Modefabriek Meets Tof Agency

From her showroom in Heemstede, Tessa Overakker has been running Tof Agency for over ten years. What once started with a single clothing rack and visits to local shops has grown into an agency with a close team of five women and nearly 200 retailers across the Netherlands. In this final Modefabriek Meets of the season, we speak with Tessa about growing alongside retailers, why relationships matter more than quick sales, and why visibility at Modefabriek remains essential.

From shop floor to agency

“I was working for a Danish brand when I thought: I want to do this for myself. Sales suits me, I love working with customers to create strong selections and thinking along with what fits their stores,” Tessa says. “Tof Agency grew out of that drive. I started with a shop in Haarlem, and ran the agency alongside it. Because of that, I know exactly what retailers struggle with: budgets, making choices, what does and doesn’t work in a collection. That mix of buying and sales experience still forms the heart of the agency. Clients feel that you really think with them. That builds trust.”

True growth came with the Danish label Minus, part of Redefined Fashion. “That was a golden match. We grew together and were given the space to contribute. That collaboration still feels like family.” The Tof Agency brand portfolio now includes Minus, Peppercorn, Desires, Levetē Room and The Clothed.

Relationships as a differentiator

What distinguishes Tof Agency is their level of service, even after the order is placed. “For us, it doesn’t end once the order is written. We stay involved when the collection hits the shop floor.” Exchanges, reordering specific sizes, thinking along when something isn’t selling, it’s all part of the process. “We don’t aim for quick wins. We invest in long-term relationships. That approach also shapes the atmosphere in our showroom. It doesn’t have to be formal here. Clients like to stop by for a coffee, stay for lunch. It’s personal, but always with a business purpose.” According to Tessa, that balance is exactly why retailers stay loyal.

Trend-driven, but always wearable

The brands within Tof Agency follow trends without losing sight of commercial reality. “We’re more trend-following than trend-setting,” Tessa explains. “Think deep colours, prints and rich textures, but always translated into something wearable. Good basics remain essential. The market is asking for a mix: something new, but with items that work every day. Consumers are price-conscious, but still want quality.”

Modefabriek as a seasonal anchor

As a loyal exhibitor, Tessa sees Modefabriek as an important launch point for each season. “The winter edition, especially, is essential for us. It keeps you visible, you meet existing clients and attract new ones.” With Minus and Peppercorn, the agency presents two strong, stable collections at Modefabriek this season. “Lots of eye-catchers, beautiful skirts, jackets and knits and once again a strong price–quality ratio.”

Growing together

What does Tessa enjoy most about her work? “The variety, and growing together with clients, with brands, with the team.” Every retailer requires a different approach, every store tells its own story. “That’s what makes the work dynamic. No day is the same, and that’s exactly why I still love what I do.”

With nearly 200 retailers across the Netherlands and a team dedicated to long-term relationships, Tof Agency shows that growth in fashion isn’t just about collections, it’s about connection. Visit them at Modefabriek to discover their brands and meet the team behind Tof Agency!