Kidswear brands to watch – CWB editor Laura Turner selects the must-have collections to get in store.

 

Wee Monster

Sisters Constance and Jacquelynn Wong, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, are the founders of kidswear brand Wee Monster. Wee Monster’s mantra that “kids should be kids” sees it move away from gender-typical styles in favour of edgy and simple streetwear designs. It then combines these with the latest trends for boys and girls age 1 to 12 years. Themes for the s/s 20 collection include pizza, love, rock and roll and also old school vibes. Wee Monster’s entire collection is made in Los Angeles using high-quality fabrics that are always pre-washed and pre-shrunk.

 

 

Beatrice & Bee

Following becoming a mum, Maria Araújo set about creating an affordable childrenswear brand akin to those in her home country of Portugal. Late 2017 saw the launch of her ethical and sustainable childrenswear label Beatrice & Bee. Small ateliers in Portugal handcraft the brand’s childrenswear using 100% organic fabrics, with special attention to detail and limited quantities. Collections focus on pastel colours, floral and vintage prints as well as Peter Pan and frill collars. Key pieces include traditional and stylish rompers, dresses and sleepsuits together with pyjamas for newborn up to 6 years.

 

 

JuJuni

New British childrenswear brand JuJuni is passionate about creating organic and ethical dungarees. Made from organic cotton needle corduroy, the dungarees have both practicality and an environmentally conscious lifestyle in mind. Available in six colours for 6 months up to 5 years, every aspect of the dungarees is ethical; from the Corzo buttons made from the tagua nut through to a cut that fits over cloth nappies. Other features include adjustable button-up straps, generous turn-ups as well as zip leg openings. JuJuni also offers an ethical range of organic cotton T-shirts.

 

 

Petit Pli

One of five 2019 Global Change Award winners and the first UK winner of the award, Petit Pli was founded in 2017 by aeronautical engineer, Ryan Mario Yasin. The brand specialises in outerwear suits that grow with children by embedding a patent-pending structure that expands bi-directionally to fit ages 9 months up to 4 years. Using recycled fabrics, the suits are breathable, lightweight, rainproof and also windproof. Petit Pli is open to collaborating with stockists. Furthermore, its designs can help reduce inefficiencies for retailers with respect to inventory size requirements.

 

 

Ellie + Lion

Fiona Di Carlo launched childrenswear label Ellie + Lion in July. The modern range of gender-neutral clothing for 0 to 4 years uses hand-drawn animal motifs that are digitalised to create a clean, geometric effect. Ellie + Lion doesn’t follow seasons or trends, instead it focuses on timeless, functional and durable pieces. The new all-season collection, Face the Animals, uses organic cotton and offers minimalist basics. Highlights include a one-piece suit with an S-shaped, two-way zipper. Additionally, to raise awareness of protecting wildlife, proceeds from every sale from the new collection go to Wildhood Foundation.