Little Sweeney

Local designer Deborah Sweeney has translated her high-end, youth oriented signature look to an even younger audience, 2 years and under to be exact, with the launch of her children’s wear range – ‘Little Sweeney’…

Local designer Deborah Sweeney has translated her high-end, youth oriented signature look to an even younger audience, 2 years and under to be exact, with the launch of her children’s wear range – ‘Little Sweeney’.

The entirely New Zealand made range will be available solely through their online store from 14 December and the runs will be small and quite exclusive while retaining the vintage flavour typical of the Deborah Sweeney brand.

Deborah attributes the idea for ‘Little Sweeney’ as the result of a frustration with finding well-designed, chic options for children here in New Zealand, including her own newborn son, Lars.

“A lot of friends and customers of the Deborah Sweeney range also have little ones now and after talking to them I discovered that they too struggle to buy cool stuff for their little ones.

“So, we decided to do something about it,” says Deborah.

The debut ‘Little Sweeney’ range takes inspiration from a multitude of retro influences, including woodland characters from European children’s books and jumpsuits once loved by Deborah’s husband as child, as well as old craft books and magazines from Deborah’s personal stockpile.

The collection’s palette is also retro inspired, coming from a set of Crown Lynn cups that Deborah owns. Vintage fabrics have been collected from further afield with a blue jacquard leopard knit and printed floral sourced on Deborah’s travels to New York.

Designing with young children in mind has proven to be a learning curve for Deborah, as the garments need to have style but also be infinitely practical, comfortable and serviceable.

“Before Lars I had no idea what babies needed!” says Deborah. “Now I know what works and makes life easier for mamas. Our shapes are tried and tested, necklines are opened with poppers and tops are extra long and won’t ride up.”

High quality fabrics and natural fibres play an important role in the range, including organic cotton and 100% pure NZ merino woolswhich will be available from Autumn. The jeans are also made specifically for babies’ sensitive skin.

“I always struggled to find jeans for Lars that were soft enough and not stiff or scratchy,” says Deborah. “Our enzyme washed Tencel denim means he can wear jeans that are easy on his skin yet wearable and easily washable.”

Plus in typical Deborah Sweeney style the Tencel denim comes in a miniature romper, perfect for an active summer.

Deborah’s foray into children’s wear with ‘Little Sweeney’ means that mums who appreciate the brand’s colourful, wearable chic can now share the style with their children.

The online store is now live at http://www.deborahsweeney.com/main-shop/little-sweeney