If you’ve been browsing the Laslett England collection recently, you may have noticed that some of your favourite designs are currently unavailable.
I wanted to explain why, but also to share something of what happens behind the scenes before a Laslett England scarf ever reaches you. This is a story about British craftsmanship, the people who help bring my designs to life, and why I believe some things are worth taking a little longer.
The Changing Landscape of British Textile Printing
Earlier this year, my principal textile printer and manufacturer, R A Smart, sadly entered administration.
For many years, R A Smart played an integral role in the Laslett England story, helping me transform my original artwork into beautifully printed and finished scarves. They were a remarkable British textile company, with decades of specialist knowledge and an exceptional understanding of traditional textile printing.
Printing onto silk is far more than simply applying colour to cloth. Every fabric behaves differently. Colours react differently on silk than they do on wool, and every stage of the process—from printing and steaming to washing and finishing—requires experience, precision and craftsmanship.
These are skills that have often been passed down through generations.
The closure of R A Smart was therefore deeply sad on a personal level, but it also reflects the wider challenges facing British textile manufacturing. As more production moves overseas, we risk losing not only businesses but the remarkable knowledge and expertise that exists within them.
I will always be grateful to everyone at R A Smart who contributed to Laslett England over the years. Happily, one of their wonderfully skilled former sewers continues to work with me today, hand-finishing my silk pocket squares and supporting other specialist finishing as the collection evolves. It means a small but important part of that craftsmanship lives on.
Why I Chose to Stay in England
Since launching Laslett England, I’ve always believed that where something is made is just as important as how it looks.
Every design begins in my Hastings studio, inspired by vintage textiles, handkerchiefs, architecture and the small details I collect along the way. But the design process doesn’t end once the artwork is complete. How the fabric accepts the print, the richness of the colour, the weight of the silk and the finishing of every edge all contribute to the finished piece.
When R A Smart closed, moving production overseas would undoubtedly have been the easier option. It may even have meant replacing sold-out collections more quickly.
But it would also have meant compromising something fundamental to the values on which Laslett England was built.
Supporting British textile makers has always been at the heart of the brand, so I made the decision to keep production here in England, even though I knew it would take more time, more testing and a great deal more patience.
Moving Production: Why Getting It Right Takes Time
I’m now working with Adamley Textiles and Biddle Sawyer Silks in Macclesfield—two businesses with an outstanding reputation for luxury textile printing and finishing. In fact, they were already producing my bestselling Marettimo Bandanas, making them a natural next step for the wider collection.
What many people don’t realise is that moving production from one specialist printer to another isn’t as simple as sending over the artwork.
Every printer works differently. Different machinery, different processes and even subtle variations in finishing all influence the final result.
Each scarf has to be recreated almost from the beginning.
Together we’re developing what I call a benchmark scarf—a prototype that allows us to carefully assess every detail before production begins. We examine colour, clarity, handle, drape and finish, making adjustments wherever necessary until the scarf feels exactly as it should.
Sometimes we achieve that quickly. Other designs require several rounds of sampling before they’re ready.
That is why some collections are taking longer to return.
I could produce them more quickly, but they wouldn’t truly be Laslett England. I’d rather wait until every scarf has the richness of colour, quality of print and beautiful finish that I know my customers expect.
Valuing the People Behind Every Scarf
One of the most rewarding parts of this transition has been building new relationships while continuing others that have been part of the brand for many years.
Much of the collection will now be printed and finished in Macclesfield before being individually completed by skilled British makers, including the carefully rolled hems and specialist finishing that give every scarf its distinctive character.
My men’s scarves continue to be beautifully made by Mustard Ties in Rochester, Kent, and I’m delighted that this collection is now fully back in stock.
Alongside these partnerships, continuing to work with a former R A Smart finisher means that the knowledge and care developed during the early years of Laslett England remains part of every collection.
These relationships matter enormously to me. They represent the people behind the products—people whose skills deserve to be valued and preserved.
What's Available Now in the Laslett England Studio
While several designs are still making their way through the redevelopment process, there’s still plenty to discover.
The men’s scarf collection has recently been fully restocked, the Marettimo Bandanas are available in a wide range of colours, and most silk pocket squares remain in stock.
You’ll also find the Cádiz Scarf, the Triangle Scarf, the Nordic wool-and-silk collection and Laslett Ribbon available online.
The remaining collections will return gradually as each design completes its testing and production journey.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Although this has been an unexpected chapter, it has reinforced something I’ve believed since I founded Laslett England.
Beautiful things cannot always be hurried.
Every scarf I create is designed to become a lasting part of someone’s wardrobe rather than something bought for a single season. That means taking the time to get every detail right—from the original artwork to the final hand-finished edge.
As this next chapter begins with a wonderful new group of British makers, those values remain exactly the same.
Thank you for your patience, your encouragement and your continued support. It means more than you know.
Although this has been an unexpected chapter, it has reinforced something I’ve believed since I founded Laslett England.
Beautiful things cannot always be hurried.
Every scarf I create is designed to become a lasting part of someone’s wardrobe rather than something bought for a single season. That means taking the time to get every detail right—from the original artwork to the final hand-finished edge.
As this next chapter begins with a wonderful new group of British makers, those values remain exactly the same.
Thank you for your patience, your encouragement and your continued support. It means more than you know.
Every Laslett England scarf will continue to be designed in my Hastings studio, printed and hand-finished in England, and only released when I know it feels unmistakably Laslett England.
While our makers are busy bringing the next pieces to life, you can ensure you don't miss out. Is there a specific, sold-out design you have your heart set on? Get in touch with us here to reserve yours from the upcoming studio delivery.
