Winner: JOINT GOLD - Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
Who:Wynken
What:AW26 - Painters and Poets Collection
Why:
Our judges thought this was a wonderfully fresh and creative collection that would really spark kids’ imaginations. The great use of colour, satisfyingly cute but cool graphics and relaxed silhouettes makes for a collection that children will love to wear and parents will feel proud to dress them in. The panel agreed that Wynken’s mission to make clothes for children to play hard, move freely and grow into whoever they want to be, had been well and truly accomplished.
"Probably one of my favourite brands right now. Bold, fun, creative and effortlessly cool. Love the photography. I want to dress all of my children in the entire collection."
"A confident and contemporary brand with a distinctive point of view. Wynken continues to push children’s fashion forward while maintaining excellent quality and a strong, recognisable identity. A genuinely distinctive British brand 😍"
"Strong brand identity, fun for older ages. Playful, great quality. A firm Luna & Curious favourite."
"Wynken stands out for its genuinely unisex positioning in kidswear. The brand DNA is so distinctive here and I love the strong use of pattern that favours wearable, mix-and-match pieces over statement gimmicks."
"I love the way this collection celebrates the importance of artists, poets and dreamers at a time when we need them most! Clothes that kids will love to wear and grown-ups will covet."
Winner: JOINT GOLD - Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
Who:Rachel Riley
What:Summer Collection
Why:
This female-founded British childrenswear brand, renowned for dressing Royal babies and children for over 25 years never fails to impress. With classic silhouettes and nostalgic patterns at its heart, Rachel Riley always keeps things fresh with clever detailing, new prints and gasp-out-loud cute accessories. And we can confirm, gasps were heard on the JDA judging days!
"Fun striking prints on traditional shapes with bold colours. Has a broad appeal and offers a product perfect for any occasion across ages and genders."
"A brand that consistently proves timeless children’s clothing never goes out of style. Beautiful craftsmanship, thoughtful detailing and designs that become keepsakes as much as clothes."
"A timeless, leading heritage baby & childrenswear brand. Instantly recognisable with standout hero pieces and accessories - the cherry bags are a favourite."
"Lovely traditional shapes, fun playful summer prints."
"Always a joy to unpack a Rachel Riley parcel. Treasure is always found beneath the tissue and ribbons! I think this collection is my favourite yet."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
Who:Blade & Rose
What:New Characters for AW26
Why:
Our judges were incredibly impressed with this British brand’s 16 year journey. Having started out making the cutest baby leggings, Blade & Rose now include top-to-toe outfits and accessories for babies and toddlers. Personality is key for this brand and their latest characters, Elsie the Sheep, Lennie the Hedgehog, Millie the Strawberry and Rusty the Acorn, do not disappoint. The panel agreed that in a sector that can be dominated by muted shades, it was refreshing to see a brand that champions fun, individuality and storytelling in childrenswear.
"A fun and instantly recognisable brand that has carved out a distinctive place within the baby and toddler market. Playful, practical and designed with everyday family life in mind."
"There is something super cute about these leggings - seeing a baby crawl in them 😍"
"Lovely cottons and natural colours, fun forest school vibes. Nice use of Gruffalo licensing. Good appliques."
"One of the first items I bought for my now 16 year old daughter was a pair of Blade & Rose Leggings! Nothing cuter in my eyes and I love the way the collection has evolved."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
Who:Very
What:The Very Collection Childrenswear
Why:
When Junior first viewed the latest kids’ collection from Very, we were blown away. The beautiful embroidered pieces, striped denim, soft co-ord sets and the sweetest embellished shoes looked more like an independent store offering than that of an online retailer. The JDA panel agreed that this high street brand had really elevated their kidswear offering, placing an emphasis on quality and longevity. There were several standout items in the collection that parents and children would love, before reluctantly passing them down to the next lucky wearer.
"A thoughtfully curated collection that offers accessible, wearable childrenswear without compromising on style or practicality. A strong understanding of what modern families are looking for."
"Sweet, great value everyday pieces."
"I was not expecting this level of detail and imaginative design from an online high-street store. Some beautiful pieces that will be worn again and again. The quilted jacket is stunning."
Winner:BRONZE - Best UK Children’s Fashion Brand
Who:Kin and Cloth
What:Heritage Collection
Why:
Our judges loved the originality of this design-led children’s clothing label that uses beautiful handmade fabrics, upcycled cashmere and recycled buttons. The commitment to sustainability and creating clothes that last longer than just one season, really resonated with the JDA panel who loved the bright colours and fresh details on every piece of clothing.
"A vibrant collection that celebrates individuality through bold colour and expressive design. A refreshing brand with a clear identity and an optimistic approach to children’s fashion."
"Much more than a childrenswear brand. A real leader in inspiring positive change while also creating beautifully considered, long-lasting pieces."
"Strong on the soft cotton pieces, bold colour palette. Lovely bright check. Good shapes."
"Kin and Cloth shows genuine innovation in circularity, through their variety of creative initiative's and I’m impressed by the "longer wear time" rather than seasonal trend-chasing. I love the warm and less polished look."
"I love the homespun feel of this collection, which manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time."
