pirouette

Pirouette is moving!

2010-06-07T21:27:00.006+01:00

Pirouette is moving to a new address so that the whole world can access, including Chinese people (blogger is a product from Google which is blocked by the Chinese government)...From now on, please visit

www.pirouetteblog.com

Photo 2 : UK Pavilion at Expo 2010, Shanghai

Kidoscope Shanghai

2010-06-07T06:59:00.003+01:00

There are many babies and young kids in the streets of Shanghai, all happily playing, dressed in cute outfits with vibrant colors. But I was surprise not to see pre-teen or teenagers, even on week ends. Why? I learned from my Chinese friends that they are all kept home by their parents, to study and do their homework. A hard life, the one of a 13 years old in China!

Off to Shanghai! (no more posts this week...)

2010-05-31T07:38:00.002+01:00

A bunch of kids interviewed on Pirouette said Shanghai is the city they dream to visit. A fascinating destination that I decided to go check out myself. Children's industry insiders (thank you Lucky Wang and Kicokids) gave me good tips about what to visit, including children's stores. I'll bring back info, images and news for you. Stay tuned!

Photo1 Lucky Wang.
Shanghai (上海 Shànghǎi) [1], with a population of more than 18 million (with over 5.8 million migrants), is the largest and most developed city in China. Photo 2 Wikipedia.

Millie ferreira, 7 years old, London

2010-05-30T22:05:00.002+01:00

Millie Ferreira was born in October 2002. She spent two years in New York with her family, and now lives in a beautiful house in South London with her dad John, mom Debbie, brother Oliver, cat Mimi and dog Biddy who insisted to be featured on Pirouette.

Millie
What do you want to be when you grow up

Zoo keeper
Your favorite famous person

Hello Kitty
Your favorite book

Roald Dahls The Twits, Magic Kitten Seaside Mystery, Stories for Girls

Favorite film

Santa Buddies, Nanny McPhee, Marley and Me

Favorite place for the holidays

Sri Lanka and the Maldives
A city that you dream to visit

Sidney

Who choses your clothes in the morning

I do always

Favorite color

Green and purple

Favorite brands

Zara Kids, H&M

The piece you like the most in your closet

My guinea pig t-shirt (its too small for me but I will never let it go)

Next item you would love to get

A T-shirt with a kitten on the front!

Debbie

Your favorite children's brands

Quincy, Simple Kids, Caramel, Zara Kids

Favorite adult's brandsDries Van Noten, Marni and a good pair of jeans

Favorite children's storesCaramel in London, Yoyamart in NYC, Zara kids in Portugal (they always have more choice), Couverture in Notting Hill

What type of online consumer are you?

I'm not a big fan of online shopping. I love the whole shopping experience - I like to 'feel', try on, before I buy. Books are pretty much the only thing I buy

The most expensive item you bought for your Millie

A pink sapphire from Sri Lanka (it will be made into a ring for her) and her christening gown (handmade in Portugal)

The criteria you consider when you buy something for child

When Millie was little I loved shopping for her clothes: but now she chooses everything and is quite specific about what she does and doesn't like (even down to school shoes!) I love her creativity and imagination: yes she sometimes gets it wrong (in my mind of course), but I think its important to let her express herself. That said, there are always limits and I do try to suggest, but often its a 100% rejection!

An item that is hard to find

Good kids Swimwear - never lasts

The outfit you really enjoy to see Millie in

A white cotton dress from Bonpoint - timeless
Where will you spend your summer holidaysPossibly back to Fire Island to a house we rent on the beach, then Sitges and Figueras in Spain

Quincy, Simple Kids, Zara Kids, Caramel Baby & Child, Yoyamart, Couverture

Dots and checks

2010-05-29T08:14:00.002+01:00

The AW10/11 collection from Dutch brand Buisjes En Beugels +++ will be soon available for purchase (end of August). Named Dots and checks, vive l’art! , it features nostalgic colors from passed 80s’ like nude, bright yellow, neon pink and Queens blue. From 18 months to 10 years, available at Little Fashion Gallery (France), Minigiants (UK), Line und Liv (Germany) and the designer's own e-store Buisjes En Beugels.

Kodie, 11 years, Brooklyn

2010-05-28T17:23:00.004+01:00

Kodie lives in Brooklyn, NY, in an old factory loft full of art and artworks. Her little sister Zana is 21 months old; her mother Heather is a prop stylist and set designer as well as an art director and painter in her spare time (www.heatherchontos.com and heatherchontos.blogspot.com). Kodie is a good goalie in soccer and a great writer with impeccable handwriting.

Kodie
What do you want to be when you grow up
I want to be a zoologist

Your favorite famous person
The Beatles
Your favorite book
Breaking Dawn, Twilight Series
Favorite film
Twilight
Favorite animal
Tiger
Favorite place for the holidays
Thailand
A city that you dream to visit
Cairo, because I just want to go to Egypt and see all the crazy pyramids and huge statues
Who choses your clothes in the morning
I choose my clothes though my mother tries to
Favorite color
Purple and black
Favorite brand
Free people
The piece you like the most in your closet
Black skinny jeans, and I always wear Converse, red or black only.....
Next item you would love to get
Boardwalk/surfing shorts

