WORDS BY SUZIE BAKOS
Big news for tiny ears: the most iconic menswear and womenswear styles are no longer reserved solely for mum and dad. Because the apple often doesn’t fall far from the stylishly informed tree, a selection of global boutiques are dedicated to offering the most eclectic kids’ collections, from classic labels to exclusive collaborations. Find the season’s most-wanted kidswear pieces here.
CoccoleBimbi, Italy
Opened by mother Saponaro Isabella in 1989, CoccoleBimbi is now led by her two children Cesare and Sabino, who have given the boutique a contemporary push into the present. With the siblings at the helm, sustainability and a healthy range of emerging brands have become hallmarks of CoccoleBimbi.
The boutique’s fun and colorful aesthetic is the perfect invitation for little fashionistas to discover something new. ‘For us, the sky and the clouds are that place where you can be who you want and you can dress how you want, no matter if you are a boy or a girl,’ explains Cesare. ‘CoccoleBimbi allows kids to be free and to express themselves without limits. We don't like labels and we strive for diversity, while pushing the creativity and freedom of each little individual.’
As conscious brands are the boutique’s number one go-to, it’s no surprise that Stella McCartney Kids and Veja reign supreme at this Italian store. But, which new labels should you be looking out for this season? ‘The New Society is a revelation: fresh vibes, good fit, perfect fabrics and color palettes. The New Society dresses contemporary kids who love adventures and are conscious of what they wear. They don't listen to fairy tales, but create their own stories by discovering the world day by day.’
Stella McCartney Kids Extra Cool T-shirt | Moschino Kids teddy-patch babygrow | The New Society Arlette dress | Mini Melissa Jump Fruitland sandals
Mancini Junior, Italy
The Mancini family started their fashion empire in 1956 and in 1993, youngest daughter Sonia and her husband Gianni opened up the family’s first kidswear store: Mancini Junior. The boutique is distinguished by its friendly atmosphere, personal touch and careful curation of luxury designers, which retains a loyal fanbase. From Gucci and Fendi to Chloé and Burberry, it’s a place where parents can find the most up-to-date collections for their style-inquisitive children.
‘The space is designed for little ones,’ says Sonia. ‘Here, they enter a magical world of colored candies, princess houses and king's armchairs. It’s a playful dimension that is not lost even during shopping, because our goal is to always make the purchase fun: the child is helped by an assistant who makes the sale a cheerful experience for them.’
This season, it’s all about the Fendi baby stroller, the Versace romper set and the Gucci tonal GG-patterned dress.
Fendi Kids shorts romper | Versace Kids romper | Gucci Kids GG-print dress | Fendi Kids FF-print stroller
Childsplay Clothing, United Kingdom
An east London institution dating back to 1986, Childsplay Clothing offers a curated selection of children’s designer labels, including exclusive pieces and exciting collaborations. Classic-meets-innovative in its considered approach, the likes of Burberry’s nova checks and Fendi’s monogram print come together with functional pieces, such as gilets and puffer jackets by Moncler.
So, which are the store’s most highly anticipated releases this season?
'We’re really excited about the Fendi scooter, which is fashionable as well as fun and functional,’ says marketplace manager Sab Bassi. ‘The Versace stroller is a luxurious take on the classic buggy, featuring the signature baroque print and beautiful old-world heraldry. Meanwhile, Burberry’s check detail combines with a cute bow for that perfect party dress. Lastly, Moncler’s hooded jacket features technical materials for protection from the elements, while remaining light enough to bring together a layered look.’
Bonpoint floral-print short-sleeved dress | Versace Kids Barocco-print stroller | Burberry Kids Vintage Check mini dress | Fendi Kids foldable scooter
See More From Childsplay Clothing
Miss Baby Asselta, Italy
Founded over two decades ago, Miss Baby Asselta’s vision presents the excellence of kidswear brands through fashion’s most emotive collections. The Italian boutique’s loyal customers return season after season thanks to the personal family feel and unique shopping experience, where an extensive selection of kidswear meets contemporary interior design.
The clientele’s favorite brands include Versace, Fendi, Il Gufo, Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino, while logo-heavy pieces are their most sought-after styles.
Owner Valentina Fanelli’s brand to watch this season is Little Bear. ‘I am very excited about the introduction of this brand on FARFETCH: we love it for its high-quality babywear and how often our customers ask for it in the boutique.’