KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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Earlier this year at the KidsInSTYLE tradeshow I met up with the team from Queensland-based Toetum - www.toetum.com. Chiu Lee (pronounced chew lee) and her team impressed me greatly with their passion and vibrancy: they were a stand out exhibit for me.

Toetum’s debut collection for infants and toddlers is colourful, exuberant and unique thanks to a collaboration of talented individuals (I am besotted by Nadine’s Chagall-esque illustration, and the imaginative colour of Jodi’s graphic art).

I hope you enjoy ‘meeting’ Chiu today, and learning a bit about Toetum. Toetum are on my watchlist of fine Australian designers: expect big things!

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Tell us a bit about your background

I began my own fashion agency business when I was 22 and have run that for the last 15 years. Prior to that I studied fashion in the US. I’m now a mother of two, and incorporate my love of business and yoga with spending time with my kids, Lucy, 4 and Max, 6 months.

Tell us a bit about Toetum

I’m head designer for Toetum, and also in the Toetum family are Kate, Jodi and Nadine.

Kate is a recent graduate of the Queensland University of Technology’s Fashion Design degree (and she also has a degree in economics: handy!). Kate’s previous experience is in womenswear so she’s really enjoying the different challenges that working with childrenswear brings.

Jodi, our clever graphic designer who, despite not having children herself, has a natural affinity for designing and illustrating for children (she’s even illustrated a children’s book!)

Nadine (Sawyer) is an artist with a background in floristry and interior design. Nadine’s work appears on some of our garments and is the result of our first collaborative project.

How did you all meet?

Some would say it was the universe lending a hand in bringing us all together - it was such a natural evolution!

The collaboration with Nadine came about after I saw and loved one of her paintings on the wall at a friends house.

Kate started as a work experience student during her last year of study, and now works with us full-time.

Jodi was initially employed to develop the branding for the label. That collaboration worked so well that we asked her to help develop part of the artwork for the range.

What is your business ethos?

At the core of Toetum is the idea of working together, like a clan or tribe. Our name comes from ‘Totem’ which stands for family or clan so that really is the essence of Toetum.

I think the main reason we work so well together is that we share the same ideals and values and are passionate about a lot of the same things - accepting, sharing and embracing different cultures, creativity and the arts.

We all believe in the concept of Toetum as a vehicle to present these ideals to the general public who we hope will then share them with their family and friends.

What are you loving for your kids right now?

I can’t live without my Bebedelice (1, below) - with Max starting solids recently, I can steam and puree until my heart’s content! Our Raff and Lulu Playmat (3, below: no longer available in blue spots, pink spots available as pictured here) goes everywhere with us - love it! My Bubbaroo Joey Pouch (2, below) has been perfect for Max as the nights are cooling down. Rachael Gleeson’s homeopathic remedies for kids (5, below), are fantastic! Mini Metalicus for Lulu (4, below) - she will only wear clothes that stretch, so we live in Metalicus and lots of layers. I am also madly in love with these cute as a button Chinese dragon baby slippers (6, below; purchased by Chiu in China - buy similar here).

What’s coming up for Toetum?

We believe in helping our own community and at the moment it’s all about jobs so we’re in the process of organising for a portion of our range to be made locally. By purchasing inputs and employing patternmakers and machinists locally we hope to do our bit to help those affected by the current employment situation.

We accept that to produce locally and pay award wages, retail prices will have to be higher than product made overseas so we really hope the public appreciates this and show their support for the Australian industry by viewing their purchases as a contribution to building jobs in their community.

In terms of product, we’re about to launch our “Toetum Friends” and “World Kids” ranges which we’re really excited about!

You can buy Toetum direct from the Toetum website. Alternatively shop Toetum at I Want Fabulous - www.iwantfabulous.com.au: they have an extensive range of Toetum designs, and are also offering $10.00 off your order for a limited time only. You can view the complete list of Toetum stockists here. Please check individual stores for shipping and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Whilst in New York for the Bubble tradeshow in March, I was hugely impressed with US label dan dan - www.dandangoods.com - who design a fabulous range of clothing for babies, and boys and girls up to 6 years. I was instantly drawn to the exquisite fabrics and tailoring, and then I discovered that all dan dan pieces are designed to grow with your child, so you can wear them, and love them, for longer!