Heather
Your favorite children's brands
Molo , Ella Moss, Project E and H&M, always a good cheap bet
Favorite adult's brands
I love Marni, Nicole Farhi and Katherine Hamnett
Favorite children's stores
Yoyamart is great and Alikat in Brooklyn, also love Bu and the Duck, but more for my little one
Criteria you consider when you buy something for your children
How cute it will look and if it can be washed a million times
The most expensive item you bought for your children
A cashmere sweater that my nannny shrunk in the wash the first time it was worn. The American Girl doll now wears it...
The outfit you really enjoy to see Kodie in
I used to have a favorite piece that Kodie wore and it was a dress that I made her out of old batik fabric from the 1950's. It was the cutest little loose summer dress. She wore it ever day on vacations in Spain and France and it was just that thing that was perfect for her. Now she gets pretty funky, but she is a little adult with her own thing going on. I try to influence a bit stylistically but oh how she rebels
Where will you spend your summer holidays
We are going to Montana this summer for a few weeks and Spain at the end of August

Free People, Molo , Ella Moss, Project E, H&M, YoyaMart, Alikat, Bu and the Duck, Converse

Real (estate) opportunity

2010-05-27T21:24:00.002+01:00

This 70m² (753 SqFeet) boutique is a rare opportunity for who wants to open a retail space in Paris. Located on Rue du Bac, it is a few steps away from Le Bon Marche and Bonton concept store, in a busy part of Rive gauche, the "passage obligatoire", or a "must-pass-through" street for a chic local clientele as well as shopping addicts from all over the world.

With its charming tiled floors and long windows, it is the perfect nest for a children's brand. For information about the lease, please contact : Olivia Farkas +33 6 43 07 13 30.

Agathange, 5 years old, Singapore

2010-05-26T11:32:00.005+01:00

Agathange is French although he was born in Belgium in 2005. He was named after his maternal great great grand-father. He moved to Singapore two years ago with his parents, older brother and younger sister and has been enjoying South East Asia's warm climate that allows him to wear very little clothes. He's picking up Mandarin a lot faster than his mum.

Agathange
What you want to be when you grow up Submarine pilote or farmer
Your favorite famous person Lego Indiana Jones
What makes you happy To play video games on the wii with my brother
What makes you sad When my teacher says I'm naughty
Favorite book Tintin comics
Favorite films Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Cars, Krtek (Czech cartoon form the 70s) on youtube, YogaKids' ABC
Favorite place for holidays My grand-parents' mill in the South West of France
A city that you would dream to visit Somewhere where there is snow
Favorite yumme thing Ice cream!
Who chooses your Clothes in the morning My mum
Your favorite color Blue and brown
The piece your like the most from your wardrobe My Star Wars t-shirt
The next item you would like to get Lego Batman

Sandra

Favorite children's brands

IKKS and Gingersnaps, a super cute and fun Philippino brand with stores in Manila, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok. They have very quirky designs, cool prints and great quality at very affordable prices. Petit Bateau for underwear and PJs, Vert Baudet and Zara Kids for basics like tank tops. Gap for swimwear. Kickers for shoes (but in Singapore you have to settle with Crocs as kids will not wear anything else... sad!).

Favorite children's stores

I shop mostly online or when on vacation. Bali has great kids clothes from local designers. Recently I discovered Gingersnaps in Manila and you cannot not come back empty handed from India. Their traditional kids outfit are just too cute!

Favorite online stores I buy a lot online: I stock on basics and cute sheets from Vert Baudet and get them delivered at my mum's house in France. Sometimes I'll get something from Melijoe during the sales and Vente Privee for good discounts. Ebay is a good place to find things that are from previous seasons (great to buy backups for the favorite "doudou" that is not sold anywhere anymore). For shoes I buy sometimes from Sarenza to get Kickers, but it's risky especially since very hard to return from abroad. Gap online is a safe bet for swimwear. The Apple Store is fantastic to get intereactive books for the iPad and cool games.

Criteria you consider when you buy something for child

No buttons whatsoever for Agathange he can't stand them! Everything I get for him must be super comfortable and easy to put on. Shoe-wise he will not wear anything else than Crocs so have given up on getting him nice shoes. I only buy clothes in cotton and linen and look for nice, understated designs.

Most expensive item you bought for your child

When in Europe a navy Burberry duffle coat and a silk Chloe dress for my daughter. In Singapore, Shanghai Tang PJs.

The outfits you really enjoy to see him in

At the moment the Saint James top his mamie sent him and his sibblings. He once matched it with tartan shorts. Very Jean-Paul Gaultier of him!

An item that is hard to find

in Singapore: a nice pair of shoes that is not plastic.

The book on your bedside table

A Philip Roth novel

Your favorite places for the summer holidays

My parents' place in the countryside in the South West of France.

IKKS, Gingersnaps, Petit Bateau, Vert Baudet, Zara Kids, Gap, Melijoe, Vente privee, Sarenza, Kickers, Burberry, Chloe, Shanghai Tang, Saint James

Les filles

2010-05-25T12:24:00.002+01:00

Joshua Williams has over 8 years experience as a creative director, stylist and producer, a strong director's eye and a great sense of business. Fashion Consort, his marketing/PR and advertising company bridges entertainment and fashion, and plays skillfully with cross-media and cross-cultural collaboration, bringing together diverse artists from varied backgrounds to produce outstanding events, editorials and ad campaigns. Joshua asked his daughter Maddie, 11 years old, to be the creative director for this fashion story called "Les filles". She hired her sister Maja, 8 years old and friends of the family, photographer Kah Poon + wife and illustrator Annie Poon to produce these very unique images. Bravo Maddie for your unique sense of style.

