CWB’s pick of the childrenswear brands to watch.
O Moon
Many years working in the luxury womenswear industry together with the birth of her fourth child were the catalyst for Hannah Exley-Myers’ kidswear business. Starting on Instagram before launching a website in April 2020, O Moon works with second-hand textiles and offers a modern folk look from 6 months up to 6 years. Expect bold block colour and pattern use, hand-finished detailing and relaxed, unisex silhouettes. Pieces include jackets and gilets made from vintage wool blankets and quilts; trousers using repurposed jeans, deadstock and vintage fabrics; organic cotton sweatshirts with patchwork pockets, and also T-shirts with hand appliqué and printed details.
Byrne & Bittle
Launched in September 2021, Byrne & Bittle is a luxury childrenswear brand for 3 months to 6 years that encapsulates the whimsical world of children in a refined, sophisticated way. Based in New York City, the brand’s founder Kristen Callahan recognized a need in the US for sophisticated and stylish children’s clothing. Working with the top fabric mills and using expert sourcing for its signature soft textiles, the brand’s curated collection offers girls’ styles meant for tea parties in the garden. Boys’ styles, meanwhile, have a relaxed yet traditional feel. Baby clothing is classic and comfortable, but also ready for an impromptu visit from family.
KATTAN
In November 2020 Layla Alnahdi launched KATTAN, a conscious London-based childrenswear label designed for everyday living and playing. The seasonless offer comprises both organic baby essentials and functional kids’ loungewear. For a/w 21/22 there are two organic loungewear capsules sustainably and ethically made in Portugal. The Stripe capsule is available in three colours for 0 to 8 years and includes a top, pants and a matching bodysuit. The Everyday Collection, meanwhile, offers genderless, minimalist essentials for 0 to 24 months available in four earthy tones. Highlights include matching onesies, pants, kimono bodysuits and tops.
Zig + Star
In March 2021 Ali McAleavy launched Zig + Star, applying over 20 years’ experience in footwear development to create a brand of unisex, podiatrist approved kids’ shoes. With sustainability at its heart, the Zig + Star design concept is to make products that last by enabling them to both adjust and grow with a child. Furthermore, all packaging is recycled, recyclable or compostable. For summer there is a range of three sandals, all fully adjustable and child-friendly. For autumn there is a boot and two shoes featuring a removable hidden midsole to adjust the fit and leave extra room to grow. Sizes are EU 22 to 34.
Pellegrine
Founded in October 2021 by sisters Amelia Milne and Clementine Champion, Pellegrine is a new sustainable brand of kids’ belts. For years the sisters had wanted to make belts to smarten up boys’ and girls’ outfits. Upon learning about the work of REPREVE®, which turns plastic bottles from beach clean-ups and landfill into yarn, Pellegrine was born. The collection of stretchy belts is available in four colours. There are also two size options; small for 2 to 6 years and medium for 5 to 9 years. Additionally, the brand donates £1 from the sale of each belt to The Marine Conservation Society.
