How We Work
We believe clothes carry meaning, and that begins with the people who make them. At Moma Hilo, every piece is made to order by skilled hands that honour craft, care, and conscious production. We work closely with local makers and deadstock fabric suppliers who bring knowledge, passion, and purpose to everything they do.
Our Values
At Moma Hilo, our process is shaped by three core values: nostalgia, craft, and transparency. We honour the past through timeless design and storytelling, champion skilled craftsmanship by working with local makers, and remain transparent about how each garment is made.
By working closely with local makers and valuing quality over quantity, we ensure each garment is made with purpose - for the women who wear them, and the world they live in.
MAES London
MAES London is a North London-based luxury womenswear manufacturer, founded by Diana Kakkar in 2018. With a deep understanding of garment construction, production, and design development, MAES is known for its commitment to precision, ethical practices, and a supportive work environment.
Fashion Studio 85
Fashion Studio 85 is led by Vasilica, a dedicated and highly skilled garment maker with years of experience in tailoring and couture techniques. Based in London, Vasilica specialises in high-quality craftsmanship, bringing a meticulous eye for detail to every piece.
Last Yarn
Last Yarn is a platform dedicated to repurposing high-quality deadstock fabrics, preventing them from going to waste. By working with mills and designers to rescue surplus materials, Last Yarn provides an opportunity for independent brands like Moma Hilo to access premium fabrics sustainably. Their commitment to reducing textile waste aligns perfectly with our mission to create garments with purpose and minimal impact.
The Materialist
The Materialist is an innovative sourcing platform that connects designers with responsibly sourced deadstock and surplus fabrics. With a focus on transparency and sustainability, they curate exceptional materials that would otherwise be discarded. Through The Materialist, we find unique textiles that inspire our collections while staying true to our goal of reducing waste in the fashion industry.
Our Trims
Our signature Moma Hilo buttons are carved from reclaimed ceramics created by our supplier Niki, from Shropshire. Each button has been found along the sea shore, then carved and polished and repurposed into these spectacular pieces. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, making every garment unique.
The rest of our trims and labelling is all sourced right here in the UK, using repurposed or recycled materials wherever possible. Our swing tags are made from recycled paper and attached to our clothing using leftover pieces of fabric from our production runs.
Deadstock Fabric
We source luxury deadstock fabrics - high quality materials that would otherwise go to waste - to give them new life. This reduces the demand for new fabric production and lowers our environmental impact.
Our Story
Started by Penelope and inspired by the women in her family, Moma Hilo was created to reconnect us to the clothing we wear through thoughtful design, responsible craftsmanship, and pieces designed to be treasured.
Blog posts
It All Begins With Stillness - A conversation with artist Vera Amiel
In this Journal Entry, our founder Penelope interviews artist Vera Amiel, whose delicate black ink drawings reflect the quiet strength found in everyday womanhood. Now living in North Yorkshire, Vera draws inspiration from stillness and simple gestures. After discovering Moma Hilo, she created a beautiful piece inspired by our Augusta Dress. Vera opens up about her creative path and the women who inspire her work.
Q&A with Diana Kakkar of MAES London
At Moma Hilo, we value meaningful connections and ethical production. We’re excited to share our interview with Diana Kakkar, founder of MAES London - one of our North London factories. With a global career and a passion for local manufacturing, Diana’s vision aligns closely with ours. Here’s a glimpse into her journey, team, and innovative approach, interviewed by our founder, Penelope.
Made With Heart - Inside the Family-Run Studio of No.46 Park Road
No.46 Park Road in Crouch End is a family-run studio filled with handcrafted candles, concrete homewares, and watercolour art. We recently collaborated with Mackenzie, the artist and shopkeeper, to create a special candle for Moma Hilo. Here, we chat about the studio’s story, family values, and the magic of making by hand.