Founded in 1893, still cult in 2010...

2010-05-24T21:01:00.002+01:00

How many of the cult brands from your childhood are still around? If you think carefully, you will notice that a fair number disappeared, including Pan-am, Fruit of the Loom, Buster Brown, Tang Powder drink, etc. Unlike those, Petit Bateau, founded in 1893 and worn by generations of French kids is still alive. Still alive, still cult for many parents and their children as the interviews featured on Pirouette show it. I have to say that I am personally convinced by their quality and by their innovative style and communication. Row row row your boat!

India, 5 years old, London

2010-05-24T08:22:00.001+01:00

India Elizabeth Dale Hill lives in lovely Marylebone, London with her father Richard Dale, Creative Director for a TV production company. It's all about fairy tales, princess games and creative arts and crafts in their house.

India

What do you want to do when you grow up
Sing Songs

Your favorite famous person
Jesus

Your favorite book
The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr Seuss

Your favorite film
Disney’s Mulan

Your favorite place for holidays
Mauritius

A city that you would dream to visit
Cannes

Who chooses your clothes in the morning
I do!

What is your favorite color
Red

You favorite brand
Hamley’s and Disney

The piece your like the most from your wardrobe
My flowery dress

What is the next item you would like to get
A Hello Kitty dress

Richard

Your favorite children's brands
John Lewis, John Lewis & John Lewis, then Monsoon and Disney!

Your favorite adult’s brands
Hermes, Land Rover and Berry Bros & Rudd

Your favorite children's stores
Disney store on 5^th Avenue, New York. A tiny clothes shop off the Rue D’Antibes in Cannes, and John Lewis on Oxford Street

Your favorite online destinations
I don’t buy much on-line but love getting toys from The Happy Puzzle Company (happypuzzle.co.uk). Great for toys you can build together and learn from.

The criteria you consider when you buy something for child
How many Barbie dolls does a five year old actually need?

Most expensive item you bought for your child?
A pair of silver sparkly shoes, from Harrods, when she was three. I’ve kept them!

An item that is hard to find
Long sleeved vests for winter

Favorite piece in India's wardrobe
A cream dress from Ralph Lauren a friend gave her. Eye-wateringly priced but has lasted years and washes perfectly – even though it’s dry clean only!

Where are you going for the summer holidays?

Sadly not Mauritius!

Colors of Morocco

2010-05-23T18:09:00.000+01:00

This doll house looking room was decorated by Aurelia Tazi, owner of Flower Power Cafe in Marrakech, with simple founds from the flea market. It is where her friends sleep when they visit her in Morocco, and it is also the place where kids love to hang around all day. Mixing all the colors and prints would make a perfect fresh and fun summer dress...

Precious summer accessory

2010-05-22T17:58:00.000+01:00

I love summer scarves. They are the perfect stylish accessory and they are also quite often a functional, indispensable item. Wether you are switching from baking hot temperatures to freezing cold air conditioned places, or if you are climates where the evenings get chilly, it can really save the little ones from un-necessary throat problems. Belgium brand Bellerose has these long flower and beads ones (170 cm / 66") in 100% cotton, that you can even borrow, sometimes, if the children let you do so. Available at Lillibulle, €48.

Hiroko Balas, 6 years old, Paris

2010-05-20T21:43:00.020+01:00

If you are regulars of Milk Magazine, the face of Hiroko Balas will not look unfamiliar to you. She and her brother Aliocha have been featured in various fashion stories in the famous magazine created by their parents Karel Balas (photographer) and Isis Colombe Combeas (Art director). A great occasion to discover what fashion insiders like Hiroko and Isis really like when it comes to their personal choices.

Hiroko
Do you find it fun to getting ready for school every morning?
Yes, I like wearing a different outfit everyday
Does your mom let your chose what you wearing?
No, she choses for me
What are your favorite outfits?
My grey tee with a guitar to go to school and my white jeans for the week end Your favorite films
Alice in Wonderland, Lilo and Stitch, Fantastic Mr Fox
Your favorite book

Mr Men Collection
A place you visited that left a great impression on you
Texas where I went with may parents and my brother, especially the city of Marfa
A place that you would dream to visit

Switzerland as my friend Maelys id going to move there
What you want to be when you grow up

A unicycle teacher as I love to practice it
Your favorite color
Blue
Your favorite brands
Bonpoint and Pom d'Api shoes
An item that you would really dream to have

Roller skates ans an American Apparel sweater same as my brother has

Isis

What inspires you at the moment
The movie The white ribbon by Michael Haneke

Your favorite children's stores
Sorry but I'll have to pass this one!

Your favorite adult’s brands
Marni and Prada

Favorite stores
L'Eclaireur Rue Herold and Astier de Vilatte in Paris, Spazio Rossana Orlandi in Milan

Do you still have influence on your daughter's choices?
Of course! If I hadn't it would just be pants, pants and pants...

Are there some things she loves to wear and that you are not so happy with? Not really as she is kind of subdued and she quite in tune with my own choices

What is your favorite piece in her wardrobe?
A crazy vintage plad coat from the UK

The most precious item you bought for her?
I used to buy a Marni piece here and there for her but unfortunately they stopped their children's line...boohoo!

