Every new school year is a start of a new adventure – a voyage into uncharted territory, says Redfish Kids Clothing co-founder and Dundarave resident Kristy Brinkley.
And so lies the inspiration for Redfish’s new fall collection, drawing from the magic of nautical myths and captivating children’s storybooks.
“Back to school means back to books, but books are never boring,” quips Brinkley.
“Books transport readers to faraway lands, full of magical and mythical creatures; getting lost in a wonderful tale of adventure is something that we set out to capture within this new collection.”
Anchored to a palette of deep-ocean and sky blues with splashes of sunshine yellow, along with eye-catching, whimsical fairy tale motifs and patterns, this is the largest Redfish Kids collection to date at 108 pieces.
Redfish designer and co-founder Lorraine Kitsos spent quite a bit of time in Europe this year, which also influenced the fashion-forward, yet flexible, collection of kids’ clothes.
“Paris is always a favourite but I think she was particularly infused with the energy and folklore that surrounds Antwerp, Belgium. It’s just such a special place for design,” explains Brinkley.
Brinkley and Kitsos are like kids in a candy store when they dream up new clothing designs.
“Whenever I buy something new (Lorraine) is more excited than me and we rummage through our closets for inspiration like a couple of teenagers,”
says Brinkley.
“We often get out the scissors and cut pieces or pin them to create something new. Like any artist Lo is a bit quirky and that is what gives Redfish its kink.”
Born of a desire to create clothing with “heart,” Redfish is committed to quality (often organic) materials sourced from around the world, local craftsmanship, and zero in-house waste.
The fashion friends both love classic style, strong architectural lines – nothing too frilly – and as moms both lean towards pieces that kids can play and live in comfortably. They even suggest their dresses be worn with jeans and a pair of kicks.
Playing in and amongst the trees is a rite of passage for North Shore kids, something Kitsos takes into consideration when designing the clothes with comfort and durability in mind.
The T-Shirt Swing dress from Redfish’s fall collection fits the bill.
Described as the dress that does it all, with its A-line silhouette, long sleeves and detailed pockets, the dress will keep your child warm and fashionable. New for 2017, the T-Shirt Swing comes in a bold Andy Warhol style print.
The Dolce dress, featuring a full skirt with lots of pleating, has a sweet design that evokes French and Italian glamour.
Focusing on Redfish’s commitment to minimize waste in the design process, Kitsos has created soft organic tees with a stylish patch of iconic Redfish fabric on the front.
Jean Styx Denim, in a charcoal wash, has adjustable cuffs so the jeans grow with your little one.
Baby clothes are adorable and Redfish’s offerings are no exception. Picture a Pablo Picasso paint-splattered smock, new Baby Yoga Pants and the Baby Kimono.
“Customers love this piece – the Baby Kimono is a special and unique piece right down to the beautiful open stitching on the arms but it’s also comfortable for babies and practical for new moms,” says Brinkley.
Strong self-esteem is the most important tool kids should have at school. Enter “Clothing for the Courageous” – Redfish’s collection of slogan tees.
“It speaks to the need for kids to be courageous right from the day they are born – from first steps and trying new foods to those first scary days of school,” says Brinkley.
“Being a kid and learning about the world for the first time is not easy. … We want our kids to be strong and brave and ultimately self-reliant.”
Redfish’s Dundarave location, describes Brinkley, is a quirky little store which started as a pop-up.
The big and bright open space is where customers young, older and even canine can play and have fun, says Brinkley.
