Slice of the City
THE GOOD SHOPPER
Luxury Children’s Boutiques
1. Amaia Kids
Call them what you will, ‘adorable’, ‘twee’ – children in matching outfits have a tendency to melt hearts. Amaia Kids, has matching looks for boys and girls, for all occasions, from winter tartans to summer pastels, made from Europe’s finest fabrics. The brand’s designers, Amaia and Segolene, blend subtle colours and bright prints with retro flair and trendy cuts to make everyday pieces and dressy garments, that looks best worn in sibling unison.
Amaia Kids, 14 Cale St, South Kensington, London SW3 3QU
https://amaiakids.co.uk/
2. Trotters
Husband and wife team Richard Ross and Sophie Mirman opened the first Trotters store on Chelsea’s Kings Road in 1990. Eighteen months later, they opened a second on Kensington High Street and have continued to dress the junior Made in Chelsea set ever since. What sets the store apart though is the in-store childrens’ hairdressers, so go the whole hog and treat someone to a new set of dungarees from the Best of British collection (featuring brilliant embroidered Beefeaters), and a trendy trim to boot.
Trotters, 34 King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4UD
https://www.trotters.co.uk/
3. Caramel
If you worry about your child being better dressed than you, Caramel on Brompton Road might not be for you. Eva Karayiannis, the company’s founder, aims to challenge traditional, limited perceptions of what children should wear, ‘exploring a design aesthetic that is modern, considered, playful and a little unexpected’ – and she does it well. The down-filled pram suits and baby jackets are a particular highlight, and to sweeten the deal, Caramel also sells a stylish women's line that references ‘mannish sophistication’.
Caramel, 291 Brompton Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 2DY
https://www.caramel-shop.co.uk/
4. Seraphine
Seraphine might be best known for its maternity clothing worn by a who’s who of A-list names (the Duchess of Cambridge, Gwen Stefani, Mila Kunis et al.) but its baby range is becoming equally as popular. The Diana Collection, for example, is an exclusive new baby wear range featuring Princess Diana’s pastel tartan, made from Scottish wool and cashmere. And the best bit: 12% of the price of every piece goes to The Diana Award – the charity that continues Diana’s legacy of empowering young people.
Seraphine London, 9 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5NP
http://www.seraphine.com/
5. Marie Chantal
The Crown Princess of Greece’s eponymous clothing range, Marie Chantal, immediately struck a chord with London’s well-heeled when it launched back in 2001. Since then, it has grown into one of the capital’s most recognisable children’s labels, offering princess dresses, formal wear, rompers and more, with or without the brand’s signature Angel Wings. If you can’t decide on what to buy, a cashmere sweater or cardigan never disappoints. Trust us, the recipient will thank you.
Marie-Chantal, 148 Walton St, Chelsea, London SW3 2JJ
https://www.mariechantal.co.uk/
6. Petit Bateau
Fun fact: Petit Bateau, the French brand best known for its iconic Breton tops, started life as a hosiery – one that claims to have invented modern underpants. To celebrate the centenary of this invention (February 2018), Petit Bateau has designed a collection of anniversary underwear for mothers and daughters. The brand’s flagship store on Kings Road will stock the collection alongside all manner of stripy items for newborns, babies, children and adults.
Petit Bateau, 106 - 108 Kings Road, London SW3 4TZ
https://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/
7. Jacadi Paris
Another of Paris’ premier childrens’ labels, Jacadi has also found its way onto Kings Road. Here, you’ll find everything from bloomers to brogues, for babies through to early teens. We find the nightwear particularly charming – the quilted bathrobes for boys and girls are great, but the pleated collar pyjamas for girls aged 3-12 are simply wonderful. If only they did adult sizes....
Jacadi, 39 King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4NB
https://www.jacadi.co.uk/
8. Dragons of Walton Street
For over 30 years, Dragons has specialised in the interior design of children’s bedrooms and playrooms. The shop’s artists and carpenters work to transform a favourite story or passing idea into beautiful and functional furniture, Dragon holds exclusive licences for hand-painting Beatrix Potter, Flower Fairies, Brambly Hedge, Belle and Boo and Paddington Bear, so pop into the Elystan Street showroom to discuss a bespoke piece or to browse the collection of over 200 unique pieces.
Dragons of Walton Street, 17 Elystan Street, London, SW3 3NT
http://dragonsofwaltonstreet.com/
