We recently had the pleasure of having a few of our favorite questions answered by Winnie, the design-genius behind Mishka Aoki. As you know our inquiring minds are always keen to get a peek behind the veil, to see where the magic happens, in the mind of the designer.
What got you started working in children’s clothing design?
It all started when I had my daughter a few years back and I couldn’t find anything that looked stylish & different for her to wear when we are out. So I ended up designing dresses for her and I noticed that we always received compliments about her dresses and people always enquired where we bought the dresses. So that’s how it all started!
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
There isn’t anything in particular, as every collections has quite a different inspiration.
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
To provide a line that is fresh, stylish, unique and stand out from the crowd. Most labels out there do very colourful dresses for children, and though I have started to introduce a few colours along the season, I believe that girls don’t have to always be in pink, nor boys in blue.
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
There isn’t any specific trends that I keep track of because I believe that we should dress based on what makes us look and feel good, not just what’s deemed trendy.
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
As per above, my designs aren’t normally affected by trends, however in the beginning of the design process sometimes my colour palette is. In the end I go for what is the most beautiful, whether it’s trendy or not :)
What do you feel makes your work unique?
I like anything ‘couture’ and so I wanted to created dresses that are unique, if a little bit over the top some might say ;) —but are still cute!
What’s your favorite piece from your current line? Any all time favorite(s)?
Absolutely, my limited edition LONG LIVE THE LITTLE QUEEN dress! Though “One Day in Paris” & “One Million Dreams” dress have also been my all time favorite as well.
And that’s that! Thank you so much Winnie for taking the time to chat with us!
Before you go, don’t forget to visit the Mischka Aoki Facebook page and show them some love!
Ever since we found out we were having a baby girl I’ve been obsessed with brown and pink styles. Case in point, Emma now has three pairs of shoes that are brown with pink flowers. And my love for the color pairing extends beyond shoes. When I saw Baby Eggi’s Apron Jumper in brown and rose petal for sale on Zulily, I couldn’t help myself. I bought two, in sizes 2T and 3T.
At the time, Emma was in size 6 months. After placing my order, I felt a little sheepish. I hadn’t heard of Baby Eggi before, much less owned any of their clothes. I wondered if I had bought more baby clothes that would languish unworn in Emma’s Closet. I needn’t have been worried.
When I received my purchases in the mail, I eagerly pulled out the jumpers. They were the softest material I have ever felt ( a cotton/modal blend), and the colors were rich and complimented each other perfectly. I wish they came in my size! Emma hasn’t been able to wear the jumper yet; it’ll be the perfect outfit for her next summer and into the fall. I definitely plan to use it as a layering piece with tights or leggings, and a sweater and cute pair of boots.
Baby Eggi didn’t disappoint when it came to my love affair with pink and brown, and my delight in my impulse purchase led me to check out their website – which is gorgeously simple. Something I appreciate in all things.
Baby Eggi is a clothing line created with love by two sisters on a mission-to make beautiful, high quality children’s clothing, and to create a better world for children everywhere. They succeed on both counts- their clothing is incredible and they give 20% of net proceeds to children’s charities.
I can’t wait for Emma to wear her jumpers, and I certainly plan on keeping my eye on Baby Eggi.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Johanna founder of Vyssan Lull online shop, who happens to be a fellow Jersey City resident. She made me feel very welcome in her showroom and I felt how enthusiastic she is about eco-friendly clothes and lifestyle. Vyssan Lull, which is a pronunciation of Swedish Lullaby, is a metaphor for the look and feel of the Scandinavian children’s clothes wear. Vyssan Lull was the result of Johanna’s daughter Emma because Johanna did not see any really options in the U.S. for organic cotton the colors were either Brown, Green or Yellow very neutral colors.
