Many parents presume that shopping for baby boys clothes can be boring. I can assure you, this is not the case, and especially in London, you will find the most unique styles imaginable! It took me time to find great brands, but once I did, I knew what I loved. Many fabulous brands are independent and may not be at your usual high street or department stores. It is useful to do some browsing when you are pregnant to find which stores stock the styles/brands you like, which brands will fit baby best & facilitate an ease of undressing/dressing; and what the size banding really will mean for your baby. Different brands, depending on which country they are from, can fit each baby quite differently. There also is the question of longevity where some brands, because they are styled smaller, may not fit baby for too long.
Personally, I prefer dressing my little one quite traditionally, I love the look. It captures the essence of his babyhood. For me, it brings back sweet memories of the stories I used to read from Beatrix Potter, Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Spanish and English designers have the reputation for being makers of the best traditional clothes in beautiful soft fabrics, creating timeless heirloom pieces. Expert tailoring, unique designs, bespoke pieces, and unmatched quality in the fabrics are showcased. Traditional clothes are typically epitomised by smocking, knitted pieces, cute bonnets, peter pan or frilly collars, cashmere cardigans, beautiful linen & frills, and hand embroidery. These designers create pieces that look classic, elegant and practical. You will find that our little one sports many of these brands whether indoors, playing in the park or on holiday too.
When we are on holiday and baby is involved in messy play time on the beach for instance, I switch to brands that embrace a valued history but are styled to be a little more hard wearing and pragmatic. For this reason, I often opt for popular timeless French brands for their nautical designs capturing seaside adventures, high end quality, and practicality. I have included some of my favourite brands for traditional wear and holidays below. I hope this will help your shopping experience.
Much Love
Shanti | The Kensington Diary
xxx
Marie Chantal Whilst pregnant with her third child in 2001, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece founded this designer childrenswear brand, focusing on her love for classic and timeless designs. Marie-Chantal’s modern, contemporary style combines traditional silhouettes with a playful twist, creating wonderful, unique baby, toddler and children’s boutique clothing. Princess Marie-Chantal’s personal style and distinctive design point of view influences every collection created in London. The brand offers classic designs and new, eye catching details in high-end soft and comfortable fabrics for the perfect balance of style and comfort. You can find princess dresses, formal wear and adorable newborn onesies.
The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods, the Marie Chantal Online Store and Children Salon.
Foque With fine attention to detail and beautiful handcrafted finishes, Spanish designer Foque specialise in traditional clothing for girls, boys and baby. I love the cute Peter Pan collared clothes, vibrant colours for seasonal styles, neutral palette, high quality knitwear and beautifully finished designs.
The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods , AlexandAlexa and Children Salon.
Artesania Granlei
Known for their knitwear, Spanish designer Artesanía Granlei have been creating beautiful traditional clothing for babies and young children since 1980. This fairly young brand produces amazing knitwear of excellent quality with a generous fit.
The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods , AlexandAlexa, and Children Salon.
Paz Rodriguez Paz Rodriguez continues a traditional approach to design. Beautiful baby bonnets, knitted jumper dresses, lined hooded coats and more are all finished with dainty detailing and exquisite craftsmanship. The brand is available online, at department stores and children retailers such as Harrods and Children Salon; as well as many bespoke Spanish Clothing retailers online.
The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods , AlexandAlexa and Children Salon.
Rachel Riley Rachel Riley is a British award-winning children’s clothing brand. She designs classic luxury childrenswear & is best known for our quality & style, with prints designed in-house, traditional craftsmanship including hand embroidery, hand smocking & use of fine soft fabrics. Think liberty print, Peter Pan collars, cute hand smocking and gorgeous linen. The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods & Saks 5th Avenue; and AlexandAlexa and Children Salon online.
Petit Bateau Since 1893, Petit Bateau has applied its savoir-faire to create the best quality apparel for women, men and children. The house is renowned for its chic aesthetic, using the finest quality cotton to create timeless staples. From the famous yellow raincoat and soft knitwear to classic breton stripes for babies, children and adults. Expect to find famous sailor stripes, bold colours, pretty polka dots, and cool preppy outfits. All the clothes are designed and made to allow the child to live happily in their clothes with freedom of movement. It is no coincidence that in 1918, Petit Bateau cut the legs off long underwear and invented the pants we know today. This is why I find this brand perfect for active holidays! The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods, AlexandAlexa and Children Salon online.
Mayoral Creators of beautiful Spanish clothing for children for over 75 years, Mayoral are the go-to for everyday casual wear, with something for everyone from birth to 16 years. This is a brand your baby could grow with. I love the nautical designs, focus on practicality and their is a huge range for baby boys, which I adore. The brand is available online and at high end department stores and children retailers such as Harrods, AlexandAlexa and Children Salon online.