I had a lovely conversation with dan dan designer Aiko Decelles (pronounced eye-koh d’sells), and quickly became besotted with her beauty, warmth and energy.

In the course of chatting, an Australian connection was revealed: Aiko spent 4 formative years gowing up in Sydney!

Aiko now lives in New York City with her husband Dan. Aiko enjoys yoga and golf, loves dogs, and colour is her favourite colour. Read on for more…

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Tell us about your background?

I was born in Tokyo, Japan, and in my childhood had the fortune of moving around. At three, we moved to the USA, and just as I’d secured the English language we moved back to Japan. At eight we left our mother country for the great land Down Under! An unforgettable four years was spent growing up in West Pymble NSW where I met my lifelong friends at Gordon West Public School (a shout out to Penny, Anoushka, Nadine, Rowena, Stephanie, Veronica, Leona, Christine, Siobhan!) At twelve, we made a permanent move back to the States where I’ve now been for 21 years.

After surviving two major catastrophes - escaping from the 38th floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on 9/11, and most recently just narrowly resigning before the bankruptcy of my firm - I was ready for a change from my profession of Information Technology.

While I have no formal background or training in apparel or design, designing for function was my specialty in information technology, so I decided to apply it toward children’s apparel. Why children’s? Why not! It’s got to be the happiest segment of the fashion industry.

Tell us about the philosophy behind dan dan?

“dan dan” in Japanese means ‘gradual’ or ’step-by-step’ (and it also happens to be what I call my husband!)

The concept behind the collection is clothing that grows step-by-step with the child, focused on the common frustration that parents have of kids growing out of clothes so quickly. Our design is about function: wear it for longer and/or wear it more than one way.

Above: Pieces from the dan dan Spring/Summer 2009 collection

Above: Pieces from the dan dan Fall 2009/Australian Autumn/Winter 2010 collection

We’ve also extended our designs to address convenience. For example, our Spring/Summer 2009 collection of Lexi tops and dresses are designed where the front and back are symmetrical.This means you’ll never have the outfit on backwards, a great convenience factor particularly for fathers but also for girls learning to dress themselves!

As you can see in my collections, I tend toward very happy bright colors in the spring/summer, while looking for more refined, subdued and muted tones for fall/winter.

What inspires you?

Every season my design process starts with fabric. Fabric selection is by far what I enjoy most about the design process. My inspiration for silhouettes starts with an excursion to the Fashion District in NYC where I am surrounded by bolts upon bolts of textiles.

Ideas are generated by the combination of texture, color and broad aesthetic of the fabric.

What are your current top 5 products for baby and kids?

I am in love with products that draw out the inner creativity of children. My most recent find is The Little Experience, (2. below) a UK-based company who creates the most wonderful craft kits in equally creative boxed packaging for children across many skill levels.

Others include Land Of Nod (1. below) with a wide selection of arts & craft projects (love the “And Sew It Goes” kit!)

Also, I can’t go past my childhood favorite: latch hook kits! (5. below)

In apparel, I’ve been a huge fan of the sophisticated and simple yet so-accessible clothing for baby and children by Makie (4. below), and more recently discovered an exquisitely designed all-organic line by Tane Organics (3. below).

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

This one’s a no-brainer: my husband, the beach, sunshine and dogs! We recently spent some time on the coast of California south of San Francisco called Carmel. The beach runs for miles and walking alongside Dan with flip flops in hand, two Goldens frolicking up ahead, and the warmth of the sun combined with the cool morning air makes for the most extraordinary feeling of freedom and pure joy.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

My family liked to go camping and experience the great outdoors in rustic style, a luxury that was tough to come by in Japan. The moment we stepped foot in the States, my father purchased a caravan and tent. We would spend long weekends driving into wooded territory, setup our camp and go blueberry picking.

On occasion we’d wake to the ever-so-pleasant smell of skunk who’d raided our garbage through the night, but our trips away were always cherished, and my brother and I would anxiously await the next.

dan dan is not currently available to purchase in Australia. Retailers interested in becoming stockists can contact Aiko Decelles for information. Please check the dan dan website for US stockist information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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A few months ago I came across Playsam Toys ‘in person’ for the very first time, and I fell head over heels in love. On the screen Playsam is beautiful enough, but in the flesh they are to die for!