Johanna being of Swedish and visiting her family started to buy Emma’s clothes in Sweden. Scandinavian clothes are eco-friendly plus the colors and prints are fun and comfortable. Vyssan Lull currently offers 12 different brands and each of the items work so well together. The brands are either made of organic cotton or chemical free fabrics. Johanna chooses to support the brands that are both ethical and hold true to the eco-friendly philosophy. In the future, Vyssan Lull will offer more toys and various other items plus, Johanna will start a blog with tips on organic living, which would include washing tips.
Special thanks to Deanna Hernandez-Arza for this feature! Check out her blog for more goodness!
We were contacted by Sweet Funky Vintage to do a review, and frankly, we were ecstatic. We love their bright, fun style, and there are several other things that set them apart from other children’s boutiques. They have a sale section (something any parent on a budget appreciates), a birthday program, (a discount will be sent to you during your child’s birthday month, and when you make a purchase, SFV will donate $5 to First Book, providing books to children that need them) a “wonderfully worn” program (donate gently used SFV items for a $5 gift certificate per item, and the item will go to a child in need), and during the month of November, they are donating 10% of all website sales to Tree House of Tallahassee and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. We feel especially good about buying from a company that truly does a lot to give back.
One of our personal favorites from the shop is Vickie in Purple Paisley-a tiered dress with a peasant top is hard to dislike, especially with such a fun mix of colors.
On to the review! We were sent a bright, eye-catching skirt with a long-sleeved top featuring an adorable bird applique. It was a beautiful evening, so we pretty much just let our model run wild with the clothing and play to her heart’s content. She had a lot of energy to get out, so consequently the opportunities to get a photo of her sitting still were…limited.
The skirt is eminently twirl-able, and the durable corduroy fabric will definitely hold up for play dates long after she’s grown out of it. The fun, colorful print was a perfect accent to her bright and bubbly personality as she skipped, jumped, twirled, and crawled all over the yard with her younger brother and cousin in tow. The long sleeve applique tee was a perfect match, a great weight for those fall days when there is slight chill in the air.
We were very impressed with the quality of the clothes, and the fun designs, and would recommend checking out Sweet Funky Vintage!
This is the coat for your little aspiring Clara to wear to her first viewing of The Nutcracker, or to the holiday parties she’s attending this year.
We swoon over peter pan collars and velveteen accents in general, but Janie and Jack have used them well here. The midnight blue color is subtly elegant, while the collar and velveteen keep it sweet. Charmeuse lines the inside to keep her comfy.
Yes! Another designer profile of one of our favorite boys designers this fall! We are so excited to share with you a peek into the mind behind one of our favorite winter necessities- the Hoodini jacket. Without further ado, may we present Lorraine Le Tac, the genius behind Bobinette!
What was your background prior to Bobinette? Have you always worked in fashion or was it something that you grew into over time?
I worked in various web agencies in Paris and New York. I was doing project management on fashion and cosmetics websites – Christian Dior in Paris, then NineWest and Cole Haan in New York.
I have always been passionate about fashion and design! However, I was never too much into boys fashion until I had my first boy, Spencer. I couldn’t find anything colorful and fun for him – everything was too conservative, too sport-related – nothing that would fit my stylish little man! So, I would ask my Mom to send me clothes from France. That’s how it all started!
Today, I also have a three-year old boy, Matisse. So I have twice the reason to be designing boys clothing!
How do you feel about the state of boys fashion? How would you like to see it change?
I have seen a big change since I started Bobinette, with many great boys brands popping up in the past few years.
However I still see a lot of the same trends – sports-oriented, rock’ n ‘roll inspired outfits, or mini-versions of dads’ clothes. There isn’t a lot in between – really fun and stylish clothes especially made for little boys.
Personally, I would like to see more colors, fun patterns… We are not used to seeing our little boys wear bright colors – red, orange, lime green or even pink!
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
I get inspired by everything around me. Lately, I have been going back to my roots in Paris. I have revisited my past travels in Europe, and I have been thinking of Italy a lot! I love Italian fashion and how Italian men dare to wear really bright colors. Italians have an absolute sense of style!