Do you do any online shopping?
I am just starting; I like Smallable and Little Fashion Gallery
Where will you spend the summer holidays?
Ile de Re, west of France

Bonpoint, Pom d'Api, Rossana Orlandi, l'Eclaireur, Astier de Vilatte, Smallable, Little fashion Gallery

Impressions on childhood

2010-05-20T06:33:00.002+01:00

Emily Ulmer began her career taking portraits of young people in that pivotal moment of transition from adolescence to adulthood. She has since become attracted to documenting another key moment in life, that of childhood. In her photographs, she attempts to show the beauty of childhood in its most natural state, without the romanticizing interpretation of the adult eye. She usually photographs children in their own environments, in order to capture a sense of their world. Emily does commissioned portraits as well as fashion stories that leave a deep impression of that point in time that we all leave behind. info@emilyulmer.com

From Sweden, with love for tradition

2010-05-18T21:42:00.005+01:00

Many years ago in Sweden, life revolved around the homestead. Beautiful colours and patterns were highly appreciated, decorating both day-to-day life and festivities. Inspired by this heritage, Lycka Form presents a collection of blankets that combine the old with the new, traditional patterns and designs, in a contemporary way. The blankets are produced in Sweden, and made of pure wool. The children's version, measures 100 x 75 cm. It is available in red, yellow, black& white and blue. You can order them directly from the producer www.testwebben.se. Let's hope that featuring winter products on Pirouette today will help summer reach the UK. It's still annoyingly cold here!

Salome Michela, 5 years old, London

2010-05-18T12:52:00.002+01:00

Salome was born in France in 2005. Her parents moved to London soon after. Our interviewee of the day lives in the heart of Mayfair with her two sisters, Ella 3 and little Zoe who was born yesterday. A good occasion to congratulate Sophie, now mother of three girls.

Salome
What you want to be when you grow up A painter
Your favorite famous person Mickey mouse
What makes you happy When I'm painting
What makes you sad When my sister is not nice with me
Favorite book Goldie locks and the 3 bears, Charlie and Lola
Favorite films My neighbor Totoro
Favorite place for holidays Anywhere on a beach
A city that you would dream to visit A city in Japan
Favorite yumme thing Spaghetti
Who chooses your clothes in the morning My mum
Your favorite color Yellow
The piece your like the most from your wardrobe My new tropezienne style sandals
The next item you would like to get An ipod

Sophie
Favorite children's brands IKKS, Bonton, Bonpoint, Caramel Baby&Child, Monoprix
Favorite children's stores Early learning center (arts and crafts), Fenwick on Bond Street, where I find really nice wooden toys and games from French labels Vilac and Djeco
Favorite online stores Amazone for books and dvds, Natoora for food (delicious food and great products from France, Italy and GB), theOutnet.com
Criteria you consider when you buy something for child Is she gonna like it, quality of the fabric
Most expensive item you bought for your child A beautifull dark grey midrise wooden bed from a Danish company
Favorite piece in her wardrobe A pair of 7 jeans with cute with sparkling back pockets
Favorite restaurants Nobu, Yauatcha, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Ffavorite places for the summer holidays South of France and Ibiza, Spain

IKKS, Bonton, Bonpoint, Caramel Baby&Child, Monoprix, Fenwick, Vilac, Djeco, 7 Jeans

Rock'n'huggable

2010-05-17T18:17:00.002+01:00

Plush is a sparkling children’s brand from Belgium. It’s huggable, it’s cute, it’s raw and somewhat rock’n’roll! The handmade colourful high-class tees finished with felt up-prints are very fun to wear. No wonder : the choice of material, colours and forms of the upprints is decided togheter with children. Check out their accessories, a well thought complement to the clothing line.

Issue Three

2010-05-16T15:57:00.000+01:00

If you don't know the online magazine papier mache, it's time to go and check it. Inspiring!

Look up!

2010-05-14T10:55:00.002+01:00

With the Sky Planter, Boskke really transforms the way people enjoy plants in their living environments. This company from New Zealand was no longer satisfied with having plants relegated to the remote corners of a room, so they elevated them into stunning interior features. Living spaces should be as beautiful and tranquil as a forest glade, no? Boskke's designer Patrick Morris found a way of bringing more greenery into homes without cluttering the floor-space. Look up. Children will love this other way of contemplating life!

For wholesale inquiries, contact kip kotzen neo-utility +1 917 209 0559 phone

Jax Brown, 7 years old, Vietnam

2010-05-13T18:20:00.035+01:00

RichBrown, his wife Sam and their 3 sons are Australian, and currently living in Saigon, Vietnam where they moved 6 months ago. A business as well as a lifestyle choice. Rich, initially a science teacher, found a fresh and fun niche in kids streetwear after working in shops and spending some years in surf and streetwear. His brand Munster Kids is sold in really cool children's stores. He and Jax, who likes football, skating, catching lizards, riding his bike and playing star wars on the DS, tell us what they like when it comes to consuming fashion and other cultural items.

Jax
What do you want to be when you grow up
I want to save animals in the wild

Your favourite famous person, real or fictional
Darth Moore (a Jedi from Star Wars, for those who have no boys!)

Your Favourite Book
Star wars

Your Favourite Film
Star wars

Your Favourite Place for holidays
Nanny and Grandpa Farm, Milton, NSW

A city that you would dream to visit
Mos Eisley (located on planet Tatooine in Star Wars....)

