Fashion Awards 2023 / Junior Design Awards 2023 / 19 September 2023

Best Children’s Eco Fashion Brand | Junior Design Awards 2023

The winners JDA23 of the best children's eco fashion brands are announced...

Who:Mika & Milo

What:Organic cotton and cashmere collection

Why:

Our judges were excited to hear that the brand known for its incredibly soft cashmere has branched out into an organic cotton and cashmere blend that is much easier to wash! While they still have their cashmere offering, this new blend means the Mika & Milo designs can be worn for playing and eating in without all that pressure of hand -washing and spot cleaning.

The panel loved the mix of punchy bright colours and soft pastels and the cool graphic designs on offer. The brand’s ethical choice of using organic cotton was applauded.

Gorgeous!

Abi Campbell, Children’s fashion photographer, @abicampbellphotography

A lovely, fresh, more child-focused approach to cashmere. And a beautiful selection of jumpers.

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist

Beautiful quality and timeless designs – a smart move making the move to a cashmere cotton blend.

George Reddings, Children’s fashion designer and founder of slow fashion brand, Colour Story, @george_ggredd_

Absolutely love the vibrant colour palette, soft to the touch cotton/cashmere mix and the fact that my favourite jumpers are now machine washable!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

This is one of my favourite knitwear brands and although I always covet their cashmere, it’s great to see their designs available in a soft organic cotton and cashmere mix that’s easy to clean!

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Who:Little Green Radicals

What:Fairtrade & Organic cotton clothes for kids

Why:

Trailblazers for ethical fashion production, Little Green Radicals have been pushing the envelope when it comes to making kids’ clothes that have a low impact on our planet for 16 years. Our panel loved their mix of whimsical prints, sweet knits and stylish swimwear made from recycled yarn, which all felt incredibly well made and easy to mix and match.

The brand’s checklist of ethical initiatives, including using fairtrade certified cotton, plastic free packaging and recycled yarn made from post-consumer plastic really impressed as did their latest project, an 8-piece adaptive collection designed in collaboration with Purple Tuesday to help make getting dressed easier for disabled and mobility limited kids.

This collection really impressed me and I can see a really broad spectrum of customers enjoying these clothes. Everyone was trilling over the rainbows and clouds dress including me!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Love that rainbow dress!

Abi Campbell, Children’s fashion photographer, @abicampbellphotography

I love the direction that Little Green Radicals are going in at the moment. The colours and prints feel slightly more earthy and muted which feels calmer - less primary - but still have that fun quality to them. The swimwear and knitwear are both on my radar...

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist

This brand is blazing the trail for fair trade kidswear - always ahead of the curve. Introducing an adaptable range is wonderful, having truly listened to their customers, well done LGR.

George Reddings, Children’s fashion designer and founder of slow fashion brand, Colour Story, @george_ggredd_

Nice print design.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1

There are so many pieces in this collection that would imprint themselves on kids’ memories. Beautiful soft fabrics, sweet prints and quite classic silhouettes that I love.

Eleonore Crompton. Deputy Editor, Junior

Who:MAI Making Animals Important

What:Organic, unisex kids’ clothes

Why:

This collection of high-quality organic cotton separates covered in hand-drawn prints of endangered animals really struck a chord with our judges who loved the fact that this brand is working so hard to minimise its impact on the planet and actively raise awareness of animals who need our help.

Every garment comes with a story about the animal in the print, helping to educate children in a fun and very direct way. With 5% of MAI’s profits going to conservation this brand has really put its money where its mouth is. Fantastic!

Animal magic!

Abi Campbell, Children’s fashion photographer, @abicampbellphotography

I love the story behind this brand and my young judging assistant (my 2-year-old daughter) was quite taken with spotting some of her favourite animals on the pieces.

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist

I love that not only are the fabrics certified organic, but the entire ethos behind the brand is wonderful. To highlight endangered animals in the prints and also have information to teach the wearer about each animal is brilliant. To educate the young about the world around them and what we risk losing is so important. A truly unique concept in an oversaturated market is no easy feat but I believe MAI has nailed it.

George Reddings, Children’s fashion designer and founder of slow fashion brand, Colour Story, @george_ggredd_

This is a brand that truly cares. From their commitment to Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife and preservation charity Fauna&Flora, to their organic certification, they are making great strides

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Who:Toby Tiger

What:Organic baby & childrenswear

Why:

Bright, beautiful, well-made and eco-friendly, this well-established, family-owned brand really stood out in their category, not least for its vibrant rainbow colours and fun prints and applique details. Made from sustainable and GOTS-certified cotton, these clothes not only brighten up the day but shine a light on ethical shopping at its best.

As well as guaranteeing that their clothing is made from eco-friendly fabrics, Toby Tiger have implemented various ethical initiatives throughout their business and only use biodegradable packaging.

Uplifting clothes that put smiles on kids’ faces and make a real difference to environmental impact. Bravo!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Absolutely wonderful happy prints and colours

Catherine Buttigieg, Children’s fashion stylist and influencer, @me_and_my_butts

Wow, 25 years! Amazing achievement! This collection is guaranteed to brighten up any day...

Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist and content creator, @thelittlestylist

Consistently great designs!

Emma Tunbridge, Children’s fashion photographer, @emmatunbridge

The fun and unisex appeal is wonderful and the ethical approach is definitely where all brands should be right now.

George Reddings, Children’s fashion designer and founder of slow fashion brand, Colour Story, @george_ggredd_

Nice attention to detail and very cute applique.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1