Collection: The Social Studio x Kay Abude x Alpha60

We are so proud to launch a new fundraising collaboration with Filipino-Australian visual artist Kay Abude and Melbourne fashion royalty, Alpha60. 

The limited edition collection was locally manufactured in our Ethical Clothing Australia accredited workroom by our small but mighty team! There are only 50 units of the dress and long sleeve top, and even fewer of the bag and hat. The screen printed front panel of the dress style was hand cut and the exposed knife pleats hand ruled before being sewn down. Brushed metal buttons and high vis reflective tape feature as a nod to Kay’s current work at the docks, where she is a stevedore to support her art practice.  

Ugly Cute Collective by Michelle Phan (who also works at TSS) designed a series of one-of-a-kind bags as part of the collaboration, utilising the waste material from the dress and long sleeve top. Each one features a hand crocheted strap made by Mich herself. Mich also individually crocheted each hat strap from the same off-cuts.

As a nod to Kay's art practice, some of the makers who manufactured the collection also star as the models for the campaign. Thanks to Lois, Nyamal, Irem and Cinzia for being involved.

All proceeds from sales of the collaboration will go towards supporting the work and education programs The Social Studio runs for refugee and migrant young people.

Our immense gratitude goes to the team at Alpha60 and Kay for their generosity and support of this project.

All styles are available to purchase via the Alpha60 website and very limited units of the dress and top available through The Social Studio.