Sneak preview
Koby
Mother of one Joanne Jacobi did her homework before launching her label Koby two years ago. With more than 16 years in childrenswear under her belt, the RMIT graduate has already been responsible for launching two kidswear labels - Baby Limited and Turtle - while working for other Melbourne-based apparel companies. The arrival of her daughter in 2003 was all the prompting she needed to branch out on her own. Having identified her target audience as newborns to two-year-olds, Jacobi's first season was spent importing, however today she is a walking, talking advocate for all things Australian made. Still working from a home studio, she produces all Koby products locally including the label's swing tags and coat hangars. Made from a unique cotton/bamboo blend, her collection includes T-shirts, pants, shorts and dresses with retail price points ranging from $29.95 to $59.95.
Eternal Creation
Himilayan-based expat Frances Carrington is a designer with a social conscience who set up her label in 1999 as a means of improving the living conditions and prospects for Tibetans in exile. Targeted at girls and boys aged between zero and eight, the label specialises in combining natural fibres, hand-printed fabrics with traditional tailoring techniques to produce what Carrington describes as "classical fashion with a contemporary edge". Working primarily with Indian-produced silks, cottons, wools and angora, the range is hand cut by one of her 60-strong Tibetan, Nepalese or Indian team to minimal wastage and to ensure accurate grain lines. With a stockist base covering the UK, France, Singapore and India, Eternal Creation also has a strong presence locally with As If By Magic (NSW), 1001 Things For Baby (VIC), Kids Crossing (QLD) and Little Urchins (WA) among its domestic client base. Prices range from $35 to $65.
Zacharia Biek
Zacharia Biek founder TY Ooi fails to understand why when it comes to clothes, it's only adults having all the fun. With this in mind, the Brooklyn-based designer has creating a label specialising in constructing adult-like styling for kids aged between three and eight. Targeted at middle to high-end boutiques, her collection is made largely from cotton with pieces including washed back denim trousers and tees for boys, and vintage look mirco mini jackets for girls. Constrained by exclusivity, the label - now in its fourth season - currently has just 25 stockists but is actively attempting to broaden its inter state client base. Manufactured offshore, price points for the collection range from $35 for a T-shirt to $120 for a jacket.
Prolific Entities
Melbourne-based childrenswear distribution company Prolific Entities is, like its target market, just beginning its journey through life. Making its official debut at Sydney's Fashion Exposed in March, the import company has already secured the exclusive Australasian distribution rights for four European labels - Toff Togs and Togszone (infants to teenagers), Mayoral (newborns to size 24) and Air De Je (children's nightwear, homeware, linen and accessories) - with more expected later this year. Company founder (and mother of one) Kylie Campbell claims to have been "playing with fashion" for the past five years but says she felt compelled to specialise in childrenswear owing to the disposition of her customers. "The people you deal with are so beautifully happy every day."
Manufactured in Europe, wholesale prices for the ranges start at $50.
Little Swish
Problems sourcing childcare prompted mother-of-three Vanessa Killen to switch from accounting to fashion design in 2004. Initially considering it a temporary measure to tide her and her family over until the situation could be improved, Killen has now been making childrenswear for two years. She has since dismissed all thoughts of returning to her former career. Specialising in the design of "chic and innovative products" for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, Little Swish is entirely designed and manufactured in Australia with the range including beanies, baby bloomers, brunch coats and oilcloth kids aprons. Stockists include Pinch of Salt (VIC), Kidzone (SA), Mother Goose Baby Showers (QLD) and Precious Little (NSW) while retail price points range from $9 for a toddler head scarf to $79 for a 'Dream kit' including a cotton base, fleecy blanket, jersey top sheet and pillowcase.