!

 

Not a MODA Member yet? Become one and join us for this and other members-only experiences. 

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Become one here!

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Digital Art Studio: Ancient Wonders