Little Lelia: A Beautiful Family Tradition

Studies show that children who are exposed to multiple cultures and languages while growing up tend to be more successful and creative adults. This was definitely true for Yaiza and Isabel Ambruster, a pair of sisters whose unique multicultural upbringing inspired them to launch their own children’s clothing collection, Little Lelia.

The sisters’ story is a fascinating one. They were raised in the traditions of their mixed German and Mexican ancestry, with a glamorous mother who was a couture fashion designer. They were world travelers from an early age, spending their childhood in Germany, Spain and Mexico. Later in life, their studies in architecture and design would take them to even more locations.

The sisters never forgot their mother’s beautiful hand-sewn designs and eventually reinterpreted her creations to make their own original clothes. They agreed that the breezy, patterned fabrics and loose comfy cuts were great for kids, and soon they were in business for themselves. They wanted to honor their mother Lelia by putting her name on their collection, and so Little Lelia was born.

The collection is designed in New York, made in Germany, and draws from the rich textile traditions of Latin America, showcasing vivid patterns in block-print style as well as other pattern types. The line is classy. Moons, butterflies, and polka dots are present, but not in same graphic artistic style usually found on children’s clothing; instead they are bare-bones outlines that simply hit at the shape of what they’re meant to represent. There are no bows, glitter or smiling animal faces to be found. These clothes could look just as much at home on grown-ups as they do on kids, thanks to their minimalist aesthetic.

There are dresses, bloomers, jumpsuits, and sets, all of which are – as most German-made products – designed for optimum functionality. When a child outgrows a dress, it can be worn as a top. Many of the pieces are also unisex, and are not listed under “boys” and “girls” categories. The customer gets to choose the look that’s best for their child. Attention to detail shines through in the quality craftsmanship and natural fabrics.

The Armbruster sisters are still close, even though they now live on separate continents and have families of their own. Their ongoing collaboration for Little Lelia keeps them in contact across the miles. Together they hope to carry their mom’s legacy into the future through their fun and imaginative designs.

For more information, visit www.littlelelia.com