Labels to Watch: Children's fashion labels from Pitti Bimbo

Fashion

The American fashion label Retta Jane. Image: Retta Jane

All eyes are currently on Florence. After the men's fashion fair Pitti Uomo, attention now turns to the childrenswear. For the 98th edition of Pitti Immagine Bimbo, which focuses on clothing, accessories and lifestyle for the little ones, FashionUnited has rounded up some promising brands and new additions to the event, which transformed the Fortezza da Basso event site into a children's paradise from January 17th to 19th transform.

Tetoi Vienna

The start-up Tetoi Vienna, founded in November 2022, is bringing life to Austria's once prominent fashion scene with its children's fashion. Just one year after the launch, the company received a great response and presented its first summer collection for babies and toddlers. Driven by the motivation to offer high-quality clothing that does not become unusable after a short period of use, the brand lets actions speak for itself and relies on extensive transparency in material selection and production. Classic, timeless designs are intended to remind us of Vienna's classic past.

Image: Tetoi Vienna

The brand works with a neutral color palette that allows for combinations or coordinated 'sibling looks'. The gender-neutral range of jumpsuits, bodysuits, top and pants sets, hats and vests are manufactured in Seoul, South Korea. Tencel Lyocell is the most frequently used material, for which young entrepreneur Maximilian Gadermeier cites the advantages of the material's breathable, temperature-regulating, antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties as the reason.

Image: Tetoi Vienna

Retta Jane

Is it possible to design the pattern construction of a garment so that it can keep up with the changing body of a child and last longer for its wearer? The American interior designer Retta Tussey has taken on this challenge. With over 20 years of experience in the creative field, including at the US fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger, Tussey understands how to create products according to special requirements. Her aim is to make it easier for young customers to grow up and to give them designs that appear neither too childlike nor too adult.

Image: Retta Jane

Shapes, colors and details find their inspiration in Tussey's wardrobe, which houses vintage pieces passed down from generation to generation. The style of tunics, trousers and skirts moves between sporty functionality and nostalgic elegance. High-necked, straight-cut dresses and bright patterns are reminiscent of the 60s. An elastic waistband and enough seam allowance prevent it from growing out quickly.

A placement in the higher price segment was a conscious choice: the brand's pieces should be seen as an investment and subsequently passed on instead of thrown away. Production takes place in Chinese factories in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, one of which is even run by women, emphasizes Tussey. The inventory team and technical design team operate out of New York.

Image: Retta Jane

Hanska

Nora and Hannes Hänska are a creative power couple. They launched the bag label that bears their last name in Berlin in 2014 after the two had studied art and design. Nina Hänska's preference had already been for minimalist accessories, whose prototypes Hannes Hänska perfected until they were ready for series production. Since design, detailing and small series are implemented directly in the house, the former premises of the German architectural firm Hänska, a familiar and efficient working atmosphere is required.

Image: Hannes Hänska/Hänska

Since 2021, the school bags have been produced in a family business in Porto, Portugal, while the other collections have been handmade in the Berlin studio. In addition to backpacks, the brand's range also includes pencil cases, gym bags, shoulder bags and carrier bags, which combine the characteristics of high functionality and are intended to make everyday life easier for young and old.

Hänska also offers absolute transparency regarding the production and origin of the materials. So it's no secret that the cotton used comes from Germany, the 'Seaqual' yarn made from marine waste comes from Portugal, the magnetic fasteners come from China and the vegan apple leather comes from Italy. The place of production of each individual piece is also mentioned in the brand's online shop.

Image: Sebastian Schiefner/Hänska

Hanevild

The Danish fashion label Hanevild (in German: Wildhahn) takes advantage of the charm of simple Scandinavian design and the cozy hygge lifestyle that invites you to enjoy. Founded in 2023 by Ninna Pedersen, the company pays particular attention to comfortable, nostalgic knitwear that looks like grandma sewed it. Sweaters with the embroidered, brand-typical motif of a rooster, vests, but also dresses and two-piece sets form the range and are intended to leave a “light, environmentally friendly impression”.

Image: Hanevild

Wool and cotton are used for yarns and fabrics, which are intended to offer good wearing comfort thanks to their soft finish. After the garments are manufactured in India, the embroidery and details are applied by hand in Denmark. Pedersen also works as a freelance photographer and captures the images from the brand campaigns herself behind the camera. The next collection will be available from February.

Image: Hanevild

Kalumi

The fact that the body grows so quickly in infancy is a challenge for many parents. The German brand Kalumi found a solution with a body that grows with the body, which formed the basis of co-founder Katharina Costa's master's thesis during her fashion studies. After receiving the 'Exist' start-up grant, a funding program from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, in 2022, she founded a GmbH with co-founder Liesa Eschemann and quickly gained notoriety.

Image: Kalumi

In a compact spinning process that prevents pilling, a merino wool-silk mixture is produced in German-speaking countries and then processed in Germany into bodysuits, leggings and turtleneck sweaters that grow with the child. Part of the brand covers six clothing sizes and offers a resource-saving, long-lasting option for a manageable baby wardrobe.

Apple green, lemon yellow, powder pink or anthracite form the basis of the color palette - a modern approach that is intended to stand out from conventional brands. Photos from the campaigns remain unedited and are intended to represent young life as it is - including drool stains and small imperfections.

Image: Kalumi

This article was originally published on FashionUnited.DE, translated and edited to English by Kelly Press.