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End Of An Era: Michael’s Bridal Fabrics

Business17-Nov-2025

After nearly three decades in business, the long-running bridal textile supplier winds down operations as founder Michael Bristow moves into a well-deserved retirement

Michael steps into retirement following 30 years in bridal textiles

After three decades in the fabric and bridal trade, Michael Bristow has announced his retirement, bringing to a close the long-running family business, Michael’s Bridal Fabrics. Established in 1996, the company built a strong reputation for quality, service and a diverse selection of fabrics, supplying designers and manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

Looking Back

Michael began his career in textiles at just 18, working as a sales representative and agent. By the early 1990s he had turned his focus to bridal fabrics; a move that would define the rest of his professional life. In partnership with one of his key suppliers, he founded Michael’s Bridal Fabrics, initially sourcing through UK importers and combining their ranges to offer an exceptional breadth of colour and choice that quickly set the business apart.

By 2000, the company had outgrown its early setup and moved into its own premises. Expansion followed as Michael and his son Barry began sourcing directly from mills in France, Italy, Japan and China. This step proved pivotal, enabling them to offer one of the largest selections of bridal fabrics in the country. Even through the 2008 recession, the business continued to thrive, which was supported by its extensive stock and reputation for reliable and responsive service. In 2012, Michael purchased permanent premises, giving the company a stable base for future growth.

Family Run

Family has always been central to Michael’s Bridal Fabrics. Alongside Michael, his wife, sister-in-law and son Barry all played vital roles in the business. Together they built long-standing relationships with designers and dressmakers, travelling across the UK and internationally to meet customers and exhibit at trade shows. Their network grew to include more than 1,000 trade clients worldwide, many of whom valued the company’s personal service as much as its product range.

As Michael steps away from the business, his contribution to the bridal industry is widely recognised. From a young sales rep to the founder of a respected international supplier, his career has been defined by hard work, integrity and a genuine passion for textiles. His legacy lives on through the many designers and makers who have relied on his fabrics for their creations over the past 25 years.

Barry will continue to work in the fabric trade as Sales Manager at DHJ Weisters Ltd, he can be contacted via email barry@weisters.co.uk ; or phone 07786 622874.

Styles from Joyce Young using Michael’s Bridal Fabrics

Notes From The Industry

“We first met Michael when Textile Forum used to be held in the Music Rooms, which wasn’t yesterday, and over the years he became one of our main suppliers for top quality luxurious fabrics. I know nothing stays the same for long, people and companies come and go in our lives but it is hard after all these years of working with Michael’s Bridal Fabrics to imagine not picking up the phone to place an order and having a friendly chat with Michael. Those of us who have been in business over 30 years have formed bonds beyond simply placing orders. Michael had beautifully curated fabrics and we always found something different each season to add to our collection. Being able to place orders for small quantities, as needed, was a big advantage when offering a made to measure service. Michael and his team will be sorely missed in the textile world, and I wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
Joyce Young OBE, Joyce Young

Felicity Westmacott's Labyrinth Dress using fabric from Michael’s (Image: Lex Fleming)

“Michael and his company have been a mainstay alongside me through my whole career, spanning the last 20 years. Starting out with dreams of bridal design, fresh from university, I ordered my very first rolls from Michael’s to make bridal samples in 2004. His family run business made me feel like family, too. I got to know everyone one on the phone and, though I wasn’t a big name, they made me feel known and valued, too. The range of fabrics he stocked was exceptional and service always off-the chart. Michael once offered to drive out to meet me at a motorway services on a Sunday to deliver a short-notice emergency order of satin! Access to the huge choice of silk, lace, basics and accessories, and with next day delivery, has been central to my ability to serve my brides and help clients feel confident booking their bespoke dress with me. I even had a custom bookcase built to house the red covered sample books! Hearing of his well deserved retirement was a sad day, my stomach flipped at the idea of having to ’go it alone’ without Michael and his team backing me up. We expect great things from his son Barry who is moving forward with a new business, but Michael has left some very big boots to fill!”
Felicity Westmacott, Fe licity Westmacott Bespoke Bridal

Stunning bridal designs by Leigh Hetherington

Styles by Forget me Not Designs

“We have used Michael’s fabrics for many, many years. They were always our first stop for exquisite fabrics. It was a wonderful company to deal with, not only for their vast amount of fabrics, but for the friendly and fantastic service they always gave. Michael who set up the business had a fabulous eye for quality and the unusual, we always looked forward to his visits to our studio to show off his new collections. We wish him a relaxing and enjoyable retirement as he enters a new chapter in his life.”
Leigh Hetherington, Leigh Hetherington

“We worked with Michael for over 30 years, even before the birth of Michael’s Bridal Fabrics, so we really got to know him (and Barry) well – and knew all about the extended family that worked for him, too, having spent many a lovely social lunch or evening with him at Harrogate. As everyone will know, he does like to talk! His flexibility to get what we needed for our customers and wholesale designs definitely played a part in the success of Forget me Not Designs. I think we were even customer of the year once or twice. Latterly business had been tough for him, but it was still a shock when Michael’s Bridal Fabrics closed, we didn’t realise just how much we depended on him and the team to send us what we needed. He really has been a stalwart of the Great British Bridal Industry for decades. He deserves a long and happy retirement.”
Katrina, Forget Me Not Designs

A bridal design using Michael's fabric from Eternally Yours Bridal

“We have been customers of Michael’s Bridal Fabrics for over 20 years, and in that time have formed a brilliant relationship with Michael and his team. He will be sadly missed by all of us here at Eternally Yours Bridalwear, we have all spent time on the phone in conversation with Micheal over the years. Not just about business but about family, too. We really do wish Michael the best retirement ever! He most certainly deserves it putting up with us customers.”
Helen and the EYB Team, Eternally Yours Bridal

"For the last thirty years, Michael was the ‘go to’ for laces, trims and components for so many bridal companies. His old fashioned commitment to service where nothing was too much trouble set him apart from his competitors, who no longer had the appetite for long days on the road visiting customers. I hope he enjoys his much deserved retirement – he will be missed."
Sassi Holford, Sassi Holford