B&S meets...Picture Book Fashion

What happens when experienced childrenswear agents decide to launch their own brand? Michelle and Andrew Molloy did just that, founding Picture Book Fashion Ltd after 20 years with agencies.

Based in Scotland, the company now has two successful labels; Ariana Dee (known as A*Dee) - which specialises in 'complete look' collections for girls aged three to 12 - and boyswear brand Mitch&Son. 

Ahead of Bubble S/S16, Andrew has been telling us more about their transition from agents to designers...

Andrew, why did you decide to launch your own brand? 

We launched Picture Book Fashion in 2011, when we could not find the right look and styling our retail clients were searching for. 

With 20-plus years of agency experience, we felt we were well equipped with knowledge about what worked - both in colour and styling, but also in terms of delivery and customer service. We set out to become the perfect company for our retailers, and Ariana Dee was born.

Was the transition an easy one? 

As you can imagine, it turned out to be a whole lot harder than we anticipated! However, we received great support from our retailers, and the small successes of the early days gave a very rewarding feeling that encouraged us to work even harder. 

How did the brand grow?

Slowly Ariana Dee gained a foothold with our retailers, and sales out were also encouraging - so the name and some recognition spread through the UK, Ireland and Holland. 

As we have learned more about the design and production environment, so the collection has changed into what we recognise now. 

When and how did you found Mitch&Son?

Mitch&Son has much the same origins as its sister brand. It was born out of a little frustration at not having the product that our retailers were looking for.

With the knowledge gained from the launch of Ariana Dee, it was a relatively simple process to launch our boys brand. The label was gratefully received, and the growth and sell-through was really terrific. 

Mitch&Son has developed and grown into more colour groups, bigger stories and even footwear, as retailers continue to react well to it.

Catch A*Dee and Mitch&Son at Bubble London this July...

Sitting Pretty

If you attended last season's edition of Bubble London, you probably remember our charity chair auction. 

We joined forces with charitable social enterprise Out of the Dark (OOTD), which specialised in upcycling unwanted furniture. 11 friends-of-Bubble were given a crash course in re-upholstery, before creating their own bespoke children's chair. 

Their handywork was then auctioned off at Bubble's February show, with all proceeds due to go to the wonderful OOTD and its young craftspeople. 

very sadly, the charity was forced to go into administration - and, after much deliberation, we decided to donate the £495 raised to Oxfam, in aid of those affected by the Nepal earthquake. 

A huge thank you to everyone who bid on a chair - particularly, the lucky winners, Victoria Johns, Mark Benzie, Dorothy Thompson, and Colette Tebutt. 

Chair-upcyclers Peppe Orru, Victoria Evans and Bianca Evans loved their creations so much that they also placed bids - and won!

We're so glad that the chairs will be going to good homes!

This season, we'll be raising money for mental health charity Mind. Look out for collection tins across the show...

Just for you

Looking for something unique? You won't find these exclusive-to-Bubble brands anywhere else...

Poppy

Poppy's whimsical girlswear is inspired by the adventures of eponymous heroine Poppy and her dog, Fred. This season, its signature dresses will be available in new fabrics and shapes. Each garment comes with its own storybook, based on the collection. 

Oh...My!

A/W15 Rising Star Oh...My! will return to claim its free stand this season, showcasing a spring/summer collection inspired by vintage florals. The range features full-skirted dresses, statement bomber jackets, and on-trend culottes. 

Shooshoos

Manufactured exclusively in Cape Town, South Africa, Shooshoos baby and toddler shoes are soft and breathable. Expect comfortable leather sandals in bright colours this July.

Jump Junior

Rising Star finalist Jump Junior creates quirky knitted tank tops in natural yarns. Each heirloom piece is colourful and comfortable, with a vintage feel. Look out for new patterns - including dinosaurs and safari animals - this season. 