The person who chooses your clothes in the morning
I do

Your Favourite colour?
Blue and Red

The piece you like the most from your wardrobe
"dont start wars" tee

The next item you would like to get
Dog

Your favourite children’s brands
Vans, mini rodini , Dues ex machina , finger in the nose , Rittenhouse

Rich

Your favourite adult brands?
Original fake, Stussy, Pam, Rittenhouse, Vans, Koast

Your favourite children’s stores?
Yoyamart, Kidostore, Tinypeople

Do you by a lot online for your children?
We look at alot of stuff online yet tend to buy from stores we visit

The criteria you consider when you buy something for your child?
Fit, quality and would the boys want to wear it

Book on bedside table?
Monster Children

Where are you going for the summer holidays?
Back home to Cronulla Sydney and down to my parents farm on the South Coast

Munster Kids, Vans, mini rodini , Dues ex machina , Finger in the nose , Rittenhouse, Yoyamart , Kidostore, Tinypeople, Koast.

Max and his friends...

2010-05-13T17:57:00.004+01:00

Check out the new products from Sirch. Germans are definitely the best providers of well thought / well done clean&stylish children's furniture in Europe. Max the tractor now has its trailer Lorette, Frantz the wheelbarrow allows gardening with mom and dad and Suiko is simply the perfect crib to make you program a little brother or sister.

Gold is in the air...

2010-05-12T22:55:00.002+01:00

Lots of news on Atsuyo et Akiko's e-store, including these mysterious bags, with their golden masks.

Matching letters tees, just so chic!

David Mota-Pinto, 6 years old, Portugal

2010-05-12T21:30:00.012+01:00

David lives in the beautiful city of Porto. He has an older brother and an older sister; his passion in life is football. His Mom Mafalda owns and manages a sourcing apparel business in Portugal and Tunisia.

David

What do you want to be when you grow up

I want to be a football player and also a magician

What is your favorite famous person

My favorite person is Panda Kung Fu because he wants to save his city

Your favorite book

Lotsa de Casha from Madonna

Your favorite film
How to train your dragon
Your favorite animal
Dolphins and also like dogs if they are small. I have lots of gold fishes and also two birds
Your favorite place for holidays

My favorite place for holidays is Rio de Janeiro and also Vale do Lobo in the Algarve
A city that you would dream to visit

Paris because I love Disneyland

Who chooses your clothes in the morning

Nobody as i have to put my school uniform but other days it is my mom

Your favorite color

Blue and blue and blue

You favorite brands

My favorite brand is Finger in the Nose

The piece you like the most from your wardrobe
Love my leather bracelets , my UGG boots and my new classic navy blaser with gold metal buttons from portuguese brand Risca de Giz

The next item you would like to get

A new ski suit
You prefer shoes or sneakers
Converse sneakers my favorites

Mafalda

Your favorite children's brands
There are several brands that i like for different reasons, for jeans my favorite is Finger in the Nose specially their skinny, also Hackett for a more british look, there's a small spanish brand of stimulating tees called YPorquê that i really like and Villebrequin beach shorts as for sophisticated I like I Pinco Pallino or Monnalisa
Your favorite adult’s brands

Many again for different reasons, my favorite jeans are Seven's , I love Balenciaga and Missoni

Your favorite children's stores

There's a small store in Hale called Plum that has a great quality selection of brands. Harvey Nichols also carries a lot of new brands that i like a lot

The criteria you consider when you buy something for child

Mainly that it is confortable and that he can get to use it in many occasion. Also it should suit is style
The most expensive item you bought for David
A Burberry navy trench coat
Favorite piece in his wardrobe
His Manchester United soccer uniform
Where are you off for the summer ?
We will spend our holidays between Menorca, Monastir and Vale do Lobo, Algarve where david is looking forward to his every year soccer training at the Manchester Schools

I Pinco Pallino, Monnalisa, Hackett, Finger in the Nose, YPorquê, Vilebrequin, Harvey Nichols, Risca de Giz, Converse

Quotables by KicoKids

2010-05-11T19:24:00.003+01:00

Kicokids, the brand that never lacks innovative ideas, is doing this "quotables" project for Spring/Summer 2011. Interactive and fun, isn't it? You can participate, sending your little one's cutest quotes (in any languages, yes!) to info@kicokids.com.

Thanks for helping spreading the words!

Fiontan Staley, 3 years old, Brooklyn

2010-05-11T11:49:00.006+01:00

Pirouette is happy to feature another boy's interview! Fiontan is the son of Bronagh Staley, former fashion editor at Cookie Magazine and owner of Sweet William, a children's clothing store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Bronagh always find the cutest and most innovative brands on the market. No doubt Fiontan is her secret source of inspiration...

Fiontan

What do you want to be when you grow up

A backyardigan

What is your favorite famous person

Pablo

What makes you happy

You make me happy, mom

What makes you sad/angry

Hurting

Your favorite book?

"What do people do all day" Richard Scarry

Your favorite film

The backyardigans

Your favorite animal

A Wolf and a tiger. I don't like dragons

A city that you would dream to visit

New York City

Your favorite color

Blue

Your favorite outfit

A shirt

What is the next item you would like to get

A pirate

Bronagh

Your favorite children's brands

Popupshop, Nico Nico, Angela Devine, Mini Rodini, Talc...the list goes on

Your favorite children's stores ?

Flora and Henri, Makie and Sweet William!

