Notes from Paris

Twice a year we head to Paris. It’s become a familiar rhythm for us now - Hannah and Cat moving through the city, notebooks in hand, thinking about what Maze should feel like next.

The days are full. Early starts, strong coffee, more strong coffee, and the odd pastry grabbed between appointments. Long walks across the city, in and out of showrooms, spending time with the clothes. Looking properly. Gravitating to the same pieces again and again, asking ourselves simple questions: does this feel right? Will it last? Does it belong?

Buying is never just planning. It’s instinct too. The creative renewal is always inspiring and keeps us falling in love with clothes all over again.

This trip gave us plenty to feel excited about.

Starting the day with Sessùn is always a highlight. We’ve worked with them for years and it never feels routine. Despite the early hour, their Paris showroom was calm and light - washed denim, soft cottons, earthy tones, faded indigos, the occasional blush pink. Clothes with an assured cut, easy to wear and naturally flattering. They don’t make a fuss, but they’re the pieces you reach for most, quietly doing the hard work in your wardrobe. 

For AW26 we kept circling back to the denim and the easy layers - simple shirts, super soft knits, and beautifully cut jeans that seem to work on everyone. Nothing showy. Just well-made, thoughtful pieces that slip easily into real wardrobes.

“We always leave Sessùn feeling inspired - there’s such a broad collection to choose from, and everything feels beautifully considered. It’s a real pleasure to buy a French brand in Paris, and the fabrics and shapes just make sense.”
— Hannah

Howlin’ is always one of the most joyful stops on the trip - a showroom that somehow manages to put a spring in your step. The collection itself is a burst of colour: soft knits in sky blues, bright pinks and mossy greens, playful patterns and textures you can’t help but reach out to touch.

It’s not just the clothes. There’s a genuine excitement in the room, infectious even, from Michael and the rest of the Howlin’ team, who clearly love the pieces as much as we do. Cosy jumpers, characterful cardigans, colour that lifts the mood on colder days - it all comes together in a way that feels effortless, fun, and a little bit celebratory.

“We both had a bit of a smile the whole way through - the colours are so good this season. You just want to try everything on.”
- Cat

It’s no surprise that YMC is always a highlight of the trip. One of our most beloved brands, YMC has quietly become something of a uniform at Maze - you’ll usually find Hannah and Cat wearing it on repeat. This season felt especially fresh: soft pinks, pops of green and warm browns running through the collection, balanced with their familiar unisex styles and relaxed, generous shapes.

Boxy shirts, sculptural trousers, interesting layers. The whole thing felt modern but grounded. We were pleased to see the Deadbeat trousers return - a Maze favourite - this time in a wonderfully playful pink.

“We had a bit of a moment over the pink Deadbeats - such a classic YMC shape, but in a colour that just felt so new and fun.”
— Cat

Girls of Dust is one of Hannah’s favourite brands, and this season we saw their collection at Welcome Edition - a busy tradeshow that had relocated to a new space near Montmartre. Even in the bustle, the clothes stood out. Tactile, sculptural fabrics in new shapes, deep-dyed blacks and neppy denims alongside cropped cord jackets and utilitarian silhouettes, referencing vintage workwear and military styles, softened and tailored for a womenswear audience. The cuts feel generous and considered - perfect for taller frames.

“We both kept pulling the same pieces from the rails. The fabrics feel incredible and the fits are just so good. I know what I'll be wearing next winter."
— Hannah

Rototo is a smaller stop, but one we always linger at. Shelves stacked neatly with socks in every combination of colour and pattern - stripes, marls, playful graphics - all made with that careful Japanese attention to detail.

Simple things, done properly. Everyday pieces that make getting dressed better. Or the kind of gift that always feels considered.

“We always end up choosing far too many - they’re such a small thing but they make such a difference.”
- Cat

A few days, a lot of coffee, and many rails later, we headed home - tired, inspired, notebooks full.

Here we’ve shared some of the old favourites, the brands that continue to shape Maze, but there was plenty of new too - pieces and labels we’re excited to introduce for AW26.

For now, the SS26 season has begun - and the latest arrivals are waiting for you in store and online.