Items tagged “Infants (6-24 months)”

Some of us see a piece of material and dream of all it can be. Lena Aboo made those dreams a reality. By simply finding a piece of leather from her mother’s skirt and witnessing the skills of an Indian shoemaker, Aboo was inspired to create her first pair of leather baby shoes. The experience of hand-making something as personal as a baby’s first pair of shoes brought Aboo closer to childlike creativity, a time with no rules. And from that feeling, she created Sonatina. The result is the kind of display-worthy, high-quality leather shoes that will become heirloom pieces.

Most of the time, clothing designers are inspired by the work of other designers, or sometimes by the shapes, colors and textures they encounter in the world around them. In some cases, however, clothing designers have a more story-driven vision behind their clothing, one that imbues each collection with its own individual “personality” chosen from a cast of original characters. This is the case with Gardner and the Gang, a children’s clothing company based in Singapore. From punk rock bulldogs to DJ camels and beyond, these funky friends have their own rich pasts, hopes, dreams and hobbies.

Once upon a time a Texas gal grew up adoring her Marlborough man-handsome dad who melded ranching with designing cowboy boots. Inspired by him and wild about all things Western and Native American, Adrian Layne developed Cuddlestar, a line of Western wear for babies and toddlers. There are one-piece garments decked with images of cowboys, ponies, and Native American themes like the Thunderbird and Dream Catchers, all cute and very wearable for that Western vibe.

Fashion is just one of the many ways girls show their sass and independence, often picking out their own clothing at a young age. Even if these early ensembles are far from Vogue-ready, they’re a sign that the child is starting to develop her own sense of self and autonomy. Molly Glitz, Zaza Couture, Nina & Nelli, and Celegrity Kids all offer looks that lean slightly toward the bold and avant garde, while still staying solidly in the confines of comfortable, easygoing children’s wear.

Maple Landmark has been making eco-friendly, educational wooden toys, games and gifts since 1979 in Middlebury, Vermont. Many people know them for their NameTrains, but they craft a wide array of children’s products including heirloom wooden baby toys, toddler toys, board games and gifts. The Giggle Guide^® recently caught up with Maple Landmark for a look behind the scenes of this topnotch brand: