Alan Hannah is one of Anne Priscilla’s longest standing designers. Having worked closely with Alan and Marguerite for over 20 years, seeing them each season is a huge pleasure for AP.
We believe it’s important for our brides to know the faces and stories behind the gowns they fall in love with. Alan and Marguerite play an integral role in what makes AP so special, and we’re thrilled to share a little more about the duo who have helped us bring so many bridal visions to life—past, present, and for many years to come.
The collaboration…
Alan Hannah and AP work so well together, designing bespoke pieces for brides and truly inspiring each other.
So Alan, what do you think makes the Alan Hannah X AP bride so unique?
The Alan Hannah collection is very couture and tailored to the individual and the way that we work with Anne Priscilla is seamless. We have built a relationship together over many years which means we know each other well, we know exactly what we can do for the bride – we use these skills to turn a dress into a couture piece through customisation. That’s how we create something very special and individual for the AP/ Alan Hannah bride.
What do you love about doing bespoke designs with AP?
The staff are knowledgeable and professional and to work together the way we do you need effort on both sides. It's down to the accuracy of measurements, instruction on what is possible, knowing what styles work together – but the Anne Priscilla staff are very informed on fashion and understand everything. It’s so fun to do things together, it gives the dresses a new twist and us another angle to our designs. We just love working together.
The inspiration…
What role does your Scottish heritage play in inspiring your designs?
The greatest thing about being Scottish is being taught to have a good work ethic. It carries you a long way and lets you be successful, especially in an industry where you’re working long hours. My work ethic means I can hold my head up high and work through it.
And what about Margaret’s Greek heritage, how does that inspire the brand?
Well both Greek and Scottish cultures have a strong family ethos which helps when you’re going through the different stages of running a business. We have the support from our family, and they are so important to us.
The love story…
Alan and Marguerite’s partnership has always been at the heart of the brand, blending their creative visions. Their shared dedication to craftsmanship and their admiration for each other’s talents have shaped Alan Hannah into the distinctive, design-led label it is today.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your wife Margaret, how did you become working partners?
We were both working in the industry, Margaret was a designer, and I was an agent for another brand at the time. We knew of each other and ended up going for dinner at Harrogate bridal week. We just got on so well – we were friends first, then a couple, then we started our business.
Margaret was doing evening wear, and I was doing bridal, I had been asking her to do some wedding dresses and after some convincing, she did. They had a really good reception and the rest was history.
