MELBOURNE: Kidswear label Keiki Designs has launched its first winter range.
Launched by Melbourne sisters Collette Grigg and Helen McLennan two years ago, the label's first winter range released this month, featuring lounge pants, retro dresses, dress tops and long sleeved T-shirts in vintage surfer prints and finished with handcrafted trims and appliqués, co-founder Colette Grigg confirmed.
"They're all hand made - and in some cases hand painted - locally and designed to be mixed, matched and modified to suit different winter climates and occasions. Highlights of the range include denim and cord pinafores destined to become classics and adorable made-to-order hats and booties hand-knitted with love by grandmas and mums."
"Having three young children between us, we have a great understanding of what makes clothing functional," she said.
"Most of our products are designed to grow with the child. So last year's dress becomes this year’s swing top. Mums want their children to look good but they don't want to spend a fortune on clothing, particularly in the current economic climate with most families are tightening their household budgets a bit."
"We started selling our products through local markets and it's taken off through word of mouth. Parents seem relieved to find clothes that are fun, functional and affordable because they're cleverly designed, not because they’re churned out of sweatshop in China."
Keiki Designs complete range includes shorts, snuggle blankets, bibs and versatile covers for nappies and kids' couches. It is aimed at boys and girls from newborn to four years old and is available nationally from specialty retailers and online.