Jam

Jam's comfortable clothing is designed to grow with children. The brand uses stretchy fabrics and natural fibres, creating versatile girlswear with an extended lifespan. Little wonder it was one of our A/W15 Rising Star runners-up!

La Pitchoune

Designed for little girls who love to dress-up and have fun, La Pitchoune's occasionwear is elegant and wearable. 

Catch Poppy, Oh...My!, Shooshoos, Jump Junior, Jam, La Pitchoune and a host of other exclusive-to-Bubble labels at the show this July! You can register for your free ticket here. 

Cover to Cover

Earlier this season, CWB Magazine launched Cover to Cover, a competition to find a cover star for its Bubble-preview edition. Editor Laura Turner was inundated with entries, but there could only be one winner - and that honour went to the wonderful Lilly + Sid! We're delighted to introduce their June/July cover...

Laura explained that, while choosing a winner was tough, Lilly + Sid's image (taken from their S/S16 collection, 'Vintage Holiday') really stood out. 

"We had some wonderful photography supplied for the Cover to Cover competition, but there were a few factors that set the winning Lilly + Sid image apart from the rest," she explained. 

"Technically, the Lilly + Sid image is very well shot, it accommodates the CWB masthead well and is of high-resolution - all elements that are essential for a magazine's cover and for high-quality print.

"Beyond this, it was also the most aesthetically pleasing in terms of what we look for in a front cover. Essentially, the shot encapsulates what the CWB brand stand for - great fashion, individual design and carefree, childhood innocence."

What do you think of Lilly + Sid's cover? You can catch the brand at Bubble this July...

Core Store Winners

This season, we'll be showcasing a host of key store winners; top brands that form the core of your seasonal edit. You can see the latest from these big hitters at Bubble London S/S16 - but, in the meantime, here's a sneak peek...

Carrément Beau

Following its launch last season, Carrément Beau will return to Bubble with a new collection of ultra-chic childrenswear. Expect laser-cut dresses, playful sportswear, and a colour-palette of powdery pastels. 

Camper for Kids

This season, Camper for Kids is set to unveil its latest collection of cool, comfortable children's shoes at the show. Expect lightweight materials, summery colour-combinations, and fun, quirky details. 

Bob + Blossom

Bob + Blossom's year-round collection of signature printed tees, frothy tutus and striped tops has become a core store winner. This season, the brand will introduce a new selection of sparkly tutu-skirts.

Frugi

Frugi's S/S16 collection includes its debut range of colourful, printed swimwear. The organic brand will also showcase Puddle Buster Suits, fold-away macs, unisex babywear, and a host of new prints and characters.

Kite

Inspired by travel and adventure, Kite's S/S16 collection features a selection of fresh new prints; think Navajo feathers, hot air balloons, bears, zebras and diving turtles. 

IDo

This July, IDo will unveil a spring/summer range of complete outfits - with stripes, prints, soft denim and ethnic-inspired prints set to be key for the new season. 

Kissy Kissy

Expect large Pima cotton bibs, new prints and new colours - including orange and lime - from ever-popular babywear brand Kissy Kissy this S/S/16. 

Lilly + Sid

Dubbed 'Vintage Holiday', Lilly + Sid's S/S16 collection features quirky new characters, retro-inspired silhouettes and bold colours. The CWB cover-star will also unveil new gifting options, and its largest collection of older-girl's dresses to date. 

Igor

Igor will return to Bubble this season, presenting its latest range of playful jelly shoes and sandals. 

Aden + Anais

It's set to be a particularly exciting season for Bubble favourite Aden + Anais, which will showcase its first ever range of layette. The muslin rompers, tank-top bodysuits, kimono bodysuits and tunic top and trouser sets will be available for both 0 - 3 month-olds, and 9 - 12 month olds. 

Fancy catching up with these core store winners? You can register for your free ticket to the show here...

Stars on the Rise...

It's that time of year again; after receiving a raft of applications, we've shortlisted 14 new brands for our S/S16 Rising Star Award. Meet this season's finalists...