A small, iconic, Swedish design company, Playsam have worked with companies such as Saab, Volvo, Skandia, Brio and Atlas Copco, among others. When you see their toys you’ll understand why such prestigious companies want to work with them - they are so fine, they can even be found in the Swedish Design Museum under Icons of Swedish Design!

Extraordinarily sleek, these wooden toys made of beech from Germany and Italy, and coated numerous times with certified toxin-free lacquer paint, beg to be touched, handled and played with - you’ll find yourself unable to leave them alone, never mind the kids!  They also look good enough to be displayed as art around your house - they’re just too beautiful to pack away at the end of the day.

Little Living - www.littleliving.com.au - currently have a fine selection of Playsam Toys on sale up to 30% off. While you’re there, also be sure to stop by their general Sale page. You’ll be needing your credit card…

Little Living postage costs are based on Australia Post’s weight charges. The avergae cost for Expressdelievry is $9.50 per order, Australia-wide. International orders are welcome. Please see the Little Living Delivery page for full details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today I’d like to introduce you to Jo and Marika, the talents behind up-and-coming Australian kids label for girls and boys, Polka Kids - www.polkakids.com.au.

Polka has become one of my very favourite kids labels for their bold, stylish, design, that manages to have a groovy retro Scandinavian feel, while at the same time being completely contemporary and unique. Marika and Jo exude a warmth and passion that really comes out in their designs - and kids look just great in it!

Jo lives with her partner Danny, a Landscape Designer, their 2 year old daughter Mika,  and placid greyhound Matty, in a cathedral-ceilinged house in Currumbin, Queensland. Jo is good with numbers and food, driven, energetic, organised and efficient, and sometimes impatient.

Marika, fiance Eden, a Digital Agency owner, and 2 year old daughter Indigo live in Burleigh on the Gold Coast, where they are about to finish a big home renovation. Marika is good with colours, creative, detailed, and sometimes, obsessive compulsive with design & aesthetics, and is often easily distracted by sparkly things.

Enjoy meeting the girls from Polka today - I’m sure you will fall in love with them and their designs, as  I have!

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Tell us a little about your background

Jo: I was born in Vancouver, Canada, and moved to Australia 7 years ago. I grew up in a multi cultural city bursting with great west coast food, culture and breathtaking scenery. We travelled a lot as a family, and Travel has been one of the major inspirations in my life both in work and in personal growth. I studied extensively in Canada and I’m currently working on my Masters.

Marika: I was born in Sydney, then moved to Adelaide when I was 2 - where my parents owned a children’s wear boutique called ‘Alice in Wonderland’. I remember at 2 or 3 yrs old jealously sitting on the sidewalk with my grandparents as my older sister Charisse got to dress up as Alice, with my Mum dressed as the White Rabbit, and my dad as the Mad Hatter, in the Norwood Street Parade with all the other shop owners. We moved back to Sydney when I was 5, and then to the Gold Coast when I was 14. I’ve been a graphic designer since I was 20, and it has led me to my current passion of fashion and textile Design.

What, or who, inspires you?

Both: We can’t get enough of Scandinavian Street Fashion, Tokyo Street Fashion, Excessive Layering, Interesting Accessories, Nordic Knits, Architecture, Origami, Polish Traditional Folkwear, Alaskan Eskimos, Style Structure, Triangles, Hexagons, Danish Design, Revival Fashions - 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, even 80’s, Rich Daring Colour - combinations that PING! And our 2 energetic hyper-tots: best friends Mika and Indi - full of humour and endless love.

Which other baby and kids designers do you admire?

Both: European labels Smafolk, Katvig, and Plastisock were our favourite inspirational brands when we first started. Now we’re designing ourselves, and things are going full-throttle we don’t get a lot of time to see what other kids labels are doing now!

What is your favourite way to spend time with your child?

Jo: We try to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. We are so blessed with year round great weather on the Gold Coast, and are lucky to live so close to the beach and to the rainforest. It’s really the best of both worlds.

