Who:Mabli
What:Knitted baby separates with a Welsh heritage twist
Why:
The JDA editorial team always marvel over the incredibly strong pull that Mabli has for all our guest judges. They are all drawn to this beautiful knitwear brand that manages to be both fresh and contemporary with a strong nostalgic feel that taps into traditional Welsh tapestry patterns.
This year, Mabli have focused solely on their baby clothes for the JDA’s so there were even more coos than usual over the tiny, exquisitely knitted pieces that include practical details such as stretchy rib structures and adjustable straps.
Here are just some of comments from the JDA judges:
Everything about this is divine. Totally stand out brand in every way. Bravo!
Beautiful garments that can last and pass down to other family members, with timeless colors and silhouette, also while being unisex!
One of my favourite baby (and children’s) brands and truly deserving of an award. I love the aesthetic. Just beautiful.
Such wonderful designs! Adore the colours and the styles of each piece.
Such a beautiful combination of the knitwear and details. I adore this collection. Forever pieces that I would keep. Layer up for colder months and cool enough to worn alone in Summer. This collection really made me smile.
Love the vintage inspired designs and colours. Each piece looks like it's been crafted with care and would make beautiful keep-forever pieces. A lovely new baby, special gift. Like that the pieces are machine washable too!
Well I hope you win this category as your designs are absolutely beautiful. Part of my heart is always in wales due to many family holidays spent on the coast there and the use of the Welsh tapestry icon is really eye catching. However the subtle plain knits and space dyes are really wonderful and I can sense the time and thought that goes into these collections.
Who:Wexbaby
What:Wexbaby Sacré Bleu collection - a range of made to order, unisex baby separates, featuring hand-drawn and hand-printed illustrations
Why:
Our judges were completely smitten by this wonderfully pared back and chic brand founded by two sisters, inspired by their French heritage. The cool, simple line drawings, looping handwriting and amusing French slogans really appealed to the JDA panel who felt these clothes would make perfect gifts for newborns and anyone who likes their baby clothes with a little extra ‘je ne sais quoi’.
The judges were also touched to learn that a donation of 20% from each sale goes to The Fostering Network, a charity close to the founders’ hearts who were themselves fostered as children.
Super soft, super chic. This brand says less is more and sometimes that’s just enough!
Gender neutral and ready to go. Love the cozy look and ability to allow children to dress simply and easily
Adore the slightly edgy graphic’s - attention to detail is evident. Really loved hearing the the story behind the brand.
Love the aesthetic of this brand - it feels new, playful and modern. Like sustainability credentials and charitable initiative. Love gender-free designs. Price seems good for pieces that have been crafted with care.
Who:Blade & Rose
What:Blade & Rose AW22 Collection
Why:
This year the much loved heritage brand Blade & Rose have added some seriously cute and remarkably helpful additions to their baby collection. Alongside their famous unisex leggings featuring a cheeky bottom motif and other regulars, they have added two way zip rompers, soft reversible baby blankets and 3D booties with elasticated cuffs to help them stay on.
Our judges felt this collection was fun, friendly and made with great attention to baby’s comfort with details such as zip pockets for extra soft fastening and soft round edged Velcro on booties. Bravo!
Such a great collection that is so much more than gorgeous cherry prints and characters. I love the careful attention to detail that has been put into making these clothes.
Oh my goodness, those little footless stripy tights with that fox hoody! Super cute.
Two way zips rock my world! Makes life with a baby so much easier.
Love the longevity of items, and the two way zip, excellent idea
Fabrics are lovely and soft - especially the linings - and fastenings on clothes and boots are user-friendly and considered. I like the contrast lining on blanket for baby's sight development.
Great to have a solution for keeping shoes safe.
Who:Marks & Spencer
What:Marks & Spencer Baby/Toddler Collection
Why:
There was such a wonderful array of clothing and shoes on the M&S JDA rack with something to suit every taste. From tiny sparkling rainbow sandals to Breton striped tops with mini denim dungarees to classic Beatrix Potter themed outfits, the whole selection was much admired by everyone and our panel agreed that the over-all quality and attention to detail was fantastic.
Very reasonable price points were also pointed out by several judges.
It’s hard for a high street brand to compete against the innovation of Independant brands. But one can’t ignore this UK giant in the world of kids’ fashion. I just judged two vintage pieces from M&S from the 70’s in Wolf & Mabel’s collection! I particularly love the soft denim coat In this collection.
Love the classic silhouette for children, along with the ease of dressing young ones with beautiful garments with cute prints!
Always fantastic quality and value for money!
Good functional pieces at a good price point. Like the soft, washable fabrics. Peter Rabbit collab is especially lovely. Sizing is good and fastenings are easy to use. Solid high street offering.
M&S will always be a family go-to for us - one we can always rely on. A well-established, ever so reliable, family favourite!
Girls collection felt strong. Pretty styles and prints in classic wearable shapes. Great attention to detail on the boys collection, lots of pockets, zips across all.