Charles and Patricia Lester Ltd, the internationally-recognised fashion and textile business based in Abergavenny celebrates 50 years in business this year and part of the celebrations include a visit by The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to visit their studios this week as a part of their annual tour around Wales.

The celebrations will begin with the Royal visit on Thursday, July 9, when the Royal couple will be unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

The business, which specialises in producing unique luxury women’s wear and interior textile art, has a host of celebrity and international royalty among its cliental, including the likes of Adele, Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Streisand and Princess Michael of Kent.

Using a secret process of hand pleating, hand painting and treatment on pure silk and velvet, the entire manufacturing and design process begins and ends at the family workshop in Abergavenny, to produce made to measure bespoke garments and interior textiles, exported all over the globe.

Founders, Charles and Patricia Lester, married in 1963 and moved to South Wales after Charles secured a job as a research scientist and Patricia took up a secretarial role at British Steel.

Following the birth of daughter Georgina in 1964, Patricia wanted to spend more time at home with the new baby and decided to swap the typewriter for a sewing machine and the journey began from Patricia selling her handmade children’s clothes in Newport market to dressing some of the most exotic international celebrities and being involved with some of the most prestigious events in the world.

Charles Lester, 73, company director and founder, said: “Over 50 years we have seen just about everything the industry has to offer and we are still standing and as enthusiastic as ever. From our wholesale business being wiped out after 9/11 to the emergence and growth of our retail business we have continued to evolve and develop our business. Eighty per cent of our business now originates online with many customers happy to spend thousands of pounds on an order without ever trying the item on or viewing the item in person, such is our reputation for quality production and service.”

Moira Wearing, business manager for Barclays, which has supported the business over the years, said: “Our research identifies the significant role 'entrepreneurs' play in the local economy and is committed to supporting such propositions.

"We need to highlight local businesses such as this which have fantastic expertise and experience and are competing on both a domestic and international stage. From a local workshop in Abergavenny, employing eight staff, some of the finest garments and textiles are being designed and manufactured before heading off around the globe.”

Patricia Lester, 72, company director and founder, said: “We create clothes for real women. Women who are of different shapes, not different sizes. The celebrity names tend to grab the attention but the truth is our target market is also the mother of the bride, professionals and someone looking for an outfit for a special occasion.

"The business has evolved over the generations and we have diversified into interior furnishings such as drapes, wall hangings, cushions and also into the film, opera and theatre industry. Now in my seventies I have decided to go part time - only six-and-a-half days a week. But I love every minute of it. The ability to be creative and show a customer that she can still look beautiful whatever age, shape, or size she is, makes it all worthwhile.”