Being Fashionable Is a Piece of Cake

The Netherlands, also known as Holland, has long been known for its tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, and those yummy butter cookies you get every Christmas… but what about couture? Designers from the Netherlands are making a big splash in the fashion industry these days. While most people still think of Italy and France as the fashion capitals of Europe, Holland has been a quietly growing force in the industry, and lately it’s been hard for anyone who buys or sells kids’ clothing to ignore the influence of this small but vital nation.

The Netherlands has played a big role in European and American history – it was the Pilgrim’s first stop, after all – and its longstanding history of tolerance and progressivism has created an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive. The Dutch believe strongly in the individuality and rights of children, which has put them on the forefront of children’s causes worldwide, as well as given them an interesting take on kids’ fashion. Compared to children’s designers from other countries, those from the Netherlands tend to embrace a more Bohemian, mix and match, funky look that allows kids to craft their own unique identities through fashion. Leiden-based design house Cakewalk is a great example of the Dutch children’s clothing aesthetic.

Cakewalk’s lookbook is full of inventive pairings of color and print. Tie-dyes, florals, and geometrics mix harmoniously together. The cuts are up-to-date, with this year’s higher-waisted pants and crop tops on display next to more traditional silhouettes, all loose and comfy enough to allow for free play.

One of the ways Cakewalk stands out is in its quality of prints. Screen prints are common in children’s clothing, but oftentimes, the prints are not very high quality or creative. Cakewalk’s prints make the grade and get extra credit with bright, detailed, interesting images on both tops and bottoms.

Cakewalk has two separate collections, one for older girls and one for younger, each with its own distinct look. Mini, the company’s collection for younger girls, reflects the same Boho feel as original Cakewalk but leans more towards classic kids’ cuts and patterns for a sweeter, more innocent look.

As the Dutch design look becomes more popular worldwide, companies like Cakewalk are in high demand among celebrities and any parents with their finger on the pulse of fashion. If you’re interested in stocking clothing that sets kids apart from the crowd, then Cakewalk might just be for you.

For more information, visit www.cakewalk.nl