Field to Fibre: The Story Behind Our Maeve

At Niao, we believe that true luxury lies in knowing exactly where your clothes come from. We want to lift the curtain on our process, not just to show you how our garments are made, but to share the quiet dedication, the community, and the deep respect for nature that goes into every single thread. Transparency is at the core of everything we do, which is why we want to bring you along on the journey behind our pieces.

To understand the story of our knitwear, you have to travel to the quiet, rolling hills of the Somerset countryside. Here sits a very special family farm, run by close family friends who have partnered with Niao since the very day we began.

When we were first looking for a home for our knitwear production, we knew immediately that these were the people we wanted to trust. The authenticity of their story, the sheer expertise of their farmers, and the profound care and respect they show to their animals aligned perfectly with everything Niao stands for. It felt less like a business transaction and more like a shared philosophy.

A special weekend at the farm

This past weekend, the farm hosted a community get-together for their annual alpaca shearing. Because alpacas don't shed their winter coats naturally, this yearly harvest is a vital event for the herd’s health and comfort. It is a lively, grounding weekend for the local community, and for us, it marks the beautiful, quiet beginning of our design process.

Once the shearing is complete, the journey from field to garment is a true labor of love. The raw fleece is first meticulously sorted, then gently washed to remove dirt and natural oils.

From there, the fibre travels to a historic mill elsewhere in England, where generations of textile expertise come to life. The mill combs and carefully spins the raw fleece into the incredibly soft, cloud-like yarn that eventually becomes our signature knitwear.

From the hills of Somerset to your wardrobe

We are so proud that every single step of this processing happens locally, keeping traditional heritage craftsmanship alive. To us, keeping our production local and transparent isn't just a sustainable choice, it is a cornerstone of making responsibly, slowly, and at ease with nature.

The next time you wrap yourself in our Maeve pieces, you are wearing this exact journey. You are wearing the art of our team, the expert care of our lifelong friends, the history of a local mill, and a slower, more intentional way of dressing.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Discover the Maeve.