UK Designers – The Best of the Brits, and where to get them Down Under
Posted: August 2nd, 2008Post written by Miki
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Following on from last week’s US Designers special feature, this week we’re heading across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom.
The UK has long been a source of leading children’s- wear and equipment. Iconic names such as Silver Cross prams instantly bring to mind classic chic, perfectly groomed nannies or the more modern ‘yummy mummies’ parading through Hyde Park with their beautifully dressed offspring on full display.
Hey, if you have a baby you’re proud of and gorgeous gear for him or her, why not show them off?
That concept shows in UK designers products – they’re always gorgeous to look at (not to mention touch) and practical to boot. And now, thanks to some of Australia’s top children’s-wear online boutiques, we can access the best of British design from the comfort of our living rooms.
So get comfy and have a look at some of my picks for the week!
The Fairy Jardin
The Fairy Jardin – www.thefairyjardin.com.au – stock the cutest little leather babyshoes from Starchild. I’m sure you’ve seen these before, they’re just so sweet! For the traditionalists among us there is Nenuphar London: timeless designs with a hint of their French heritage. Any child couldn’t help but look as though butter wouldn’t melt in their mouth wearing these clothes! They’re especially perfect for special occasions.
If you prefer organic cotton on your precious little one’s skin, there are two designers I would bring to your attention: Piccalilly Organics and Little Blue dog. Both have loads of adorable designs and are so gentle on babies’ skin!
Starchild ballerina shoes in blue, $42.95
Piccalilly red organic hoodie, $39.95
Little Blue Dog signature baseball top, $38.95
Little Blue Dog cat romper, $38.95
Nenuphar London puff sleeve dress, $84.95
Starchild gingham Jolly Roger shoes, $39.95
Another great place to stock up on UK designers is Urban Child – www.urbanchild.com.au. Here you can find simply beautiful baby clothes, blankets and accessories from AraVore Babies. Exclusively imported from London, all organic and knitted from exquisitely soft ‘Fair Trade’ cotton and merino wool, they are the most wonderful baby presents, especially for a winter baby. It’s the kind of gift that will become a family heirloom!
Urban Child also have the ever-popular Albetta (I’m in love with Albetta babygrows; could they get any cuter?) and a selection of WOW toys – these toys are destined to be come favourites with everyone, you can’t go wrong with them.
WOW toys ‘Motorbike Max’, $24.95
AraVore Babies organic vintage matinee coat, $105.00
Albetta Flying Machines babygrow, $42.00 $21.95 (great price!!)
AraVore Babies pink stripe jumper, $82.00
Albetta booties -blue velvet gingham, $24.95 $9.95 (even greater price!!)
Ekidna Kids
One of my all-time favourite stuffed toy brands is ‘Mamas & Papas‘ from the UK. These knitted and fleece animals are really lovely – just a bit quirky, a bit whimsical and bound to be adored.
The fleece ones can just be flung in the washing machine and the knitted ones are easy enough to spot clean. I know this because I got tomato sauce on my friend’s knitted puppy a couple of months ago – don’t ask – and was totally mortified until I realised the stain had come right out! (Promise not to tell her please 
)
My favourite place to get these in Australia is Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au.
M&P Colour Bunch soft toy – Tuli, $21.95
M&P Knitted lamb gift toy, $39.95
M&P Knitted puppy gift toy, $39.95
M&P Kitted bear gift toy, $39.95
M&P Colour Bunch soft toy – Baru, $21.95
Kids Gift List
Two fabulous UK designers at Kids Gift List – www.kidsgiftlist.com.au. The first is Sparrowkids, designers of stunning ‘DIY’ craft kits for kids. All the materials are Fair Trade (you can have very thought-provoking discussions with the kids over this topic) and they’re great quality. Craft projects aren’t just for the girls. Show me the primary school boy who could resist the pencilcase rocket!
The other designer is Trunki, which is only the best luggage for kids in the whole wide world. Seriously, who could ever go past the funky little ride-on suitcases with horns?
Sized to be carry-on baggage compliant, light enough for parents to carry comfortably over their shoulder and robust enough for not just one but two preschoolers to ride, these little suitcases are too cool.
Perfect for 3-6 year olds, and they are just as good for overnight stays at the grandparents’ place as international jetsetting!
Sparrowkids DIY felt butterfly bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY felt sparrow bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY rocket pencil case, $39.95
Trunki ride-on suitcases, pink and blue, $63.95
Please check individual store for postage prices and information.
