Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International) | Junior Design Awards 2023
Junior loves to support new and upcoming brands, and our Best Fashion Newcomer award does just that... here are the 2023 winners
Winners of Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International) | Junior Design Awards 2023
Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International): JOINT GOLD
WHO: Lacuna Child
WHAT: A British Made predominately unisex childrenswear brand for ages 1 - 8 years
WHY: This collection received a hugely positive response from our judges, many of whom were keen to know where they could buy the clothes for their own children. Always a good sign! The soft-to-the-touch organic cotton, pared-back designs and easy to wear, yet stylish feel of the range really appealed to the panel who were hugely impressed with the intelligent detail and considered approach of this British-made label, including biodegradable elastic, chunky zips to encourage independent dressing and no itchy labels sewn into clothing.
A brilliant, British, carefully considered new brand with strong attention to details that both children and parents appreciate. The fabrics are wonderfully simple and practical yet beautifully soft with a premium feel. I love the effortless simplicity of the pieces and the ease with which children can dress themselves. Such considered details - the positioning of labels, buttons and pockets!
The attention to detail here is incredible. These are clothes that not only look good but make kids feel good too.
This brand is so heart-warming and full of love - which is reflected in the beautiful pieces. The attention to detail is very impressive – from outsized silhouettes that allow for growth spurts to chunky zips little hands can use. Everything has been approached with practicality to make life easier for both kid and parent. Designs are timelessly stylish and the fact that everything is made in the UK with a sustainable mindset (love the use of recycled elements) makes them even more precious.
This is one of my favourite new brands I have seen at the awards. The beauty in its simplicity and thoughtful attention to detail, makes it a stand-out collection for me. You can see the love in each style and the heirloom potential of each piece.
I am so glad I've discovered this beautiful brand! I love the story behind the brand, I can tell so much love and thought has gone into the designs. Thinking first and foremost about the child! No irritating labels (they are cleverly sewn at the back or in the pocket. Whose child doesn't hate labels digging in? ) and the materials are made with child-friendly fabrics. They feel so soft and comfortable. I wish I could fit into them myself. I'd definitely buy these and use the pieces for both my kids (they are designed to be unisex which is very handy!) - and they are clothes that I’d want to keep and pass down as they are so gorgeous.
This is the brand to watch out for. Beautifully crafted designs that are also fashionable.
Love the simple modern pieces of this collection - wearable and timeless :) Love that every piece has a large pocket featured.
So much love and thought has gone into this truly special brand. A well-deserved JDA gold award for this Newcomer!
WHERE: Lacuna Child
Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International): JOINT GOLD
WHO: ESTHER
More like this
WHAT: ESTHER Fields of Wonder Collection
WHY: Patchwork and Liberty Print is a combination that most people would find hard to resist but the buzz around this brand really blew the JDA team away. The excitement around this brand was palpable and judges were constantly going back to the Esther rail for another look at their special blend of whimsical, rainbow patchwork fashioned into stunning jackets and separates. The panel all felt that this collection was a cut above and embodied slow fashion in the form of exquisite heirloom pieces.
Just adore this collection from the choice of Liberty Prints to the clever cuts.
Love, love, love!
It's not too often a new brand completely captures your heart but I've fallen for ESTHER Kids. The way the pieces are so beautiful but effortlessly cool, they can be worn every day. Love everything about this brand and I want to buy it all.
Beautiful designs in cool shapes that babies and kids will enjoy wearing. I love the patchwork aesthetic, but even more than that, the opportunity it opens up to use deadstock fabrics or re-purposed fabrics as a more sustainable way to create new, covetable pieces. Pieces that are clearly made with love and to stand the test of time.
Beautiful. Stunning Liberty prints and colour palette, elevated styling and timeless design. These are true heirloom pieces and I love the concept of patchwork as a meeting of our history and the future.
Love the use of Liberty print patchworking with this brand. Great design. Super wearable pieces.
These beautiful clothes will be loved for decades with every patch becoming a beautiful memory.
WHERE: ESTHER
Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International) : SILVER
WHO: Ira and Isla
WHAT: The Secret Garden Collection
WHY: With its strong nostalgia for classic childrenswear and a nod to a 70’s colour palette, this British-made collection was a huge hit with our judges. The sumptuous knits and velvets, pretty Liberty Print florals and accessories caused a big stir and the exquisite hand-finished smocking and over-all quality were much admired. A beautiful clothing collection for anyone looking for high quality, traditional clothing made in the old-fashioned way.
Just beautiful. Congratulations!
Tracey and I love this collection! Please get in touch if you are considering a shoot!
You had me at peter pan collars, smocking, lace trimmed and velvet... These dresses are just beautiful, timeless and incredibly special. The lace-trimmed velvet gown is my favourite!
One question – do they come in adult sizes, please?! This brand is undeniably beautiful.The traditional designs are full of nostalgia and each come with stunning detail. I love the commitment to British made, and the celebration – and preservation – of heritage crafts and traditional production methods. I would have adored wearing one of these dresses when I was little and for those extra-special pieces, this is the brand to know. I look forward to seeing how the brand plays into the mid-price space while still maintaining its values. Certainly one to watch!
Ethereal and magical in equal measure.
Beautifully designed classic pieces with a twist - especially love the knitwear and floral pieces.
These are storybook dresses that anyone would love to see their children in and the knitwear is exceptional.
WHERE: Ira and Isla
Best Fashion Newcomer (UK and International): BRONZE
WHO: J&Josh
WHAT: Luxury Sustainable Boyswear
WHY: Our judges, especially the boy mamas, were excited to discover this luxury range of chic and casual clothing for boys aged 2-8 years. Made from natural, breathable fibres including wool, linen, cotton and cashmere in muted and neutral hues, these are clothes that speak the language of quiet luxury while still managing to be practical and wearable. A great option for parents looking for boys’ clothes that are suitable for casual and smarter days and for simply looking adorable in!
A beautiful, well considered collection of boyswear that feels incredibly well made.
I have one more year for my son to wear this brand! I will definitely be investing before passing onto his cousins! Love the pared-back design and lack of lairy logos.
It's lovely to see a more considered boys brand. I'm forever on the hunt for perfect T-shirts (surprisingly hard to find good ones) and J&Josh may have solved my problem - their linen cotton T-shirt has the relaxed fit I love.
A truly stylish collection of boyswear that provides a welcome alternative to dumper truck motifs and camo print! A clear commitment to classic, long-lasting design and beautiful fabrics means pieces can be worn and handed down time and again. Pieces are stylish yet ready for play – I can imagine my little boy enjoying wearing them. The dad/son matching swim trunks are cute but still cool.
J&Josh is a very stylish addition to the boyswear market. An evaluated aesthetic for the modern world.
Love the attention to detail. The finish is beautiful and the quality of the fabrics is great.
WHERE: J&Josh