WORDS BY: PATRICIA RODRÍGUEZ
As we strive to continually evaluate the way we live and the way we shop, our quest for a more sustainable lifestyle has redefined not only our own wardrobes but the clothes we choose for the youngest members of our families. But it’s not just about sourcing the best eco-friendly clothing for kids these days: educating the younger generation on the origins of their much-loved T-shirt, or how their favorite trainers were made, is just as important. Thankfully, the SS20 season delivers plenty of exciting kids’ designer clothes that are consciously minded as well as environmentally savvy. Here are some key names in kids fashion who are raising the bar when it comes to delivering fashion with a conscience.
MINI RODINI
Featuring seaside-inspired prints and happy colors that capture summer’s sense of fun, Mini Rodini’s SS20 collection stands by a vision that is simple yet wholly ambitious: to make great clothes for kids, without compromising on the social and environmental aspects of production. ‘I wish we could have global laws for environmental issues but it feels quite unlikely, so right now I think consumers need to take a stand,’ says founder Cassandra Rhodin. ‘Act like the future you want to see and support companies that are trying to do something better.’
Mini Rodini uses 100% sustainable materials in its UV clothing, such as Tencel, GOTS-certified organic cotton and Econyl – an innovative nylon yarn that is produced from recovered fishing nets and other waste. The label also controls the use of chemicals in its garments by adhering to the strictest certification for recycled materials (known as the Global Recycled Standard), with rigid controls on chemical use and tracking, as well as the working conditions of the people who make the clothes. ‘It’s super-important to talk with your kids about environmental issues, the things that are happening around us and about the solutions we can make,’ explains Rhodin.
Mini Rodini unicorn-print tiered-frill dress | Mini Rodini unicorn-print leggings | Mini Rodini motif-print bell-sleeve dress | Mini Rodini hearts puff dress
Mini Rodini organic cotton Ritzratz sailor dress | Mini Rodini unicorn print dress | Mini Rodini organic cotton tiger-print velour top | Mini Rodini organic cotton Ritzratz print jumper
STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS
It makes perfect sense for a trailblazer in sustainable grown-up fashion to extend its offering across generations. SS20 at Stella McCartney Kids draws inspiration from strong-hearted children who have something to say about the future of the planet. Sweats and T-shirts with slogans like ‘Love More’, ‘Green Fingers’ or ‘Be Kind To Each Other’ create a sense of playfulness alongside high-impact prints with graphic motifs and fun accessories for long days in the sun.
‘The collection hopes to inspire positive change; encouraging everyone to use their voice and take part in making a difference,’ explains the brand. Leading by example, more than 75% of this kidswear collection is made from sustainable materials including organic cotton, eco-friendly viscose, and recycled polyester and nylon.
The SS20 Kids collection also features partywear for girls in delicate fabrics such as silk, organza and tulle, with soft and painterly colors that are perfect for warm summer days. The silk pink suit – inspired by the Stella McCartney womenswear collection – is currently melting our hearts.
Stella McCartney Kids star print flared tulle dress | Stella McCartney Kids hearts kimono dress | Stella McCartney Kids rainbow print dress | Stella McCartney Kids denim dress with rainbow logo tape
Stella McCartney Kids multicolored low-top sneakers | Stella McCartney Kids star denim jacket | Stella McCartney Kids logo T-shirt | Stella McCartney Kids rainbow print sweatshirt
BOBO CHOSES
Imbued with the mellow and uplifting joie de vivre of the Mediterranean, Bobo Choses’ SS20 collection is titled ‘A Dance Romance’ – a heartfelt declaration of its love for self-expression and unadulterated fun. Taking cues from vintage dance studio pieces like toweling sweats and retro sporty shorts, some of the key items feature slogans like ‘Tango Masterclass’ or ‘Chachachá’ as a homage to the world of dance. Luckily, the ‘Fred, Ginger, Kelly’ top comes in adult sizes, too.
This spirited brand’s love for life goes hand-in-hand with its love for planet Earth, and its principles are clear when it comes to garment production. ‘At Bobo Choses, we have always been responsible for our social and environmental footprint,’ says the brand. ‘We strive to create products that are friendly to our environment and constantly work to improve the sustainability of our production processes.’ This means paying special attention to the materials used, with GOTS-certified organic cotton as the main fiber in the collections alongside sustainable linen, cupro, recycled polyester and Lenzing lyocell.
The brand is a fan of keeping things local and transparent, with 70% of its collections produced within 12 miles from its Barcelona HQ. Plus, the factories it works with are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they provide a clear view of their entire textile supply chain. It’s also good to know that all of Bobo Choses’ packaging is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, so your little ones can enjoy their clothes with the carefree attitude every child deserves.
Bobo Choses printed reversible hooded jacket | Bobo Choses bow print dress | Bobo Choses faux shearling coat | Bobo Choses leopard print T-shirt
Bobo Choses bow-print flared dress | Bobo Choses polka dot print dress | Bobo Choses Bobo print jeans | Bobo Choses cotton checkered shorts
NOÉ & ZOE
Known for the signature prints that have been part of its identity since the very beginning, Noé & Zoë’s SS20 kidswear collection is brimming with brilliant casual pieces in all-over illustrations and gouache textures. From super-cute swimming costumes to standout sweatshirts and sun-proof bucket hats, the collection’s popping palette of primary colors is sure to bring fun to your little ones’ summer wardrobe.
Its clothes might be playful, but Noé & Zoë’s commitment to sustainability is absolutely matter-of-fact. The Berlin-based label launched in 2011 with a focus on delivering high-quality kids fashion at fair prices and produced with its workers’ interests at heart. With a background in costume design for the film and music industry, founder and designer Nici Zinell wanted to dedicate her talents to steering the fashion industry in a new direction. Fair wages and good working conditions are essential to Zinell’s brand, and all products are designed in Berlin and manufactured in Portugal. It is ‘constantly striving to increase sourcing and production processes, visiting suppliers several times a year and working closely with those in order to improve their products’.
Noé & Zoë Olympic Rings zipped hoodie | Noé & Zoë Olympic Animals track pants | Noé & Zoë Olympic Animals sweatshirt | Noé & Zoë Olympic Animals sketch-print shorties
Noé & Zoë Clouds graphic-print body | Noé & Zoë cloud print sleeveless body | Noé & Zoë Olympic Steps print swimming shorts | Noé & Zoë ostrich-print sleeveless body
MOLO
Molo’s refreshing and upbeat take on children’s fashion goes hand in hand with its sustainable vision: ‘As a kidswear brand, we naturally care for the children of the world and want to take responsibility for future generations.’
As well as being known for its casual-cool designs that combine premium details with fun prints, Molo is one of the few Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified kidswear brands in the world. ‘Being GOTS certified means that we offer organic children's clothes that comply with the strictest social and environmental requirements throughout the manufacturing process,’ explains the brand. ‘GOTS is the most recognized certification of organic textiles worldwide; it guarantees that a product is completely organic, from the sowing and harvesting of raw materials to the full finish of the product.’
To lower its impact on Mother Nature and human health, Molo’s collections utilize fibers such as Repreve recycled polyester, which the label describes as ‘the leading and most trusted branded performance fiber made from recycled materials’.