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
My goal is to keep doing what I am passionate about – designing for boys in particular but for kids in general. I would like to keep bringing colors, fun prints and style to boys clothing as long as I can. But it is also a business, and with more and more stores loving (and buying!) Bobinette, I have to keep up!
What makes you tick as a designer, what direction do you find yourself returning to time and time again?
I love fabrics. I love to mix patterns and colors and add the little details – buttons, snaps or trims – that will make the garment unique. Each season, I try to re-invent, adding new styles, new prints, but I often come back to my favorite – stripes, checkers, plaids, polka dots… all my fabrics have to be made of natural fibers – linen, cotton.
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
I take trends with a grain of salt. I think it is more important to develop your own style.
Right now, I am not too crazy about “jeggings” or “leggings” for adults, they definitely don’t suit everyone – people should be cautious following those trends!
I also don’t really like super-puffy-tutus-skirts for little girls – or worse babies! Tutus belong to ballet! Personally, I don’t like anything with lots of “froufrous”. Simplicity in design is a must!
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
I don’t follow any trend. I never had any skulls and bones, or camouflage prints, no graphic tees. I usually fell in love with fabrics and that what’s drive my designs. I love plaids and stripes, that is perhaps the only “trend” I follow…
What do you feel makes your work unique?
Tough question!
I think I am good at mixing colors, prints and patterns and that’s what makes Bobinette designs unique. I pay a lot of attention to details, like finding the right color of button, or snap. The slight detail makes the garment stand out.
What’s your favorite piece from your current line? Any all time favorite(s)?
I love them all! But I really like the plaid shirts, they look comfy and perfect for rainy fall days… I also love the new organic baby layette – all in blue and grey hues. I have started designing a few little sisters outfits using the same fabrics as the boys’ shirts, and that’s really fun. I am hoping to expand the girls’ line in future collections.
Do you have a photo of your workspace you could share with our readers? It’s always interesting to see where the magic happens!
Trust me, my workplace is not something I want to share right now! We moved to Brooklyn a few months ago and my office is in complete chaos! OK, I will share a few snapshots. When I get more settled, I will share more, I promise!
As promised, our exclusive interview with Jen of Eden’s Bouquet! Love the insights into her inspirations and process, every designer has a different story to tell- hers is one of wedding gowns, European style, and a healthy dose of country living.
Your work is all highly detailed and imaginative, talking specifically about your fabric choices- where does that inspiration come from?
I am inspired by fine fabric. I could spend days in the fabric store or trade shows, especially bridal textiles and notions. It is so easy to dream up collections when you have piles of fabric in front of you. The trick is keeping all my dreams in order. I am also inspired by European designers. They take children’s fashion seriously and the attention to detail is amazing.
What was your background prior to starting Eden’s Bouquet?
I have no formal training in fashion design. I have some funny stories to tell involving country girl(me), major tradeshows and big time magazine editors.
Like a lot of mothers, I started out sewing for our children and never got tired of it. I then started selling one of a kind creations made from vintage wedding gowns on eBay. In 2003 I started designing exclusively for PoshTots.com before launching my first collection in 2004.
What got you started working in children’s clothing design?
Imagination and my sewing machine. Designing is a wonderful creative outlet for my overflowing mind.
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
Bridal magazines. I love thumbing through these for inspiration, the details and textiles are unexpected in children’s clothing and that is what I love. More recently I have been inspired by our trips to the ocean and the quaint old beach towns. There’s something about history that sparks my imagination.
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
I think it would be fun to eventually open up a little brick & mortar boutique. Then, open boutiques all over the world and on the moon with women’s clothing, a maternity line and a complete home collection. Haha. Seriously, this venture has taken me farther than I had ever imagined so if this is it, I’m happy.
What makes you tick as a designer, what direction to you find yourself returning to time and time again?
I love designing Formalwear and find myself adding a touch of fancy to styles whether I plan to or not.
