Best Heritage Children’s Fashion Brand | Junior Design Awards 2019
These long established and well-loved brands will always have our hearts and are proof that classic design never goes out of fashion.
Published:
WINNER: PLATINUM BEST HERITAGE CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND (over 10 years old)
WHO: Rachel Riley
WHAT: A heritage clothing collection from British baby and childrenswear designer Rachel Riley who has been creating classic designs for babies, boys and girls for the past 20 years. Rachel’s design philosophy is that timeless fashion never goes out of style and her pieces are designed to be enjoyed and cherished and passed down as family heirlooms for generations to come.
WHY: If you’re looking for exquisite detailing, classic cuts and more nostalgia than a box set of The Crown this is your brand. With a flagship store in Marylebone in Central London, showrooms in New York and Atlanta as well as 150 stockists worldwide which include Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman, Rachel Riley is a truly global brand and her reputation for incredible quality, attention to detail and beautiful design precedes her wherever she goes. The classic rompers, smocked dresses and short sets she sent in to this year’s Junior Design Awards were stunning and made everyone coo with delight.
WHERE: Rachel Riley
WINNER: GOLD BEST HERITAGE CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND (over 10 years old)
WHO: Marie-Chantal London
WHAT: Just shy of it’s 20th anniversary this British Heritage Brand was founded by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece who was brought up in London, later launching her namesake label which is now designed in the brand’s Notting Hill studio. With a strong nostalgic feel, the collections feature time old techniques such as pintucks, smocking and hand embroidery all used with a modern take that brings tradition into the modern world.
WHY: The incredibly luxurious feel and stand-out quality of finish of these pieces was commented on by several of our judges who all coveted the soft cashmere knits and stunning dresses on display. This collection manages to straddle traditional and contemporary design while remaining elegant and timeless. Our judges wrote in their notes:
WHERE: Marie-Chantal
WINNER: SILVER BEST HERITAGE CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND (over 10 years old)
WHO: Toby Tiger
WHAT: Set up over 20 years ago by entrepreneurial knitwear designer and new mum Zoe Mellor, Toby Tiger is one of the very first organic childrenswear companies. It is also one of the first organic clothing companies to offer bold and vivid clothing, featuring simple, easy to wear cuts and playful prints, fun appliques and signature stripes.
WHY: 20 years! How did that happen? We love this rainbow powered clothing brand that celebrates colour and pattern, making clothes that don’t just brighten up their day, but allow children to really play without restriction of movement. Perhaps this brand doesn’t have the traditional techniques and silhouettes you’d associate with a heritage label but our judges all agreed that Toby Tiger is indeed a quintessentially British Brand that has stood the test of time.
WHERE: Toby Tiger
WINNER: BRONZE BEST HERITAGE CHILDREN’S FASHION BRAND (over 10 years old)
WHO: Emile et Rose
WHAT: This Devon born brand offers timeless, traditional clothing and accessories for babies aged up to 23 months. Established by two cousins, Eve and Mike, Emile et Rose continues to flourish under the same family ownership. Pastel colours, traditional silhouettes and nostalgic detailing are all benchmarks of their design.
WHY: These are the baby clothes we all remember wanting to dress our dolls in. These soft cotton pieces in pastel shades are finished with classic details like peter pan collars, pintucks and embroidery, making them the perfect choice for parents who love the traditional look while guaranteeing absolute comfort. Many of our judges thought they would make the perfect outfits for stealing the show at christenings and weddings.
WHERE: Emile et Rose