Do you buy a lot online for your children and what are your favorite e-stores?

I don't do a lot of online shopping but I do a lot of online selling!

What are the criteria you consider when you buy something for child

I like clothing made by independent designers and I have soft spot for handmade clothing. Comfort of course is very important

Most precious item you bought for your child

Jan Eleni bedding!

Items that you find hard to find?

Everything is out there, the fun is finding it

Favorite pieces in her/his wardrobe?

Angela Devine jeans, Raincoats by Finger in the Nose, anything from Makie

Where are you going for the summer holidays?

The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. One of the most beautiful places in the universe

Popupshop, Nico Nico, Mini Rodini, Talc, Flora and Henri, Makie, Sweet William, Jan Eleni, Finger in the Nose

Petite jewelry

2010-05-10T16:31:00.002+01:00

Nest Pretty Things Kids is a children jewelry line designed by Tamar Schechner. A former creative director and photos stylist, Tamar started designing accessories and jewelry after moving to a small Vermont village with her husband and three sons, a few years ago. This un-pretentious, well made and affordable collection (from $8 to $32) is available at www.nestprettythingskids.etsy.com.

Simplicity & intensity

2010-05-10T00:20:00.000+01:00

Melanie Rodriguez was born in France in 1980. She was introduced to photography at a very young age; at 15 she started learning film developing process, and she fell in love. That is, in the short version, how Melanie became a full time photographer. Some stories are simple and intense, a bit like Melanie's work.

Melanie Rodriguez is represented by Julie Seguinier (www.juliesagency.com)

TV must see show

2010-05-09T18:06:00.003+01:00

If you have a chance to be in the US this week, don't miss 9 By Design on Bravo TV (Tuesday May 11 at 10pm). This new show about Design just started a couple of weeks ago and I have to say that it's really worth watching it for both the new way of approaching the subject, and for the peep into the incredible Novogratz family. Robert and Cortney Novogratz are one of a kind couple, funny, full of energy, and also parents of 9 children, the youngest being just a over 1 year. The family lives in the heart of Manhattan, and the parents successfully run their own design company. The coming episode will feature the re-design of a client’s office and promises to be once again very unique and much fun.

Rose Carrington, 5 years old, UK

2010-05-08T15:49:00.006+01:00

Rose lives in the UK by the sea, with her older brother and artist mother Ann Carrington. A happy and rich life filled out with nature, dreams and lots of vintage clothing.

Rose

What do you want to be when you grow up

A ballet dancer

What is your favorite famous person

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz

Your favorite book

My Mummy’s nursery rhyme book that she had when she was a little girl called ‘Lavender’s Blue’. My favorite rhyme in it is called Jack and Jill

Your favorite film

Wizard of Oz

Your favorite place for holidays

My Grandma’s house and I like Brazil a lot – but not the beetles

A city that you would dream to visit

The Emerald City

Who chooses your clothes in the morning

Me, of course

Your favorite color

Pink, purple, ‘lellow’, silver and golden

You favorite brands

Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo, Peppa Pig, High School Musical, and Disney

The piece you like the most from your wardrobe

My Dorothy shoes

The next item you would like to get

A Chinese dress, a Chinese hat, a Chinese coat, Chinese shoes and a Chinese cardigan…….Chinese everything because we don’t have anything Chinese to wear in our house

Ann

Your favorite children's brands

My daughter is second hand Rose by name and second hand Rose by nature – there is nothing in her wardrobe that was bought new! Her father deals in vintage clothes and she has everything from a Kiss tour jackets to a wonderful ballet dress designed by Margot Fonteyn’s dress designer (given to her by our neighbour). New things - her grandmother knits her beautiful cardigans, hats and gloves. Primark for knickers and socks!

Your favorite adult’s brands

Moschino, Todd Oldham, Cacharel, Tommy Hilfiger

Your favorite children's stores

I wouldn’t know!

Do you buy a lot online for your children and what are your favorite e-stores?

I do buy a lot of things online. You can get just about everything at Amazon at great prices too: books, toys, films, music etc. If I can’t get what I want there I go to John Lewis or The Early Learning Centre

What are the criteria you consider when you buy something for child

Would Rose like it? Would she wear it? Does it twinkle enough?

Most expensive item you bought for your child

Rose fell in love with a pair of beautiful red polka-dot flamenco shoes that she saw in a shoe shop window while we were on holiday in Las Palmas – so I bought them for her as a surprise - she calls them her Dorothy shoes. I also bought a portfolio of French 1930s school posters from an antique shop near her grandparents apartment in Pezanas, Southern France. They now hang on her bedroom wall

Favorite piece in her wardrobe
The Dorothy shoes!

Where are you going for the summer holidays

We live right by the sea in Broadstairs, Kent – a lovely old English sea side resort. We will be staying at home for the Summer holidays (as usual) as there is nowhere else we would rather be – you can’t beat Broadstairs in the Summer! And all our friends come and stay!

Ann Carrington http://anncarrington.co.uk/
Photos Portia Wilson www.portiawilsonphotography.co.uk

Pour le the, chez Petit Aime

2010-05-07T13:53:00.003+01:00

Notting Hill children's store Petit Aime is a real shopping destination in London. Most of the collections in display come from France : Bonton, Zef, CdeC, Luco, Bensimon, April Showers, Spring court, Finger in the nose, Apolline. The store also carries Belgium brands Maan and Gold, Holly's from Danemark and Dandy Star from the UK. This month, Molly-Meg and vintage children's clothing collector Shona Paterson have teamed up to create a Spring tea party style display in the store. The selected vintage treasures will be available for purchase in-store. Tous a Notting Hill!

