Timeless Pieces from Frankie & Ava

“A collection, like life, is a journey. You can’t see the end when you set out,” explains Natasha Lee Thomas, founder and designer at Frankie & Ava. “Each season I try to reach a little higher, to achieve more. It isn’t easy, it takes hard work and does not happen overnight. But Frankie & Ava and I are in this great adventure together.”

If the cool lines and careful attention to the simplest details calls to mind the finest in couture, that’s because Thomas previously created fashions for Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. But the emphasis on style goes beyond that found in adult lines. Thomas wanted to create a collection of children’s clothing that was fashionable and functional. The result of blending her British heritage and understanding of bi-coastal cool is Frankie & Ava, so named after the designer’s two children. The company is known for its subtle, classy approach to children’s clothing.

The new 2014 Spring/Summer collection has a lot to offer savvy customers. “This collection is inspired by the experience of living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, remembering the time we spent there in the past, bringing Frankie back to NY where he was born, and introducing Ava to the city for the first time,” notes Thomas. Stripes, thick and thin, pattern the collection, while cuddly knits allow for form and function. The handcrafted knits are machine washable, a nod to both comfort and utility.

Combining nostalgia with the upbeat pace of city life produces pieces like sweet jersey cardigans (with lace details, for girls) and warm hand-knit striped sweaters in soft colors. Kids can channel their inner engineer in the cute Abbot Kinney overalls. The plaza dress with short sleeves is a charming vision on a summer’s day, calling to mind a softer take on the Breton stripe (also available in a sophisticated black style with long sleeves).

A hand-knit deep blue peacoat is on hand to cover up on cooler spring mornings. The Abbot Kinney trucker jacket is a nod to the rough and tumble crowd, while the pure childhood embodied in the white Eloise frock might bring tears to the eyes. Kids can top off their looks with hand-knitted beanies. The collection also boasts a handful of graphic tees.

With an eye on promoting a safer world, Thomas is looking to move her future lines into organic and sustainable fabrics, including recycled yarns. Classic style and comfort are all wrapped up in Frankie & Ava’s new Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

For more information, visit www.frankieandava.com