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
I love the use of lavish fabrics and romantic style that I am seeing in the fall 2010 women’s collections. I try to incorporate trendy silhouettes into my designs and many of my styles and color pallete are inspired by women’s clothing. I love when moms say they want to wear eden’s bouquet.
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
The fabric & style trends are right up my alley and I will definitely draw inspiration from them for upcoming collections.
What do you feel makes your work unique?
I think the colors, detail and fabric in my collections make them unique. I don’t know of many children’s clothing designers that use silk the crazy way that I do.
What’s your favorite piece from your current line? Any all time favorite(s)?
The bloomers. Comfortable, simple and adorable with everything. My all time favorite collection is the Cobblestone Collection.
Sometimes you have to toss a cheap pair of socks or pants in your cart because you’re in a rush and your kid needs them. Usually, within a month the color has faded and sometimes the item even has a hole or two, which leaves you wondering why you even bothered. If this is frequently a problem for you, then you NEED to visit Eden’s Bouquet.
Welcome to your new obsession!
The clothing from Eden’s Bouquet shows such attention to detail that every single piece is unique and stunning. These items are so precious that you’ll want to make sure they last through each child, because you won’t tire of seeing them over and over.
To our delight, we were sent the Harbor Tweed Newsboy cap, Organic cotton shirt, and the Harbor Jeans to review. Henry just turned one, but the boy outfits mostly come in 2T and up. Did that stop us from putting him in the jaw-droppingly beautiful clothes? Of course not!
As you can see, the clothes may have been a little large yet, but we could put the hat on his big head now. We swooned at the color and feel of the warm and wooly cap, and the lovely contrast it made with the delicate white shirt.
The jeans were obviously ready for whatever adventures Henry could dream up for them, providing him with plenty of deep pockets for all his treasures. I have a feeling I’ll be finding all sorts of surprises in the dryer after the pants get a wash.
Simply put, we were very impressed with the clothes. Not only are they lovely, they look like they can take all the things little boys throw at their clothes: leaf-jumping, crawling, wrestling, and more.
Stay tuned for our interview with Jen, the mastermind behind the clothing, as well as a giveaway!
More great insights and inspirations from Alexia Panza and Lissette Sieholtz of Tom and Drew Boys! Enjoy :)
Was there a specific experience that caused you to partner up with Bulldog Rescue?
Obviously, as you can tell, Tom & Drew is branded off English bulldogs. My family members are bulldog fanatics and it just seemed like the perfect fit for the aesthetic of Tom & Drew. That being said, I decided to partner with bulldog rescue because it is a wonderful organization that cohesively aligns with Tom & Drew. There are so many wonderful bulldogs for adoption out there and bulldog rescue does everything they can to find them happy, loving homes. Readers: please check out their website and available bulldogs: http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/
What was the inspiration behind using Japanese denim in the latest collection?
The inspiration behind using Japanese denim was that my designer and I knew that we needed something special if we were going to enter the incredibly competitive denim market. Tom & Drew is a very unique line and attention to detail is my highest priority, especially in regards to fabric selection. Our denim is truly fantastic and something that barely anyone else has. It is perfect for children because it is so incredibly soft; it melts in your hands.
What got you started working in children’s clothing design?
I started a children’s clothing company because I have two nephews, Tommy & Andrew. While shopping for them I really felt that there was a void in the marketplace for high-end, fashion forward yet refined boys clothing. I studied the business of fashion at the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City. I had amazing professors who pushed me to achieve my dreams and believe that anything is possible, no matter how young you are. I did a project in a fashion forecasting class where I was to forecast boy’s apparel and a spark lit in my mind; I can and should do this!
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
I find myself continually going back to a classic, vintage Americana look. Recent inspiration from our spring/summer 2011 collection came from childhood memories. Of course, my nephews, Andrew and Tommy inspire me on a daily basis. I speak with my sisters and they tell me what the two of them are currently driven by. For example, I actually asked my three-year-old nephew, Andrew, to come up with the summertime animals to use in our collection. He came up with: duck, “fishy” (which we translated in a striped bass) and most importantly sharks.
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
I believe that my drive comes from inside and people telling me that I couldn’t accomplish things the things I have. I have such a wonderful support system, everyone from my designer, sales reps., interns and most importantly friends and family. I always had dreams of working in the fashion industry and moving to New York City. There were times when the road was rough, and I was an intern vacuuming the floor. Deep down, I knew, one day, I was going to prove myself. I would prove myself to the world that I could run a successful company. I think being told you’re dreams are too lofty and a fantasy is one of the worst things you can ever tell to someone with a passion and inner drive. I owe most of my passion, drive and success to my father. He has been my rock throughout the entire process. He started his own business at a very young age as well and has believed in me every step of the way.
The vision for Tom & Drew is always a mix of these components: playful, practical, comfortable, durable, trend driven and most importantly creating clothing mothers love and their boys enjoy just as much.
*I’m now going to turn the rest of the questions to my fantastic designer, Lissette Siesholtz, who deserves much more credit for the design aspect of the brand than she is given.
What makes you tick as a designer, what direction to you find yourself returning to time and time again?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a designer is realizing how in tune you are with the rest of the world. I love it when I pull a concept out of thin air, think it’s so unique, and then see that same concept used by another designer. It baffles me for a moment, sometimes even annoys me, and then I’m just like, “well, of course!” We are all experiencing the same events, the same art and the same music. We are all experiencing it at the same time, and moments like that really emphasize how alike we are as human beings!
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
I’m so excited that trends are moving towards a more form-fitting, classic direction. At the same time, I think “skinny” jeans are never appropriate for a young boy. There is a huge difference between form-fitting and form-hugging.
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
I tend to use trends as the finishing touch to my designs, rather than the main focus. I like to take timeless ideas and garnish them with modern infatuations to give a final product that can be forever relevant, yet still reminiscent of their period.
What do you feel makes your work unique?
I was a menswear designer before working in boys wear, which I feel has helped me to understand who it is that young boys idolize. Whether it be their father, brother, friend, or a celebrity, I try to give boys the opportunity to be just as stylish as the grown men around them, without abandoning their youth.
Alisha Perkins of Cakes and Beans talks with us about her funky styles and her main inspiration- her two daughters! Enjoy!
On your website you tell us about the inspiration behind your tutu’s, but what about your other items in your line?
Honestly… it is just things I see and think… “I could do that- but in a funkier way” :)
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Wow- thats a tough question… I am hoping to continue to grow the line with new items- wherever the Lord leads me I guess
What got you started working in children’s clothing design?
I have two little girls- Addie and Lyla, and there is just not a lot of “younger” kids clothes out there that we not pastel with smiling puppies. :) I just wanted to create something more my style.
What sources of inspiration do you continually find yourself going back to, what are some new ones that have influenced your most recent collection?
I am inspired by my girls first and foremost, but I feel like I am also growing into my own. I think the older you get the less you care about what others think of you and you start to do what you like instead of what is popular. I wish I would of known that in High School :)
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
My drive and purpose is making younger kids clothes a little funkier- a little edgier but with a fun vintage look. Hopefully I come close to that.
What makes you tick as a designer, what direction do you find yourself returning to time and time again?
My kids make me tick… cheesy but true.
What current trends are you keeping track of? Any that you just can’t stand?
Truthfully I love unique things…. I am LOVING mismatch earrings!! I cannot stand the maternity top trend… I have been pregnant twice in two years and the last thing I wanted was to look pregnant again but all shirts are too flowy and matronly.
How do you feel that current trend affects your design?
I don’t really know that it does… I kind of do what I do and hope it flys :)
What do you feel makes your work unique?
It is all hand made by me which I think it hard to come by now a days.
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