Petit aimé, 34 Ledbury Road London, W11 2AB +44 0207 221 31 23

For children, by children

2010-05-07T07:49:00.009+01:00

I am very excited to feature Smories.com on Pirouette. It is a wonderful free website where children can watch short films of new stories being narrated by other children. Smories has been dubbed the "perfect bridge between the traditional book and the future of digital story telling". London duo Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar got the idea for Smories.com while on holiday during a long journey in a very dirty Land Rover from the Kalahari desert in Botswana to Cape Town in South Africa earlier this year. "Our 8 year-old daughter had the idea to film herself reading Enid Blyton short stories with our ipod, and then play them back to her younger sister. This kept them entertained for hours". Mine woke up this morning asking for more smories. A very special bravo and thank you to Lisa and Ralph for their genius idea.

Read more about how to have your own stories published, and how to win a prize on www.smories.com.

Billy Hoyes, 5 years, UK

2010-05-06T15:32:00.003+01:00

A boy's interview, finally! Thanks Billy for your participation...

Billy Hoyes is 5 years old and lives at the top of a hill in the heart of Pennine Yorkshire, in the

. He loves skateboarding, Spongebob Squarepants and collecting rocks. His mother, Lindsay Hoyes, is the Event Director of Bubble London, the

kids’ trade show.

Billy

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A racing car driver

Your favourite famous person, real or fictional?

Lewis Hamilton and Spongebob Squarepants

Your Favourite Book?

Cat in the Hat

Your Favourite Film?

Your Favourite Place for holidays?

Camping in Ile de Re, France

A city that you would dream to visit?

New York

Who chooses your clothes in the morning?

Your Favourite colour?

Pink!

The piece you like the most from your wardrobe?

My batman t-shirt

The next item you would like to get?

Spongebob Squarepants pyjamas

Lindsay

Your favourite children’s brands?

Worn By, Munster Kids, No Added Sugar, Mini Boden and Converse for cool trainers

Your favourite adult brands?

All Saints, Day Birger, Whistles, Converse, Belstaff, 18th Amendment for jeans

Your favourite children’s stores?

Zara, Gap, Couverture, Selfridges and The Old Treehouse up here in Yorkshire – a great little independent with a veritable treasure trove of cool toys and clothes

Do you by a lot online for your children?

I use Mini Boden for staples, Amazon for books, Not on the High Street for unusual gifts

The criteria you consider when you buy something for your child?

Whether or not Billy will wear it, comfort and durability

Most expensive item you bought for your child?

An electric (mini) Mini Cooper car

Favourite piece in his wardrobe?

A Belstaff style jacket and his Converse trainers

Book on bedside table?

The Hacienda -How not to run a club by Peter Hook, Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman and the latest copy of Country Living magazine

Where are you going for the summer holidays?

Aldburgh in Suffolk – let’s hope the sun shines!

Worn By, Munster Kids, No Added Sugar, Mini Boden, Converse, Couverture, The Old Treehouse, Belstaff.

What's up at Pomme?

2010-05-06T12:40:00.001+01:00

Atsuyo et Akiko, Ginette NY, Petit Bateau, Petit Pan, Luco, Apolline, Tamar Mogendorff, and many more cool brands are part of an inspiring mise-en-scene at Pomme. On May 8th, the Brooklyn store will be showing the new furniture and home decor collection from Namhee.

Pomme, 81 Washington Street (corner of York), Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Four hands design

2010-05-06T11:59:00.001+01:00

I just discovered Anaïs & I while I was in New York, a new collection created by Jane D’Haene, former interior architect. Jane works on every item with her daughter Anaïs who has a very strong point of view. She makes sure to tell her mother when something is uncomfortable or when she doesn’t like some details, because she is first the one wearing the clothes. All the pieces are made in New York and are mid to high price ($80 to $130 for a dress).

Fall/Winter 2010 will be available in about 40 shops though out US and internationally. Check Yoya, Kisan Concept Store and Capucine in Manhattan to discover this fun line (from July).

e-store owner/blogger interview

2010-05-05T12:06:00.008+01:00

E-store founder, blogger, mother of Fanny (4) and Sander (8), Carina Schott lives in Rhode Island. She tells Pirouette how Nonchalant Mom started, what's in her mind, what's makes her happy and proud.

"I started nonchalant mom in 2004, moving to a small town in Rhode Island from NYC I didn't know what else to do. I've been in fashion for 25 years, so I had the idea to start a very cool online kids store with all my favorite 'friends' collections from New York City. At the time this was a pretty novel idea; now it's quite obvious. And now Nonchalant Mom is changing and evolving each year as I try to continue to surprise everyone (I'm meeting more and more 'friends' with great collections every day!). You ask me where my business is going in five years and I think what I see is small neighborhood Nonchalant Mom shops in any town, with a mix of fun things for mom and kids -- and then my own collection Nonchalant Kids! (when I can find the time to work on it!). I am pretty committed to community and doing things local, it's my form of being 'green'. So just tell me if you want to be the Nonchalant Mom in your town... and hey, let's talk!"

How do you describe your lifestyle?

I try to be very simple, I do simple things with my kids, grow our own food, eat our meals as a family and live in a happy and loving way.
Your perfect Sunday?