Marika: We *HEART* making cakes! Making cakes brings us closer together in two ways, one because she’s taller when she stands on a highchair, and two because it makes Indi so happy she hugs our heads in tight and tells me ‘ooh my best fwend, i love ooh’ - melts my heart every time!

Another favourite way to spend time is with Jo and Mika, because the girls have the most adorable friendship - the sound of them giggling together is pure joy - and they do it non-stop when they’re together. They are such cute, kooky kids!

What are you passionate about?

Jo: Working with Marika, and developing Polka. So far I am loving the ride. I think we have a winning combination of skills and passion. This year I’m really looking forward to travelling to keep tight reigns on our production and oversee the quality control. Outside of work, I’m passionate about being a great mother, and a good friend.

Marika: Ohhh - Polka. We do, we live breathe and eat it! It’s beyond obsessive! I dream about Design, Architecture, Folds, Angles, Textures - we’re forever analyzing what’s worked well, sold well worn well, tweaking and refining - adding new inspirations, how to make the next collection better, tighter, stronger. I’m also incredibly excited about our latest POLKA project - our very Web2.0 website and it’s social networking additions! We’re hoping to help create a dialogue and inspirational space for POLKALOVERS to participate: at the moment we’re running a Small Folk Street Style Spotting Photoshoot competition! Outside of work, I find great joy in spending the time I have off with family and friends.

If you could see Polka on any child in the world, who would it be, and why?

Both: We’re In total agreeance: Nicole Richie’s daughter, Harlow, and Gwen Stefani’s little boy Kingston - both women have incredible style.

What are you listening to/reading right now?

Jo: I’m listening to German electronic music, and reading ‘A New Earth’ by EckhartTolle.

Marika: I’m digging Metronomy and LadyHawke (courtesy of my brother and sister), and flicking through the pages of Frankie Magazine.

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Enter Polka’s Small Folk Street Style Spotting Photoshoot competition for a chance to win Polka prizes. You can purchase Polka Kids online from Baby’s Got Style, Little Pinwheel, Tiny People, and My Messy Room.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today I’d like to introduce you to one extraordinary individual: Anabel Fournier from Petits Fournier - www.petitsfournier.com.

I met Anabel at the Bubble trade show in New York recently, and was instantly attracted to her fine knits for babies and kids. Hearing the story behind her label further enriched my appreciation of her range.

Anabel’s warmth and beauty made me feel so fantastically inspired, and I am so pleased to share her story with you.

PS: A small detail that Anabel hasn’t mentioned that I know, is that her women’s scarves were including in the gift bags at the Oscars(!!) together with her talented sister Elie’s stationery range. That’s one creative family! Also, be sure to take a look at Anabel’s blog, and so i whisper - her cake baking skills are absolutely incredible! -and her Flickr photostream for some more great photos of Africa and Bolivia.

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Tell us a little about your life, family and hobbies

I live in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. My birthplace is San Jose, Costa Rica but I left when I was twenty years old. Since then I have lived in Spain, Panama, and Bolivia before coming to Kenya.

My daughter Daniela is 9 years old and is also an artist. Her favorite activity at home and school is anything related to art. She always carries a bag with coloring pencils and a notepad. She loves being my model, especially for the accessories line.

My son Sebastian is a nature kid. He is always outside, rain or shine. Still likes to wear mommy’s clothing when he wants to look “smart” like he say.

My husband Marcos does not have a background in fashion or design but has great taste and helps me a lot with the financial department.

My favorite hobby is painting with acrylics on wood. I also enjoy baking. My favorite food is Peruvian food, anything from the sea. My favorite color is blue, which I always include in my collections.

What is your professional background?

Art runs in my veins as I have been surrounded by art all my life. I come from a family of painters and very crafty people so this has influenced who I am today. I have a graphic arts background but also in hotel and restaurant management. I enjoy cooking very much and I find that my preference to baking sweets and pastry reflects in my continuous desire to create and perfect. For a few years I had a restaurant in the highlands of Panama before moving to Bolivia and continuing my education in fashion design.

How did Fournier come about?

We moved to Bolivia in 2000 when my husband took a job in a poverty alleviation project financed by USAID.

