AB COMES FIRST

Since the AB Agencies team hit the road back in June, with its pop-up events and in-store meetings, they have have been overwhelmed with the positivity, not just for their collections, but for business in general. There appears to be a renewed optimism within the industry and it’s a great buzz! Tony and Claire Bromilow report

THE PORTFOLIO

MODECA LE PAPILLON JAZZ BY MODECA CURVES BY MODECA RANDY FENOLI HERVE PARIS LIBELLE MIRANDA TEMPLETON

AB Agencies Ltd

Email - abagenciesltd@gmail.com Retailers have been very excited to see our new collections in the flesh. To be able touch the gowns, see the fabrics, try them on, study the images and simply talk face to face has been a gift after the difficulties of the past year.

Visiting stores is always a treat and Tony has been spoilt by our stockists’ hospitality and taken snaps whenever possible. I am pleased to report that his selfie skills are improving greatly, much to everyone’s relief!

We have laughed and cried with our fabulous retailers. There have been so many ups and downs for everyone, but to see the resilience in the wonderful people we work with is uplifting.

We have had a very successful few months out on the road, but while being away from home for so long is never easy, it is most definitely rewarding and something we will never take for granted again.

Our pop-up events have given us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our collections in a calm and relaxing atmosphere without the need for our customers to travel very far to see the latest ranges.

Learning and growing

Taking over the distribution for England, Scotland and Wales for so many successful brands has been a huge responsibility, and a big learning curve that we have welcomed wholeheartedly, as it means we are better able to support our stockists on a more personal level.

We have learned so much more about the needs of our retailers and we hope to be able to improve the structure of our business as time goes on. We are very fortunate to work with some of the most wonderful designers and the team in Holland are incredible.

New processes

We have a very simple, smoothrunning shipping system that has prevented additional costs and delays to our retailers, something that is more important now than ever before. As the distributors, we deal with every aspect of the business night and day – all enquiries, sales, marketing, customer service and invoicing come through us. It’s demanding, yes, and different to how it was when we were agents, rather than distributors. But it is rewarding, as we learn something new every day.

And we have been very busy working on tools to help our retailers access the information they need quickly and efficiently without having to wait for an email response.

Good things ahead

Our brand new sparkling website has launched and gives our retailers access to all the key information they need about our brands – such as delivery dates, links to check stock availability, collection links, prices, size charts, images, and videos that they can download to use on social media, plus information on shipping, and countless extras.

While there are always going to be teething problems with any new business and a period of transition, we are absolutely delighted with the way things are running, and the support from our stockists speaks volumes in their trust in us.

We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.

LE PAPILLON

This is Odetta from Le Papillon – a dreamy A-line gown in flowing tulle with a beaded lace illusion V-neck bodice with a plunging back.

MODECA

Nadieh, a mikado ballgown with a body-shaping cummerbund and detachable back bow, has hidden pockets. A real favourite.

MODECA CURVES

A perfect fit for the fuller figure, Paloma has flutter tulle sleeves with lace embellishments to introduce a real sense of romance.

HERVE PARIS

The My Freedom collection is just beautiful. Each gown captures a whimsical style with a wildly romantic European influence. Nostalgic vintage shapes are modernised with sparkling iridescent beading, dramatic textures, and heavenly fabrics that harmoniously blend together to inspire confidence and femininity. Ariane captures the look with a simple yet statement crochet bodice, billowing skirt and detachable bishop sleeves.

LIBELLE BRIDAL

The new Bella Vista collection is all about cool, contemporary dressing. The designs are distinct and innovative, the fabrics are the finest. Gigliola has been a huge hit, a true celebration of modern bridal fashion. It features distinct details – a dotted tulle skirt, floaty bishop sleeves and a slender belt at the waist.

RANDY FENOLI’S CELEBRATION COLLECTION

A celebration of design, fabrics and silhouettes to suit any bride and style. From his trademark ballgowns to classic understated silhouettes, there is something for everyone. This year, Chloe has stolen the hearts of our stockists. She is a beautifully stylish fishtail gown in mikado, with a Bardot neckline and striking bow back.

HELLO BEAUTIFUL BY RANDY FENOLI

Hello Beautiful by Randy Fenoli is a new collection for this season, that is all about flowing lines, and the size range goes from UK 10 to 28. Freesia is a delicately beaded bodice with spaghetti straps and a beautiful full tulle A-line skirt. She is romantic and feminine.