Couture gets cuter!

If you’re looking to pamper your nephew or niece or if you’re looking for a special gift for the youngest member of your family, you don’t have to drag yourself to the nearest toy store. High-end luxury brands are now offering a range of clothes designed specifically for kids of all ages. So whether you’re looking for a jumpsuit for a two-month-old baby boy or a baby doll dress for a pre-teen girl, look to designer labels and you certainly can’t go wrong.

Kiddie celebs!

Hollywood actress Jennifer Lopez is a revered name in fashion circles and some of her outfits have made fashion history. But recently when she attended Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2013 show, all eyes were on her four-year-old daughter Emme who walked in with her mommy, sporting a butterfly bag and a brooch by Chanel. Well this would be news for us, but for the four-year-old who has already posed for an ad campaign for Gucci’s children’s line with her twin brother Max at age two, it’s no big deal!

Children’s fashion has come a long way from a few select brands that made just baby clothes. Today, most fashion houses have come out with collections made just for kids. You would think that kids wouldn’t need to worry about what’s in and what’s not but tell that to fashion conscious moms who have extended their style statement to their kids. When posing for the paparazzi, celebrities make sure they are dressed their best and while their kids are in tow, why should they be left behind? Just ask Victoria and David Beckham’s 14-month-old daughter Harper who has already earned the title of fashionista. Burberry, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney are brands any fashion follower would know, but these are the same brands you’ll find in the wardrobe of Suri Cruise, daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. The six-year-old was considered Hollywood’s most stylish child and with good reason. Pictures of Suri wearing heels and her high-end labels at the tender age of four were fodder for the paparazzi. Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber did her first photoshoot for Versace’s Young Versace ad campaign at the young age of 10 and has already made her mark. And with celebrity kids endorsing big brands, the rest of the world can’t be far behind on this trend.

Brand new Baby

This trend of high-end fashion for children is taking off in a big way with luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci, Armani and more coming out with clothes for teenage and pre-teen kids. Whether its clothing for infants, a ready-for-school line or even dresses and suits for special occasions, indulgent parents can now choose from Fendi Kids, Theophile & Patachou and Baby Dior which are available in India at Les Petits.

While baby fashion is slowly finding a market of its own, don’t assume that baby clothes are all frills and flounce. Burberry’s range of clothes for children is inspired by recent runway trends. For the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection of their children's wear line, Burberry had a military-inspired pea coat made for the pint sized diva and classic gumboots with the trademark Burberry checks in kids’ sizes. `

At New York Fashion Week in September, Dominican designer Oscar de la Renta had young teeny boppers take to the ramps to show off his collection for Spring/Summer. The designer, known for his brilliant gowns that often grace the red carpet, took his trademark look and transformed them to children-appropriate clothes. Lacy dresses, tiered skirts and floral patterns for girls and smart striped shirts and khaki jackets for boys made up a very child-friendly collection. Other designers who showcased their children’s wear collections include Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Marni.

No child’s play

Making clothes for the juniors is not as simple as it seems. Red carpet looks or haute couture certainly won’t work for young children, who tend to need clothes that focus more on comfort and durability. For those who don’t want to compromise on style though, Giorgio Aramani’s Armani Junior collection has some fashion forward options. They can choose between clothes for formal or casual occasions and even sportswear and accessories. Young Versace’s range of clothes for ages from 0 to 12, sporting the brand’s trademark Medusa logo, have made high-end luxury clothing available even for the very young.

Designer Diane von Furstenberg, whose wrap dress achieved iconic status, paved the way when she recently collaborated with GAP to design a range of clothes for children. With her signature bright bold colours and bold prints, the range has options for kids from babies to 14-year-olds. The designer’s ‘DVF’ logo teamed with colourful hearts, splashed over shoes, booties, caps and baby doll dresses are sure to appeal to fashion forward moms as much as their kids.

Luxury brands seem to be entering the kiddie wear market in an attempt to solidify their brand image. Surely kids who grow up wearing Burberry and Dior will have some attachment to the label and this loyalty will build their brand power. It’s easy to presume that doting grandparents or indulgent parents would be the ones lapping up the trend of high fashion for young tots, but an increasing number of children are choosing their own clothes and accessories. Clearly, fashion is getting younger every year and luxury brands seem to be keeping up!

elizabeth.mathew@thehindu.co.in

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