I was immediately impacted by the indigenous Bolivian women who learn to knit at a very early age and can be seen everywhere maintaining this part of their heritage. I am not a person who can stay still and my hands have to always be busy doing something so I started working with a small group of these knitters and started putting a small collection together. I knew I could make this work and was dazzled by the intricacy of what these women could produce when given some guidance.

I took my first collection on the road and literally did the cold call by knocking from door to door at some the children’s stores in the United States until I started getting some accounts. It all took off from there and started then learning about some of the specialized trade shows where I started exhibiting the Fournier collections and before I knew it we were employing more than 60 knitters year round.

You live in Africa: tell us how you came to live there, and what your day-to-day life is like.

I came to Africa as a result from my husband’s work. Marcos has been working for many years doing development work assisting rural farmers improve their skills in agribusiness and marketing. We came to Kenya to work implementing a coffee project for East African countries in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia for the Gates Foundation.

As with Bolivia, the colors and textures of Africa have just dazzled me and my creativity has reached another level. I spend my days creating new things and working with the immense variety of materials available in Africa. I take this inspiration back to Bolivia when I have to design our collections.

I am a mother of two so I have to split my time also in the many school activities, doing homework and packing school lunches. Since we are now living in a different time zone at night I stay up late hours to keep in touch with my workshop and our clients.

What has the proudest moment in your business been?

Everytime I produce a new collection is my proudest moment but it is highlighted when I get feedback from our customers commenting how much they like what we produce.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by what surrounds me at any given time. I absolutely enjoy traveling and meeting other cultures and I take in the colors and texture of what they wear.

In Kenya the color of the soils contrasted with the variety of colors in the fabrics worn by women and children keep me most inspired. The natural light and how nature and people reflect on it also provides me with a desire to create.

What are your top 3 favourite things for babies and kids right now?

1. I absolutely love the Kidsonroof line of cardboard houses and accessories for children. They are all made from recycled materials.
2. Wallnutz Wall stickers I think are a wonderful way to decorate a childs, room and the kids can also play with them when they are re-positionable.
3. In fashion I like the new trend of simplicity in many European brands, like Essential from Belgium - natural fibres for clean cut designs.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Growing up in Costa Rica was a blessing since I was always surrounded by nature which brings back amazing memories of afternoons spent cycling with friends and pets in out neighborhood.

One of my fondest memories is moving to a new house with my family with a swimming pool that we enjoyed all summer long and even during the mornings of our very long rainy season.

US readers can purchase from the Fournier webstore and stockists. Petits Fournier is not currently available to purchase in Australia, but that is set to change. Watch this space!

Today’s post written by Nerida

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My sister recently got married and my daughter was a flowergirl. At just three years old, she doesn’t really understand the concept of marriage, but she was thrilled to be getting dressed up and carrying a bunch of flowers which included, much to her delight, a baby pineapple.

My sister had picked a dress for my daughter, so with my little girl’s outfit sorted, I just had to worry about what the rest of the family would wear. My husband pulled out a suit, I found a nice Leona Edmiston dress, which left just my then 4 month old son. I had a dilemma - how do you dress a baby boy for a wedding?

Not being a fan of baby tuxes, and feeling that he looked a little too blokey for a sailor suit, I was having a lot of trouble working out what to put him in. He was also likely to sleep in his pram for quite a bit of the ceremony so I wanted something comfortable.

Finally a friend suggested that her mum could knit him something. I was a bit dubious at first thinking of all the hand knits of my past (too tight necks, garish colours etc.) but then decided to check out the range of knitting patterns now available. I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. My absolute favourites are the range of Little Sublime Hand Knit Books produced by Sirdar.

At the end the day was too hot to wear a knit, and he ended up just in a comfortable onesie (Miki knew this would happen!) but I am so glad to have discovered the delightful world of hand knits, and I am now looking forward to the colder weather with great anticipation of a wonderful wool filled winter.

Check out the wonderful selection of hand-knit patterns for babies and kids at Wondoflex - www.wondoflex.com.au - including the delightful Designer Handknits for Tots, by Patons, pictured below.

Prices for babies and kids hand knit patterns at Wondoflex start at $4.50 and go up to $14.00.

