Who:Rachel Riley
What:A luxury British children’s brand with a hand finished nostalgic feel
Why:
Our panel agreed that if there is one brand, that sums up British heritage clothing for children, it’s Rachel Riley. The beautiful quality, attention to detail and classic silhouettes adored by Royalty and anyone who loves a nod to the charm and grace of traditional hand finished childrenswear, really stood out to our judges and editorial team. The presentation of this collection was fabulous and as ever, the beautiful contents of Rachel’s signature tissue lined, gold embossed lilac boxes more than exceeded our expectations.
Stunning attention to detail and the most charming silhouettes and prints. Rachel Riley is British heritage children’s fashion at its best.
A very traditional brand that’s stood by its design principles. Classic and timeless.
A trusted brand and the go-to for timeless, heritage childrenswear.
Rachel Riley is piping, peter pan collars, smocking, classic knits and butter soft Mary-Janes. Heaven!
Who:Little Bird By Jools Oliver Exclusively at NEXT
What:A retro inspired clothing collection for babies and children
Why:
Fun fact: Every brand that enters the Junior Design Awards is asked to describe themselves in five words. Little Bird chose nostalgic, inclusive, colourful, happy and LOVED and we’d have to agree with every word.
The JDA panel definitely LOVED this collection, commenting on the gorgeous retro designs, the fabulous quality and contagiously happy feeling of every single piece. The judges agreed that Little Bird is a real high street gem and their ten year anniversary is testament to that. Congratulations to Jools Oliver, her team and all at NEXT.
I’m really impressed with Little Birds collection this year. As a child of the 70’s I can recognise the nod to the happy, free spirited retro child and it lifts the spirits.
Consistently happy and fun! I love that Little Bird knows exactly what it is and never deviates from its primary, playful, retro aesthetic.
Joyful, well made clothes that just make everyone smile. I have been a fan since day one and it's been wonderful to see this brand grow up (but never get old!). Just fabulous in every way.
Love the retro styling and colour palate. Really fun clothing that kids would want to wear and parents would enjoy seeing them in. Love the creativity in the design. Really glad this brand is still going.
A joy to look through. This collection celebrates childhood with colour, print and really well thought out attention to detail. I can imagine these clothes lasting for years as they are timeless in their style. I love the Unisex feel to the collection which could be handed down through brothers & sisters. Congratulations on 10 years. A huge achievement in a very competitive market.
I believe in colour therapy but Little Bird is so much more than the undeniable satisfaction of rainbow gazing. The retro references, clever design and uncompromising attention to quality and cut make these the clothes that children will love to wear and treasure their memories of.
Who:Muddy Puddles
What:SS22 Joy & Positivity and AW22 Taeuber-Arp Collections - Sustainably made outerwear for all weathers
Why:
This incredibly joyful selection of graphic printed outerwear and beachwear really excited our judges who thought the quality of each piece was outstanding. The bold prints that can be spotted a mile off for all the best and most useful reasons (!) were hugely popular with the panel and the attention to detail that makes these clothes incredibly kid friendly both in looks and practical terms was much appreciated.
The brand’s focus on continually striving for more sustainable production and materials really impressed too. Over all, these high quality, practical clothes with fabulous graphic flair were a huge hit.
Muddy Puddles continue to create the most robust and comfortable outerwear and now beach and swimwear with a wonderful graphic twist. I always look forward to seeing their collaborations with exciting artists and this Sophie Taeuber-Arp AW22 collection is fab
I used to dress my children in muddy puddles (who are just turning 16!). It’s really good to see this brand moving with the times with design and pattern. A brand that’s stood the test of time with consistent quality.
Love the new collection and prints!
My son’s muddy puddles coat has lasted two seasons and still looks brand new. I love all the brilliant technical details that ensure kids stay warm, dry and super comfy. A fabulous brand that out performs expectation, outside in the wet and wonderful world.
Gorgeous references to the Sophie Taeuber-Arp design. Lovely muted colour combos on the wellies. Hard wearing quality outdoor clothing to get kids outside and enjoying nature! :)
A great Heritage brand. I trust this brand, I trust that the product will last and encourage children to be outside in all weathers. In a world of screens, I really champion brands that make it easy for children to be in nature all year round. The design details are faultless. Every detail has been thought about. It’s an investment for parents to buy the perfect waterproof practical jacket and this brand really has thought about everything to ensure the durability, wearability and design of each piece.Love the new season prints too.
Who:Blade & Rose
What:Blade & Rose Peter Rabbit Collection
Why:
Blade & Rose’s clever designs that delight children and adults have been given even more ‘aww!’ factor with this gorgeous Peter Rabbit collaboration. Our judges felt that the synergy between the iconic bunny and this much loved childrenswear brand worked really well, especially considering they both hark from The Lake District!
Cute stripey leggings all with a sweet little Peter on the posterior, charmed the panel as well as textured appliqué tops and the cutest little peter rabbit socks. A gorgeous collection that would make a lovely gift for any child age 0-4
I absolutely love this collaboration which brings the cheeky Peter Rabbit into a more contemporary setting, reintroducing him to a whole new generation.
Love the Peter Rabbit footless tights. A really clever design choice.
This is a really clever collection that not only looks great but gives little children and babies lovely tactile pieces with soft textured appliqué that they will love to touch and wear.
