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

Best Heritage Children’s Fashion Brand (brands over 10 years) | Junior Design Awards 2023

As well as new brands, we continue to support our heritage brands that continue to wow us at the awards with their longevity, creativity and influence.

Who:Rachel Riley

What:Classic childrenswear brand

Why:

Rachel Riley’s beautiful display of traditional baby and children’s clothes, employing the cuts and artisan techniques of yesterday, really excited our judges who pored over the brand’s distinctive gold embossed lilac boxes full of treats. Their famous slipper shoes in an array of pastel and metallic shades were a huge hit and there was much cooing over buster suits and pretty floral dresses with ricrac trims and sweet peter pan collars.

One dress in particular stood out as worn by Princess Charlotte and the co-ordinating cardigan, hairband and slippers that accompanied it showed the impeccable level of attention that runs through Rachel Riley’s entire collection.

It’s always such a treat to unwrap Rachel Riley’s beautiful clothes and accessories, which appeal to anyone with a love of nostalgic fashion and uplifting prints and colour.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

Classic British designs. Timeless and effortless with stunning attention to detail.

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

As my little judging assistant (my 2-year-old daughter) took a very strong liking to the Rachel Riley collection and in fact pretty much stole a pair of the beautiful button-strap slipper shoes which she hasn't taken off since, I think I can say we very much approve. Though in all seriousness you really can't beat this heritage collection for timeless, luxury childrenswear - as worn so well by the young royals.

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

Beautiful classic pieces.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1

If I could shrink myself and wear a Rachel Riley capsule wardrobe (silver slippers please!) I would be very happy indeed.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor of Junior

Who:Blade & Rose

What:British contemporary children’s fashion brand

Why:

Our judges were treated to fabulous display of Blade & Rose’s finest coordinating clothes, bags and accessories. With everything from the brand’s signature leggings to blankets and lunch boxes, the panel agreed that this was a wonderfully cohesive, fun-filled and thoughtful collection.

The judges’ smiles grew even wider when they heard about this brand’s ethical business practices and focus on environmental impact, with many of their items being made from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles.

The evolution of this brand has been wonderful to watch. From their original and fabulously cheeky leggings to recycled backpacks and rain macs and great collabs, Blade & Rose are, dare I say it, a national treasure.

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

You can't fail to smile at the cute designs on the bum of the baby leggings!

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

The colour changing rain macs are amazing. Wish they did adult sizes. How fun!

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

Very nice detailing on this brand - love all the applique.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1

My babies lived in these leggings which make getting kids dressed a doddle. Absolutely love the breadth of product available with a character to suit every personality.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Who:The White Company

What:The Hand-Smocked Wildflower Dress

Why:

This beautiful hand-smocked cotton dress with cute matching knickers scored highly with our judges. Although a lone entry from the Little White Company collection, it stood out for its quality and simple beauty.

The hand-sketched floral print created in-house by White Company illustrators brought a lovely personal touch and pretty detailing including a subtle ruffle neckline and sweet button fastening, made this little dress feel wonderfully old world, yet fresh as a daisy.

A total classic at an affordable price from a trusted brand. And such a pretty print.

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

Wonderful piece, true quality - love all the details that have gone into this

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

One word: beautiful.

Emma Tunbridge, Children’s fashion photographer, @emmatunbridge

Always beautiful attention to detail and classic design that always delivers.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1

Who:Magnificent Stanley

What:Bespoke Organic Cotton T-shirts

Why:

These charming t-shirts with their beautifully appliqued Liberty Print motifs, letters and numbers really stood out to our judges who loved the wonderful attention to detail, fresh feel and clever way of making clothing truly personal.

The business has been running for over ten years and the panel could see why it has had so much longevity and success. A fabulous collection perfect for gifting and wearing with pride.

Everything is improved with Liberty Print in my opinion and this is the perfect introduction for little ones. Love!

Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

I love these t-shirts which use Liberty Print in such a fresh way. The quality is superb and I would definitely buy these for special milestone gifts.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

Love the use of Liberty Print.

Tracey Jacob, Children’s fashion stylist, @traceyjacob1

Such a lovely, simple idea and so beautifully executed.

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

My eldest had a Magnificent Stanley T-shirt as a toddler and I'm pretty sure I still have it somewhere in a box of treasures & memories. A lovely gift to give or receive.

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