Wondoflex postage charges are based on purchase amount. Click here to view full details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today is a very happy day: I am thrilled to be able to bring you the news that Australian baby and kids label, Baobab - www.baobab.com.au, has just released their much anticipated new season’s collection. I am once again very much impressed, and queued up to buy big!

With a palette of true reds, lilacs, pinks, sky blues, grey marle, and deep chocolate illuminated by a verdant green - my super-hot colour for this season - divine prints, including dragonflies, planes and seahorses, and Baobab’s new signature circular ‘Racer’ print, which gives a nod to retro style, while remaining utterly modern,  this collection is visually stunning, while remaining highly wearable by virtue of the clean cuts and cotton knit composition.

Select from pieces for babies from birth to boys and girls up to 6 years including long sleeve bodysuits, envelope tees with long sleeves, straight pants for babies and kids, asymmetrical kimono hoodies - love the contrast studs! - hoodies with giant round pockets, long sleeve A-line dresses - will last you for years as they can be worn as a top after their work as a dress is done - and the fabulous, wonderful tuille skirts.

All pieces can be easily mixed and matched with the rest of the range, making putting together a stunning outfit a breeze.

My hot picks? The Baobab Dragonfly Stud Tee in Green for boys and the Baobab Tuille Skirt in Green for girls. Belinda at Baobab is ahead of the curve with this green - it’s going to be big!

To ‘meet’ Belinda Blooman from Baobab, and find out more about her and her design influences for Baobab click here.

From left to right:

Baobab Dragonfly Stud Tee $37.95 and Baobab Pocket Pant in Grey Marle $37.95
Baobab Racing Car Stud Tee $37.95 and Baobab Pocket Pant in Grey Marle $37.95
Baobab Dragonfly Envelope Tee $32.95 and Baobab Baby Racer Pant $33.95
Baobab Plane Stud Tee $37.95 and Baobab Chocolate Racer Pant $33.95

From left to right:

Baobab Red Racer Dress $45.95
Baobab Tuille Skirt in Green $44.95 and Girls Tee in Pink $37.95
Baobab Charcoal Bow Dress $45.95
Baobab Pink Circle Dress $45.95

Baobab ship Australia-wide with cost dependent on weight; the average shipping cost per order is $7.50.

Today’s post written by Angela

Today I’d like you to meet Brooke Murphy, the design talent behind ultra cool kidswear labels Tommy Rocket, and Two Belles. Brooke and her partner Ben live on the coast of Victoria, with their two children Belle, 9, and Tom, 3 years (the namesakes of the labels), where they enjoy some of the best surf in the country.

Autumn/Winter ‘09 Tommy Rocket, and Two Belles is hitting stores now and they’re stunners. Please visit Where Did You Get That? to view the new season’s range, with more of the range arriving in the next fortnight.

My Baby Rocks, and My Mini Moda, Buckets and Spades, Appleseed Child, are also TR&TB stockists, so keep your eye on them for A/W09 stock.

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Tell us a little about your background

We live on the coast in Jan Juc, near Bells beach, Victoria. It’s a small community where the kids walk to school, hang over each others fences, and ride their bikes up and down the street. It is the way we grew up, and it is fantastic giving the same freedom to our own kids.

I have worked in the fashion industry for 15 years - I have a technical background in design and garment construction - and Ben, my partner, has worked in the industry for 25 years.

Ben now runs the ladies retail and wholesale operation of our women’s wear label “Ellis and Dewey” - we have 5 ladies stores - and I work in the product side of the business, developing the ladies and children’s ranges that are sold to over 200 independent boutiques nation wide.

Ellis & Dewey Collection available from www.TheStylingRoom.co.nz

Belle (our 9 year old daughter) is a Tomboy who prefers to wear the Tommy Rocket black tanks than any of the Two Belles product, and will run a mile if I ask her to try on a dress.

Tom (our 3 year old son) refuses to take off any of our tees if it has an animal, dinosaur or robot on it, and often carries a favourite under his arm as company for the day.

I am never short of models, and the great thing about kids is how honest they are……we know when we are on to a winner if the neighbourhood kids won’t take something off, and they soon tell us when they don’t like something too!

How did your labels Tommy Rocket and Two Belles came about?

