When David Martinez left the fashion world in the late 1990s, he wasn’t walking away from couture – he was bringing it with him.

Years in the industry had taught him precision, patience, and an unwavering commitment to fit. “In fashion, it has to be perfect,” says Kelly Ault, who runs Stitch alongside him. “When David started working in interiors, he brought the same standard with him.”

After stepping away from bridal work, David and Kelly decided to return to New York. “We thought we’d just take a break, then get back into clothing,” Kelly recalls. But instead, friends started asking for slipcovers. At the time, tailored slipcovers were rare, yet David’s fashion training made them feel natural. He cut, draped, and sewed with the same discipline he once applied to gowns. The results were seamless, and word spread quickly.

“Growth has always come from clients trusting us.”

It started small: one sewing machine in a Lower East Side apartment and a few slipcovers made for friends. Designers started to take notice, and the requests kept pouring in. Could David do window treatments? Upholstery? Custom furniture? Every time, he said yes, and figured it out along the way. With each new challenge, the studio grew. New skills were learned, new capabilities built, and new ground broken. “That’s the story of Stitch NYC,” Kelly explains. “We never set out to become a full-service workroom. It happened because people believed we could handle it, and then we did.”

By the early 2000s, Stitch NYC had outgrown its Lower East Side space. What began as a modest showroom had become a trusted partner to designers who valued creativity, problem-solving, craftsmanship and bold ideas. When a project called for something unusual or technically difficult, Stitch NYC was the place to go.

“Clients know we make them look good and that’s why they keep coming back.”

As Stitch NYC’s portfolio expanded, so did the company. Moves from the Lower East Side to Dumbo and later to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, allowed them to bring more work in-house, without ever compromising their core philosophy: never lose sight of the details, never lose the personal connection. That commitment has built a fiercely loyal client base, ranging from boutique interior designers overseeing full-home projects to commercial and retail clients seeking seamless, high-quality soft furnishings.

Today, designers, developers, and commercial clients continue to rely on Stitch NYC for everything from custom furniture and upholstery to drapery, cushions, and specialty items. Much of their new business comes through word of mouth – proof of trust they have earned. “Some of our earliest designers are still with us more than two decades later,” says Kelly. “That kind of longevity is rare in this industry, but it speaks to what we value: consistency, reliability, and always making our clients look good.”

Through economic downturns and even a pandemic, Stitch has adapted while staying true to its identity. The company remains intentionally hands-on, with David and Kelly still deeply involved in daily work. The mission is simple. Deliver the kind of craftsmanship clients count on and that the team is proud to stand behind.

Stitch’s versatility has carried it through even the toughest challenges. When the design industry slowed, they pivoted to fashion events and retail interiors. During the pandemic, they shifted to making masks and gowns. “We’ve had moments of uncertainty,” Kelly reflects. “But what’s kept us going is our ability to adapt without losing who we are. We refine, we adjust, and we keep moving forward.”

The result is a team that’s not only highly skilled but fully invested in every project. Clients know they can trust Stitch NYC to execute complex visions, solve unforeseen challenges, and deliver work that’s both beautiful and built to last.