Behind every M-KAE collection is a woman who designs from her own wardrobe and everyday life as a mother of three. In this interview, Maria Kragmann shares the thoughts behind AW26: the warm colours, the soft materials, the difficult choices along the way and her own favourites from the collection.

Inspiration

Where did the idea for the AW26 collection begin?

AW26 really started with a feeling more than a specific image. I wanted to create a collection that felt warm, elegant and truly effortless. Clothes you want to live in, but that still make you feel well dressed.

I have always been drawn to the understated kind of luxury, where it’s not about a big logo, but about the quality, the materials, the fit and the feeling when you put it on.

Which colours and materials were you most drawn to this time?

Browns, nougat, taupe, cream and warm beige tones. They suit autumn and winter so beautifully, and at the same time they feel very M-KAE.

We have had a strong focus on wool and cashmere and on finding the softest qualities. But I also wanted contrast, so we have worked with satin, which adds a more feminine, almost sensual element alongside the chunky knits. I love the contrast between something very soft and cosy and something more elegant and fluid.

Has anything in your own everyday life inspired the collection?

Definitely. I design very much from my own needs and the way I like to dress. I have a fairly classic wardrobe and want clothes that work across seasons. The same knit with jeans and loafers during the day, styled completely differently in the evening.

I also have three young children, so my everyday life has made me very aware that clothes need to be both beautiful and easy to wear. I want to feel feminine and well dressed, but it also has to work in a busy everyday life.

Behind the scenes

What was the biggest challenge, and how did the collection evolve along the way?

The hardest part is probably simplifying. I get a lot of ideas quickly, but the design process is very much about editing and only keeping the styles that truly have a place in the wardrobe.

We have worked on AW26 for about a year, and there are so many details that need to come together: materials, colours, fit, samples and fittings. Knitwear in particular takes a lot of work, because even small changes in length, volume or neckline can change the whole feel.

A style can look perfect in a sketch but feel completely wrong once you put it on. It’s often in the fitting room that the right design comes to life. And I think it’s a good sign when the finished piece isn’t identical to the first idea.

What feeling do you hope customers get when they wear AW26?

First and foremost, I hope they want to wear it. That you put on an M-KAE style and feel a little more polished without feeling like you’ve tried too hard.

For me, luxury has become connected to the feeling of being at ease. That something is soft, fits well and feels right on the body. I hope AW26 feels like a wardrobe you can keep building on.

Favourite styles

Which styles are you most happy with yourself?

It’s hard to choose just one, but my top three are:

1. The soft cashmere-blend knits: They are the essence of what I want with M-KAE: simple, but with exactly the right fit and quality.
2. The satin set: It can be styled very femininely with heels and jewellery, but I would just as happily wear it with an oversized knit and flat shoes.
3. The long, soft cardigan: It almost works as a light jacket: at home, at the office, over satin in the evening or with jeans and sneakers.