Kids seem to grow up so fast nowadays, with many having their own mobile phone, laptop and social media pages. The world of kids fashion has also grown up and today many big designer names have created spin-off collections just for children. Many of these were showcased recently in London, at the first ever Global Kids Fashion Week, held in Covent Garden. The event was sponsored by online designer boutique Alex and Alexa, which features clothing by the likes of Armani, Burberry, Stella McCartney and Missoni. Stores like this allow parents to dress their children as well as they dress themselves, meaning children can now have a wardrobe to rival that of any adult!
However, kids designer clothing is not about dressing children beyond their years: clothing from designer ranges is instead intended to be cute, practical, smart and age-appropriate. Take Roberto Cavalli for example, whose racy and eye-catching dresses have turned heads on the red carpet for many years. The designer has created a children’s range which will make children feel grown up, but not make them look beyond their years. Cavalli’s trademark leopard prints feature in the collection, but always look cute rather than tacky. A high-neck dress with a frill hem detail is perfect for a party, whilst the leopard print leggings will instantly jazz up any of your daughter’s outfits.
Equally, designer clothes for boys will make them feel adult by sporting a grown-up label, whilst remaining age-appropriate. Armani Junior for example, does a great line of suits for kids, though the navy tones are less harsh and more youthful than solemn black. Armani ties also have a youthful streak, as pieces in the collection include star and polka-dot patterned numbers, as well as primary brights of red and blue.
Picking designer clothes for kids may sound like an overly grown-up thing to do, but many designers are playful in their collections and are therefore far more age-appropriate than many highstreet offerings. Stella McCartney’s collection is a great example of this. With an understanding of kid’s love of dressing up, her collection includes a pirate pyjama set, as well as superhero and pirate cat printed t-shirts. Youthful bright colours are also a signature feature of the collection, with a bright parrot t-shirt dress, yellow wedge sandals and jeans in a matching colour amongst the spring-appropriate items.
Designer shoes for kids are also given a child-friendly makeover. Hunter wellington boots are the must-have footwear for many stylish mums and dads, and are now a covetable item for sons and daughters wishing to emulate their parents. You can be sure that this type of footwear is child-friendly and on-age, with wellies available in fun finishes like pink glitter and glow in the dark.
So, although kids may choose designer labels to suit their grown-up way of life, parents can rest assured that the clothing and footwear is appropriate for their little ones, whilst remaining ultra-stylish.