Tommy Rocket and Two Belles came about 3 and a half years ago out of our desire to offer great childrenswear for 3-7 year olds. We teamed up with 2 other business partners to form our own company, and collectively we have over 60 years of combined experience in the wholesale clothing industry.

We wanted to offer children’s street/fashion wear and take advantage of the graphic artists in our area whose careers had otherwise been established in adult wear.

There is an enormous amount of talent that does not get used in the children’s market. We use those artists, and now have a following each season of consumers who want the next Tommy Rocket printed tee.

Tell us about the design process: how you work, and what influences you

We start by looking at what has been well received the previous season. We value the stores that sell our products, and the end consumers, and we are often swayed by what they want to see in the range.

I also travel throughout the year to Asia and the States, where we pick up samples and new ideas of what is coming through for the next season.

The freelance graphic artists that do our graphic t-shirt prints have a big impact on the overall look of the range. We workshop the whole look and feel of the range.

We really believe this gives us an edge - our boys and girls printed tees are what we are known for.

Why did you choose to develop two different labels rather than girls and boys under one label?

Boys and girls are so different, so why do boys and girls clothing under the same label?

Tommy Rocket A/W09 available from www. WhereDidYouGetThat.com.au

Tommy Rocket is solely aimed and focused on the Tommy Rocket boy and Two Belles on our girls, they do not cross over, and when we develop the ranges together we focus on each one individually, ensuring individual and strong collections.

Two Belles A/W09 available from www. WhereDidYouGetThat.com.au

Who are your favourite baby and kids designers?

I don’t look at other childrens ranges necessarily; it is easier to put together more original focused ranges when you are not swayed by what other people are doing.

The brands I do look at for inspiration is cool adult streetwear, the labels that do great denim, fantastic graphic printed tees with stripe combos you don’t see everywhere.

When I look at adults streetwear, it is easy to see what we should offer in kids wear.

If you could see your clothing on any child in the world who would it be?

All kids are special; they don’t have to be born into celebrity royalty to have their own great style.

I recently saw a 3 year old boy walking down the street with his Mum. He had on the Tommy Rocket low slung check shorts with our fitted muscle tank, he had a bandana tied around his arm, and he was checking himself out in the refection as he walked past a store. He had a real bop in his step and was loving life.

I have no idea who he was, but it made my day. These are the kids I love seeing in our product.

Most of our printed tees have a vintage feel, and there is usually a great story behind the prints. Our graphic artists aim to develop prints that have a nostalgic feeling for the parents too.

We are often reminded  about our own childhoods and great memories we have when we view the ranges before they hit the stores.

What’s coming up for Tommy Rocket & Two Belles?

More great slim line shorts and denim…………our stripe tees with awesome graphic prints, bright colours, great dresses and tops in bold prints.

We always remind ourselves what kids want to wear……in boyswear it is simple - shorts tanks and tees in great colours with cool prints. In girls, the same deal, with a few great dresses for those special occasions.

Complete this statement: “Tommy Rocket & Two Belles kids are…

…individuals, expressing themselves through their warpaint….the effortlessly cool teenagers of the future….the budding film makers, snowboarders, architects, florists, skateboarders, t-shirt designers and chefs of the next generation!”

Today’s post written by Edwina

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London-based girls-only clothing label I Love Gorgeous- www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk- made a big splash when it launched a few years ago and they are just getting better and better.

Designers and fashion-savvy mums Lucy Enfield and Sophie Worthington have created a truly gorgeous (as the name suggests) label that combines “a little bit boho hippy chic with a fashion edge”.

What strikes me most about the designs is a sense of nostalgia. The designs are not overly fussy, and they use traditional techniques such as hand smocking and shearing which reminds me of the party dresses that were part of my wardrobe (sadly long ago!) The choice of trim and a soft palette of dusty shades of green, mushroom, brown and coral give the range a contemporary angle, and the overall effect is completely unique.

One of the best things about this Northern Hemisphere delight is that their current Autumn/Winter range that uses a lot of moss crepe, cotton voile, silk chiffon, jersey, merino wool and cashmere is on sale - perfect timing for us! (Use the XE currency converter to size up your purchases in AUD).

