Fashion
5 childrenswear labels to see you through the festive season
The upcoming festive season looks to be more subdued and unlike any we’ve seen before. But if you are looking to inject a little celebratory cheer in your children’s wardrobes, these women founded labels have you covered
As the current crisis shows no signs of abating, in India, the start of the festive season is nearly upon us. This year, understandably, the celebrations promise to be more subdued. And while there are some positives—a curb in noise pollution, environmental damage, and the overall excess that characterises modern Indian festivities—to name a few, I think it's safe to say, that we will all be missing that sense of community and family. So for my children’s first rakhi together, I decided that our more intimate celebration would not be lacking in colour and joy. In my research for clothes for my littles ones, I came across these kidswear labels that focus on the festive. And as a bonus, you support a small, women-led business.
Neha Mehra
The lowdown: With a Masters in Design from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Milan and a Diploma in Apparel Manufacture and Design from SNDT University in Mumbai, Neha Mehra launched this label in 2017.
USP: “A passion for surface ornamentation and hand embroideries are the focal points. I love chikankari and gota,” says Mehra of her range that extends from newborn to 12 years.
The hit: “A twinset line of traditional Indian wear for kids and their mommies with ruffles and monograms with delicate embroidery. This festive season, the new collection has a range of vibrant and colourful kurtas with matching masks in breathable soft cotton and personalised initial rakhis,” she adds.
Mockingbird by Veenal Punjabi
The lowdown: Founded in 2018 by Veenal Punjabi in Mumbai, their clothes are handcrafted in pure, soft fabrics like Chanderi. While embroidered, they are lined them with cotton to ensure utmost comfort.
USP: “We realised the demand for twinning looks and our range of mom-dad-and-baby coordinates are incredibly popular especially with stars like Mira and Shahid Kapoor, Neha Dhupia to name a few.”
The hit: “Our pastel kurtas with gota and mirror work for little boys and peplum tops with ghararas and lehengas with potli bags are very popular.”
Wish Upon a Star
The lowdown: Nidhi Jain pivoted from a lucrative banking job into kidswear, with an affordable range that is all about comfort.
USP: “Our newly launched rakhi collection features twinning looks in floral prints.”
The hit: “Muslin kurta and sharara set and the floral lehenga with a linen top for girls and zari striped kurtas for the boys.”
Chhoti Chopad
The lowdown: Based in Jaipur, Pooja Jain, launched the label, two years ago, after realising a gap in the market for childrenswear in the ethnic category.
USP: “I married into a family in the textile industry, and I wanted to work with local artisans in Rajasthan. Our line of bandhinis, lehiryas, gotta patti are designed for children aged 2 to 14 years.”
The hit: “I started out making clothes for my children, but today have dressed more than a 1000 kids. Our bandhini and leheriyas are the most popular.”
abacus Kids
© AKASH PANDEY LETTHESHOOTSBEGIN
The lowdown: Started by Niharika Agarwal, who was raised in a garment family, and realised the need for childrenswear after finding limited options for her son, 6 years ago.
USP: “We aim for high quality, timeless pieces that are comfortable and stylish.”
The hit: “Our soft pastel shaded kurtas with minimalistic soft resham hand embroideries and our upcoming range of digital prints.”
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