27 May 2025  From Traditional Walk to Global VisionIn the heart of Wörgl, a town nestled in the Tyrolean Alps, the textile manufacturer Stapf has undergone a striking transformation. Founded in 1958 by Richard Stapf, the company built its reputation on crafting durable, regionally produced fabrics—most notably Walk, a traditional Austrian boiled wool. This textile, created by knitting yarn and then washing or fulling it using water and energy in large drums, offers natural insulation, breathability, and light weather resistance. Walk has long been prized in alpine regions for its robust qualities and ability to regulate temperature—qualities increasingly relevant amid growing environmental consciousness.Since its inception, Stapf has carried out all fabric production on-site in Wörgl, where even today, historical knitting machines—some in use for over 80 years—contribute to the manufacturing process. But while the machinery remains rooted in history, the company's vision has evolved significantly since its takeover by Kathrin and Sebastian Proft in 2016. New Leadership, New DirectionKathrin and Sebastian Proft are not typical fashion entrepreneurs. Before entering the industry, Kathrin worked in business consulting. In 2013, the couple took over the family-run fashion retail chain Dollinger, which laid the groundwork for their entry into sustainable fashion manufacturing. When the opportunity arose to rescue Stapf from insolvency, they saw potential—not only in preserving local craftsmanship but in reinterpreting it for a global, modern market.Today, the Profts oversee a group that includes not only Stapf, but also the Salzburg-based labels Felicitas & HANS and the Amsterdam-born sustainable denim brand Kings of Indigo. Under their leadership, Stapf has transitioned from a heritage label into a contemporary fashion house with an international outlook, all while staying committed to sustainability "Made in Austria." The fabrics continue to be knitted and fulled in Tyrol, using organic cotton and mulesing-free wool from European suppliers. Stapf stitches the garments with trusted partners in Europe. Production remains local, and the design language has evolved — minimalist, timeless, and distinctly modern. Reinventing the Walk Janker and CapeThe rebranding of Stapf is most visible in its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, which presents Austrian classics in a new light. The Walk Janker—a staple of alpine wardrobes—has been updated with gender-neutral appeal. Shown on both female and male models, the janker appears paired with matching trousers, a white-collared shirt, a soft pullover, and loafers. The unisex styling underscores Stapf's belief in versatility and design that transcends convention.Another standout is the reinterpretation of the classic walk cape. Traditionally seen as a flowing outer layer, the new version features a more architectural silhouette, practical pockets, and a a flat round collar. With seamless transitions between the sleeves and body, the piece merges the elegance of a cape with the utility of a jacket—proof of the Wörgl-based design team's craftsmanship and pattern-making expertise. These thoughtful refinements breathe new life into traditional alpine garments, positioning Stapf at the intersection of heritage and high fashion. Awaiting the Online LaunchAs Austria experiences a spell of unpredictable weather this spring, the thermoregulating qualities of walk fabric seem especially timely. However, fashion enthusiasts eager to purchase the new collection will need to wait a bit longer—the latest styles have yet to be released on the official online store at stapf.at.Still, the direction is clear: under the guidance of the Profts, Stapf is steadily stepping onto the international fashion stage — as evidenced by its recent presentation in Las Vegas. With a design team that masterfully blends heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary aesthetics, the brand appears to have hit the jackpot in reimagining Austrian classics for a global audience. Images, left and right: A male and a female model wear the night-blue walk janker from Stapf’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. Both are styled in classic houndstooth trousers, black pullovers, white collared shirts, and black loafers — presenting a gender-neutral interpretation of Austrian walkwear. Images, center: The forest-green walk cape is shown paired with a midi-length stone-grey skirt, showcasing Stapf’s modern take on traditional silhouettes through practical cuts and refined detailing. |