Little Lulus

Founded by experienced designer Catriona Alfaham, Little Lulu's is a footwear brand specialising in 'big people's trends for little people'. Its debut collection features desert boots, animal print ballet pumps and glittery trainers. 

Mr Wolf

Fashion designer Alexandra Cobb and photographer Ben Hanley launched Mr Wolf with a view to creating fun, original childrenswear that kids and adults alike would love. The brand's first, 27-piece collection features quirky prints and bold colours. 

Dotty Dungarees

Dotty Dungarees specialises, unsurprisingly, in practical and adjustable dungarees for children. Each pair can be rolled up as their wearer grows, revealing a colourful, spotty lining. 

Hop Shoes

Hop Shoes' fun, colourful footwear is designed especially for growing feet. Each pair features flexible rubber soles, wide toe boxes and simple fastenings. 

Tinker and Boo

Australian newcomer Tinker and Boo creates fun, vintage-inspired girlswear for 3 - 8 year olds. Expect retro silhouettes, bold signature pieces and floral prints - all with a playful, modern twist. 

Horses of the Wild

After developing women's and childrenswear for brands including Fat Face and Levi's, designer Andie decided to found her own label. The result was Horses of the Wild, which creates wearable clothing for tween-age girls - and donates 5% of its profits to projects across India. 

Little Kokoro

Designed to let children be children, Little Kokoro's clothing is playful, functional and imaginative. Whimsical prints and fun details ensure that each garment is stylish without being too 'grown-up'. 

Le Mu

Regular Bubble & Speak readers may remember Le Mu from this post. The UK brand creates elegant occassionwear and accessories for girls aged two - 9; think tulle skirts, jewelled belts, oversized bows and detachable collars. 

Model My Own

Homegrown brand Model My Own creates elegant dresses with a unique twist; each one can be customised using special, clip-on accessories - which range from colourful flowers, to letters, butterflies and bows. 

Amabelle 

Amabelle's ultra-feminine skirts, dresses and tutus are perfect for special occasions - or, every-day dressing up. The girlswear brand takes inspiration from ballet, fairy tales, and the elegant fashion of the '50s and '60s.

Where's That Bear?

Bold, creative and 'piggy bank friendly', Where's That Bear's clothing is designed to 'put smiles on faces'. Its debut collection features contemporary cuts and cool, gender-neutral colours - meaning that pieces can be mixed, matched and shared.

Little Wardrobe London

Luxury childrenswear brand Little Wardrobe London celebrates the elegance, eccentricity and individuality of classic British style. Expect beautifully-cut dresses, tailored trousers and chic white blouses.

Baby Acorn

Babywear will come courtesy of British label Baby Acorn, whose soft cotton sleepsuits, shawls, bibs and jackets are available in a range of gender-neutral colours and prints. Read more about the brand here.

BBbambino

Earlier this season, we met BBbambino's founder, Betty Bonhard. She hand draws all the brand's unique prints herself, taking inspiration from fairy tales, fantasy worlds, and Ollie, the family corgi. 

So, there you have it - our S/S16 Rising Star finalists! You can meet them all at the show in July; just register for your free ticket...

My Old Man

Father's day is fast approaching - and, this season, we've got a Bubble brand tailor-made for the occasion! 

Founded by Australian parents Michelle L'Huillier and Jelle de Jong, swimwear label Tom and Teddy celebrates the unique bond between dads and their sons. 

Michelle and Jelle design matching swim-shorts and rash tops for 'big guys and their little nippers', taking inspiration from family days out at the beach. 

We love Tom and Teddy's fun prints, which range from vintage inspired planes and scooters, to chic stripes and fish. 

Made from fast-drying microfibre fabric, its shorts and tops are salt, chlorine and UV resistant. 

Meet Tom and Teddy at the July 2015 edition of Bubble London. Haven't applied for a ticket yet? You can register here...