Handmade children’s clothing and accessories brand, Tun Tun, will launch to UK trade at INDX Kids in July. Ahead of the show, company owner and designer, Ursula Malca, tells CWB more about the brand’s Peruvian origins and what it has to offer to the UK market.
Laura Turner: What is the story behind Tun Tun?
Ursula Malca: I launched Tun Tun in Lima, Peru, in 2016. I had been working in the fashion sector since 2006 and during that time I owned a woman’s clothing brand. However, after giving birth to my first child in 2014 I developed an interest in baby clothing, especially good-quality clothing for sensitive skin. I discovered that here, in Peru, we have the best cotton worldwide – Pima cotton − so I started my first collection of baby clothing and then in time
introduced kids’ clothing as well.
LT: Can you tell us about the brand’s production and the materials you use?
UM: I use premium cotton for the entire collection, mainly Pima cotton, which is the best worldwide. We work directly with artisans to produce the collections and ensure fair payment for everyone. For the clothing line, we always add handmade details such as crochet or embroidery. We also have a range of knitted dolls that are all handmade, too. They are available in a choice of sizes and styles and include bunnies, bears, lambs and dogs.
LT: What can UK buyers expect from Tun Tun’s clothing collection?
UM: Our clothing collections are timeless in style. We love to work with a warm palette, but always add a pop of colour that we feel reflects the happiness of childhood. We cater for both boys and girls, with baby clothing available from newborn and kids’ clothing up to age 7 to 8 years. For babies, pieces include rompers, kimono sets and blankets. For older children we mainly offer a knitted collection, including tops, bottoms, sweaters, cardigans, sets and one-pieces. The s/s 24 collection, which we are launching in the UK at INDX Kids on 2-3 July, is our biggest collection to date. It includes the addition of new fabrics such as pointelle rib as well as a new colour palette.
LT: What are Tun Tun’s bestsellers?
UM: Our bestsellers so far are the knitted line and the ribbed line alongside knitted sets and sweaters.
LT: How many stockists does Tun Tun have?
UM: We have around 70 stockists based in the USA, China and South Korea.
LT: What are your plans for the UK market?
UM: We are officially introducing the brand to the UK this summer. INDX Kids in July will be our first UK trade show where we will introduce our collection to buyers and learn more about the UK market.
LT: Is Tun Tun working on any sustainability initiatives?
UM: Our line is made to last; we create garments in high-quality materials so they can be passed from generation to generation. Our brand promotes buying less but buying good quality to help reduce carbon emissions. We are also in the process of changing all our packaging and labels to organic or recycled materials.
LT: What are the long-term plans for the brand?
UM: Currently our stockists are mainly based in the USA. Our long-term aim for Tun Tun is to expand into stockists in Europe and Asia.
For further information on Tun Tun, please click here. Alternatively, for wholesale enquiries, contact orders@tuntunkids.com. You can also register as a visitor of INDX Kids here.
