With spring just around the corner and new collections beginning to land, what are the key themes across the collections and what’s hot for this summer?
It’s always exciting to enter into the spring season after months of the cold and dark - and with what feels like the clothes to match.
Even if the weather outside doesn’t quite match some of the new season’s items coming through, seeing floaty organic cotton girls dresses, cool slogan t-shirts, pastel colours and broderie anglaise detailing opens the way to lighter evenings, warmer temperatures, care-free holidays, endless possibility…
Stripes are definitely back in a big way for spring and summer. As are pastel colours - and you can see the two combined very neatly in Kite Clothing’s baby collection. The Cygnet Knit Organic Romper (pictured below) and the Sunset Cardi are beautiful organic baby garments that can be combined or worn separately.
Animal motifs - especially dogs - are a strong theme this year. Stay tuned for dachshunds making an appearance in our autumn collection!
Rabbits always make an adorable appearance around Easter, but this year’s craze for fluffy bunnies has gone one further: this Miffy-esque girl’s organic cotton tunic top in a beautiful shade of daffodil yellow will see you from spring through until the autumn and help lift those winter spirits.
Strong geometric prints and patterns are still a strong theme in this season’s children’s clothes. Muddy Puddles’ collection of recycled swimwear and eco-friendly outerwear is bright and appealing - and also super high performance - rightly so as it will be worn by the most demanding of customers!
But don’t just take my word for it, I couldn’t think of anyone better to take us through spring’s delights than Ellie Thompson.
As editor of My Baba, she sees the pick of what’s hot in childrenswear coming across her desk everyday…
With Spring/Summer collections about to drop, what key trends have you noticed?
This season we’ve noticed our favourite brands are stepping up efforts to improve on sustainability when it comes to the creation of their collections and the workforce they employ. Responsible and functional childrenswear is where it’s at.
It’s great to see so many brands creating quality, everyday pieces that can be worn again and again, and handed down through generations. Many are embracing slow-fashion, and adopting traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery and crochet when it comes to occasionwear for those really special items.
We’ve seen kidswear brands look to their home countries for inspiration, a trend that’s arisen out of spending more time in our own back gardens, villages, towns and cities. Whether it’s the bustling city or the burgeoning countryside, we’ve all realised there’s lots to explore right where we are.
And the result? A burst of colour that embraces nature and imagination – think floral prints, patchwork and colourblocking in anticipation of the sunny days to come, as well encapsulating those beautiful pastel colours so often associated with spring and Easter – and not forgetting the natural colours of the earth. It’s the most wonderful time of year, after all!
What are the colours that are really standing out for you?
I’m always a huge fan of pastels in spring, but my kids tend to prefer the busy prints and bright colours that seem so prevalent across all kidswear this season – so we’ll be mixing and matching. Layering is always key when it comes to dressing children – especially in the UK, so there’s some compromise to be had here! Polka dots, rainbows and florals, Breton stripes, colourblocking and fun space-themed prints too.
Any motifs / design details that you’re seeing repeating across different collections?
Logomania is still going strong for adults and kids alike – whether it’s a logo or a catchy phrase, slogan tees and sweaters are still looking cool when teamed with jeans – or a tulle skirt, as my four-year old daughter will insist on!
What are going to be the must-haves this season?
Girls will be hankering over floral jersey sundresses in loose-fit styles, as well as pastel tulle skirts and bright ruffle skirts teamed with a stripy tee with broderie collars. Appliqué fashion is still going strong too. Boys will be loving casual shirts and colourblock hoodies and tees, space prints and elasticated denim shorts, and of course, there will always be room for trains, diggers and dinosaurs.
Following the lifting of all Covid restrictions, is there a greater feeling of excitement ahead of this season do you think?
I think we’re all excited for the warmer days ahead, so re-stocking the wardrobes with staple items for the months to come is key – for all the family. Fingers crossed for some sunny UK weather!
That’s it for now. This is the first drop of the Spring / Summer '22 season of organic and ethical childrenswear with plenty more gorgeous styles and exciting new brands to come! So if you don’t see something now, you’ll be sure to find your perfect sustainable style later on…
With love,
Lucy
X
Author: Lucy Todd
Lucy Todd is the founder of My Little Green Wardrobe. She started her own ethical clothing journey after spending countless hours trying to find suitable clothes for her own children. Her expertise are in the manufacturing and distribution of clothing, with a particular focus on sustainability, ethical working practices, harmful chemicals, and the environmental impact of the apparel industry.
About Me | Linkedin