At Stephen Walters, we believe that creating exceptional woven fabrics requires an understanding of more than the weaving process. In order to support fashion brands, an awareness of what happens after fabric leaves the mill and enters the hands of pattern cutters, garment technologists, product developers and manufacturers is fundamental.
We develop apparel collections twice a year, showcasing fabrics for both menswear and womenswear and are currently working on our Spring/Summer 2028 collection. This latest collection will have an increased focus on fabrics suitable for womenswear, including lighter weight, textural and mix composition qualities.
To gain further insight into luxury garment development and production, our team recently visited MAES London, a specialist luxury manufacturer based in North London.
Founded by Diana Kakkar in 2018, MAES London works with both established and emerging fashion brands, helping transform creative concepts into finished collections. Their services include pattern cutting, collection development, sampling and production, with garments appearing on international runways and in leading luxury retailers around the world.
The visit provided an opportunity not only to tour the studio and learn more about their processes, but also to exchange ideas on some of the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s fashion industry.
Understanding the Journey Beyond the Fabric
As a luxury fabric manufacturer, we spend a great deal of time developing fabrics that meet the aesthetic and performance expectations of designers and brands. However, seeing first-hand how fabrics are interpreted and transformed into finished garments provides invaluable perspective.
Walking through the MAES studio reinforced just how important fabric selection is at every stage of the development process. From pattern cutting and sampling through to production, fabric characteristics can affect garment construction, fit, handling and ultimately the finished customer experience.
These insights are incredibly valuable as we continue to evolve our apparel offering. Understanding the practical considerations faced by garment manufacturers allows us to develop fabrics with the end application firmly in mind, helping us better support the designers, product developers and manufacturers who work with our fabrics.
Shared Values and Industry Conversations
Beyond the production process itself, one of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the opportunity to spend time with Diana and discuss the wider fashion landscape.
Like many businesses operating within the luxury sector, both Stephen Walters and MAES are navigating an industry that continues to evolve at pace. Our conversations covered a range of topics, including the growing role of AI within fashion and textiles, the opportunities and challenges of digital marketing, and how businesses can continue to build meaningful relationships within an increasingly digital and often disconnected world.
These conversations highlighted the importance of strong partnerships throughout the supply chain. While our businesses operate in different areas of the industry, there was clear alignment in our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and supporting brands in bringing high quality products to market.
It’s always inspiring to exchange ideas with industry peers who share a passion for British manufacturing and the future of luxury fashion.
Looking Ahead
Our visit to MAES London was a valuable reminder that great products are built through collaboration.
As we continue to add to our jacquard apparel range, visits like these play an important role in helping us understand the evolving needs of designers, product developers and manufacturers. The more we learn about how fabrics are used in practice, the better positioned we are to develop innovative fabrics and solutions that support our customers’ ambitions.
We would like to thank Diana Kakkar and the entire MAES London team for their hospitality, openness and insight. It was a pleasure to spend time learning more about their business, touring the studio and discussing the future of our industry.
If you’d like to discuss an upcoming collection or explore our latest apparel developments, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the team today.
