WINterview / AB Agencies' Tony and Claire

Heading for bridal world domination, it's hard to pin Tony and Claire Bromilow down these days, but we did it! Still buzzing from a spectacularly good Bridal Week Harrogate, AB Agencies spoke to us about their meteoric rise to one of the UK's biggest bridalwear agents and distributors with many household names in their portfolio…

Please introduce your business and yourselves

We are a husband and wife team, Tony and Claire, sales agents and more recently UK distributors. Our business is AB Agencies Ltd.

This is quite a new business, how do you find working together as husband and wife?

The distribution side is new since Brexit but our agency has been running for 17 years and with the history of owning our own boutique for 14 years we have been in the industry since 2003!

What is the inspiration behind what you do?

Our business has evolved over the years from store owners, to agents and as mentioned since Brexit we have had to adapt to become distributors.

What makes your business a success?

Success is of course subjective, however, for us we consider success to be long-established relationships with retailers and suppliers based mainly on our transparency. We are open and honest and work hard for our stockists to ensure we sell them products that work for them. We are always looking for long-term relationships with our stores.

Can you talk us through your current labels?

Our portfolio has grown rapidly in recent months because we have been approached to represent some of the leading designers and manufacturers, which is undoubtedly the highest compliment!

We are known best for representing the Modeca collections and we have been proudly doing so for over nine years. It really is the most wonderful company.

Modeca now has four labels:

Modeca

Le Papillon

Modeca Curves

Modeca Couture

Randy Fenoli of course is a household name and a fantastic character, anyone who has had the privilege to meet him will know he is exactly the same in person as he is on the TV. His collection this year was the best yet.

Herve Paris and Libelle Bridal are still up and coming in the UK and the new 2025 collections are promising to be fabulous.

Eddy K is new to our portfolio this year and we have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the team and getting to know the collections. Lots to come from this well-known company and its stunning collections.

We represent a beautiful German collection Ready To Dare. Katrina is the designer behind this stunning label and is based in Berlin. Her designs are simple, elegant, stylish and ooze luxury.

MRFG – the family company behind the breathtaking Rembo Styling, Marylise and Carta Branca collections – has been our expanding portfolio's most recent gown collection. Produced in Portugal with pure love, these collections will turn heads and hearts!

In more exciting news we are now the representatives for the sensational Halo and Co. and its stunning new PERLA collection, which launched at Harrogate. We are hugely excited to be working with these talented ladies.

The collection is all handmade in the company's UK workshop and wholesale from £25-£75

What’s in store for 2024?

Where do we begin?! We have the most incredible agents joining our team to represent our company and collections – more on that to follow. International collection launches, Harrogate in March and September, the new White Gallery, and lots of in-store visits. Lots of fun and interaction with our stockists.

What do you love most about what you do?

We love to see a retailer do well with a collection they have invested in with us. We all know how tough the market is currently, but we work so hard to support stores through difficult times to see them flourish later on.

The events of course are always a busy and fun time. After all, we are all in bridal for the fun times and amazing people.

Do you have a favourite gown? If so which one?

With so many incredible designs, it is impossible to choose one, but we are always drawn to those with classic lines, beautiful fabrics and stunning backs. Believe us, there are absolute jaw-droppers in every single collection.

How can other labels and boutiques get in touch?

Our website is being relaunched with details of all our collections: https://www.abagenciesbridal.co.uk/

Phone: 07962 226543

Email: abagenciesltd@gmail.com

Instagram: @abagenciesltd