Captain Monkey
Consumers have grown tired of the “all things pink and blue” cookie cutter clothing for children. Highly demanded in the children fashion industry are designers who create apparel that makes a statement and expresses the uniqueness of a child’s personality.
Girls fashion provides both buyers and consumers plenty of style options to choose between. Parents simply haven’t possessed the same enthusiasm, for shopping for boys as they do to girls, due to the lack of variety of apparel. On the rise however, is the growing niche market of boys apparel. Designers have begun to focus on this need and untapped niche and in the last few years we’ve seen boys apparel come to life.
New label Captain Monkey, is quickly making an impact in the world of boys fashion. Native LA designer, Esther Marie has designed an exclusive boys collection that is whimsical, hip and cool. Since launching the collection in July 2008, Captain Monkeys has received a favorable response in the children fashion industry.
‘I’ve always felt that you become a trendsetter by trying things, not by following what everyone else does.” states Esther Marie. “ We are off to a great start at having Captain Monkey retailed through some of the most well known department stores, and boutique stores in Los Angeles and all over the world.”
How did you get started designing children's clothing?
I wanted to put my modeling experience and visual sense and use it to create an awesome line with a real sense of detail. Kids clothing, boys in particular really caught my attention because I identified with the sense of fun and adventure. I was a Tomboy when I was young. I feel that boys need to get away from simply wearing athletic jersey’s and that they need establish a more polished look. I really want to make it so that kids and parents alike will love Captain Monkey clothing.
How was your first collection perceived?
The first collection was perceived well, but I didn’t have any sales reps yet, so I took samples around to stores myself, calling any children’s stores I could find. I learned a lot the first season, it was difficult – but it gave me confidence because the one thing that was right was the need for these kinds of clothes for boys and everyone loved my designs. Over the next two seasons interest from retailers and sales representatives has increased dramatically.
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?
Stay Motivated, work hard – always keep learning. Success comes with hard work. Be original, even if it doesn’t always make sense to others.
What inspires your work?
Inspiration comes from art, travel, and other designers. Everywhere really. I am a product of Los Angeles so that is a heavy influence as well. Looking at things that are unique. I like to do things that are not for everyone, but for the few that accepts ad enjoys my vision
Who is your favorite designer?
Alexander McQueen
Which celebrity child would you love to see wearing you designs?
Maddox Jolie Pitt. At a young age he has a sense of individuality and that’s what Captain Monkey is all about.
What is your favorite quote?
All personal achievement starts in the mind of the individual. Your personal achievement starts in your mind. The first step is to know exactly what your problem, goal or desire is.
What is your impression of the children fashion industry as a whole?
The children’s industry can be dull. Boy’s clothes are usually the same in style. For a more conservative upbringing you have your blues, for a rocker style you have your fleur-de-lis and crosses with some skulls and roses, for a cool look you have your usual license batman and Spiderman stuff. What Captain Monkey does is to try to combine and re-imagine these styles into one and that’s why we are different. We don’t play by the rules we make them. Who says skulls can’t go with green? Captain Monkey is here to inspire individuality.
I’m always on the lookout for unique decor products, especially hand made items that combine quality and design flair. We all love to store (personally my fridge looks like its about to take off with all the fluffs of paper attached to it!) so I was excited to see these.
A contemporary twist on the classic memo board these magnetic boards are fabric covered in designer trends with 4 matching magnets, so now not only will I have more space to ‘magnetise stuff’ it’ll look cool, hip, chic and in vogue!
Made in New Zealand by LeilaLovesHandmade also available through The Giddy Giraffe - of course !
By: Kim Braddock
The Great Bib Hunt
In the beginning...it was more about the flannel cloth! Cleaning up 'possets' (great term that! A lot 'nicer' sounding than baby-spew!) and generally wiping after a new born you start to wonder about all those millions of bibs that you were given when they were born. Then, comes food, and suddenly you are hunting everywhere for a clean bib - can't seem to get enough of them.
It seems though (just like the great Coke-Pepsi debate) that different mums and different babies have different requirements for 'the perfect bib'. My friend, with her tall, skinny, bottle-fed girl is always on the hunt for narrow, soft bibs that are long enough to catch chin dribble and bottle dribble. Another prefers them nice and wide and her little boy always ends up with food on his shoulders after a meal! I think though, if that was one of my requirements, I would need a bib for my little boy's eyes!
Personally, I like something that is soft, but easily wiped on the front and terry cloth on the reverse side (multi-purpose and nice and thick)...I prefer studs over velcro (velcro seems to become one more vessel for old food)...I also like them long and wide (but not too long or too wide!).
Fussy? Yes, indeedy. But when you find the perfect bib...you want hundreds of them!
My favourite at the moment is by Colby Lane Designs. Gorgeous fabrics (nothing worse than covering a cute outfit with a not so cute bib!), great size, two press studs allowing for size differences and that most important thick, terry cloth on the back for mopping up extra spills.
I also love the look of the 'bandana-style' bib (like this one from Flobib). My little boy has had about five chins until a couple of weeks ago... he currently has two, but once he is not so chubby, these will fit better and look oh-so-cute! They have the thickest, softest vintage chenille backing which makes them all the more special.
I would love to hear from others about their 'bib requirements' - and their favourite brand! Always hunting for something new...
By: Amy Doak