Left: New Nono Party Dress GBP48
Middle: Marie Antoinette GBP78
Right: Mexican Top GBP31

Left:Smocked Dress GBP49
Middle: Poppy Dress GBP49
Right: Winter Mexican Dress GBP36

You can purchase I Love Gorgeous directly from their website. Email Kate at I Love Gorgeous with the list of pieces you’d like to buy, and she’ll send you a PayPal invoice so ou can make payment. If you are heading to London then head directly to their flagship store at 52 Ledbury Road, London. They are also stocked in lots of boutiques around the UK and also in the London store of Selfridges.

Today I’d like you to meet Natasha Barber from SKEANIE Shoes - www.skeanie.com. I first met Natasha at a tradeshow and was bowled over by her statuesque beauty, and vivacious passion for her product, which is wildly infectious!

Natasha has gone from a fast-paced city existence to running her burgeoning business from her home in Goulburn: more proof that you don’t have to be a city-dweller to make it in the design world.

Besides being incredibly cute, SKEANIE shoes are foot friendly and fair trade made so you can be sure that no-one has suffered - or will suffer! - for this fashion.

Natasha lives in Goulburn, NSW, with her husband, Hamilton, son Hamish, 3 years, daughter Bella, 1 year, and their two Jack Russell Terriers Oliver and Molly - interviewed by Angela.

For stores and buyers reading this, you can meet Natasha and see the new season’s SKEANIE range at the trade-only Life INSTYLE/Kids INSTYLE show in Sydney this week.

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What was your life like before SKEANIE?

Up until 2003 I was an IT Project Manager in Sydney looking after projects for Cisco, Ericsson, Telstra, Vodafone and Hutchison. It was a pretty hectic existence!

Hamilton and I married in Noosa Heads in 2003, and shortly after we decided to move to Goulburn, where Hamilton’s parents live, and where we now live on an acreage close to town. I ran a Mortgage Broking/Financial Planning business until Hamish was born in 2005.

After becoming a mother I realised that working in an office 5 days a week was not for me, so I sold the Mortgage Broking business and ventured into the wonderful world of SKEANIE: Leather Footwear for Little Feet!

Who and/or what inspires you?

I am inspired by my children, the country, my husband and classic style. I love well made, classic items. Classic style is more important to me than the latest fashions. I tend to design items that I would like to wear, only they are smaller!

Describe your perfect day

A perfect day would have lots of variety, be full of surprises and not much would go to plan. Fortunately for me, being a mother of 2 young children and a business owner most of my days end up being perfect ones!

What are SKEANIE’s best-sellers?

The Cheeky Monkey and Little Princess designs have both been big sellers. I think perhaps this is because Mum’s can relate to them. I am forever calling my children quirky little names. Most of them have ended up on our shoes!

Summer Sandals were a huge hit this summer. I think they sold well because they were unique, there was nothing like them in the market.

Who are your favourite baby and kids designers?

Heavenly Creatures - www.heavenlycreatures.net.au. Heidi and Kelly are 2 talented women from Melbourne who definitely have a flair for style!

Knuffle Kid - www.knufflekid.com. Emma specialises in vintage for young girls. I just love the dress pictured below which I have for my daughter, Bella.

What’s coming up for SKEANIE?

I am really excited about the SKEANIE winter range which is due out next month. The SKEANIE leather loafers were influenced by the “Gucci Driving Shoe”. They are a smaller version of shoes I wear, I guess a kind-of “mini-me”. My husband is an avid horse-man; hence the snaffle-bit on the loafers. They are hand-made from high-quality leather and feature a thin rubber sole which makes them ideal for the transition from pre-walker to walker.

The Faux-fur lined cowboy boots are influenced by my life in the country and boots that I wear, again another “mini-me”. Unfortunately mine are not faux-fur lined or not nearly as comfortable!

The plain faux-fur lined boots have been extended to include “luxurious cream”: a great colour for boys or girls. Bella has recently started wearing her “Fire Engine Red” boots (coming to the SKEANIE online store in March) around the house to keep her little feet warm on the timber floors in Goulburn.

SKEANIE charge from $7.20 shipping within Australian and New Zealand. Click to shop at SKEANIE Shoes.