Lying in bed and reading a book, with a cup of tea and a croissant! (although no one in our town makes good croissants so maybe I would have to be in Paris for this perfect Sunday to happen!)
Your inspirations at the moment ?
At the moment it's this pile of dirt in our front yard that I have to turn into a garden pretty soon! But I will be going to the Brimfield flea market next week so maybe I will have a better inspiration after the flea market!
The book on your bedside table?

Don't laugh... Star - How Warren Beatty seduced America by Peter Biskind but then I am also reading Acid and Alkaline by Herman Aihara which is talking about how important it is that your body fluids be alkaline, it's really fascinating!
The music in your ipod?

I sing with my kids a lot so it's ABBA and Steve Miller Band and things like that... we play it loud in the car and sing, I think that New Yorkers really miss this interaction, it's really funny!
Favorite city in the world?

I just got back from Paris so I would have to say Paris, although I love Stockholm so much too!
Favorite stores?

Ha - mine silly! I also LOVE Tortoise in Venice, CA and Eriks Hjalpen in Rattvik, Sweden (it's like Salvation Army in the USA)
Your favorite place for family holidays?

Our friends have an Island in Northern Minnesota - it's heaven on earth! (without a bathroom!)
Your favorite website related to children?

Once again I would have to say - mine silly! But I love Bloesem too! Irene always inspires me to create a better blog!
Your favorite magazines related to children?

Small magazine - I am working on one too... but it's taking longer than I thought and I think it's going to be more of a catalog... not sure yet! (it's only 14 pages so far!)
Your favorite movie to watch with the whole family?

Me and the kids LOVE Marley and Me... my husband stopped watching it with us after about 10 times! (and now we have a dog named Marley, in the picture)
Your favorite possession in your home?

Photos of the kids all over the house! (my teapot also matters to me)
What do you prize most in life?

Harmony (maybe it's because I'm an Aquarius)
What are you proud about?

I really love our home... it's so comfortable and a really happy place to live! And my business, I love it and I think it's really great. I think that some people may say it's their kids but I think they should be proud of themselves... they came out of 'us' but they are their own person.

Nonchalant Mom, Small Magazine, Bloesem.

My own little charm

2010-05-05T11:41:00.000+01:00

New York based jewelry designer Ginette just launched an adorably sweet product : a 14k necklace in which a picture can be inserted. It's easy : you send a picture of your choice, you select your charm and Ginette's magical laboratory takes care of the rest. It's only two weeks to process. Tel +1 212 627 3700

Creature : the puzzle!

2010-05-04T20:46:00.001+01:00

Andrew Zuckerman"s Creature was such a hit, no wonder someone had a the great idea to go beyond the book. This 4 floor puzzle box is just a perfect gift. Two double sided puzzles of 61 x 61 cm (24 x 24 inches), great to play and to decorate a kid's room. Check YoyaMart in New York and Chronicle Books to get it. Also available : creature notecards.

Ella, 5 years old, New York

2010-05-03T23:50:00.005+01:00

Ella is a New Yorker; she has a younger brother, Caspar and a younger sister, Mirabelle, who are twins. She lives in Murray Hill and goes to school in the Upper East Side. Her mother Angela, is an art historian, with a keen eye on what's good and beautiful for her children.

Ella

What you want to be when you grow up

An animal doctor and a mummy

Your favorite books

Curious George and Children of the forest

Your favorite film

Kung Fu Panda

Your favorite place for holidays

Dominican Republic

A city that you would dream to visit

Paris

Who chooses your clothes in the morning

I have a school uniform during the week and on the weekends I dress myself

The piece your like the most from your wardrobe

My dresses and skirts

The next item you would like to get

A dog

Angela

Your favorite children's brands

Dagmar Daley, Makie, Petit bateau for underwear and rain jackets, CZ Baby by Carolina Zapf for cashmere and party dresses, flora and henri for jeans (great colors), Stride Rite and Pepe Shoes

Your favorite children's stores

Kid O, Pomme, Lucky Wang

Where/what do you buy online for your children?

purlsoho.com, zappos.com for sneakers

The criteria you consider when you buy something for child

Originality, functionality, durability, sustainability

Most expensive item you bought for your child

An Ellen Berkenblit watercolor
An item that is hard to find

A good coat, hats and mittens

Favorite piece in her wardrobe

A mor mor rita furry sweater

Your favorite adult’s brands

.Maria Cornejo, J Crew, Marni, Tomas Maier bikinis, Lutz and Patmos knits

Favorite places for the summer holidays

North Fork of long island, Swiss mountains, remote Greek islands

Dagmar Daley, Makie, Petit bateau, CZ Baby by Carolina Zapf, flora and henri, mor mor rita, Stride Rite, Pepe Shoes, Kid O, Pomme, Lucky Wang

Meatpacking District Must See

2010-05-02T23:18:00.002+01:00

Nothing more energizing than a tour at YoyaMart. The store has great music, a fantastic selection of books, toys, clothes and sneakers. Don't miss the Ugly Dolls in neon colors, the flower print dresses from Essentiel, the summer light windbreakers from Bellerose, the Dude Toys that can be customized by inserting a photo in their faces, and the 6.0 new line from Nike. For Fall, YoyaMart will introduce Paul Smith Kids as well as a new jeans project by Levi's. YoyaMart,15 Gansevoort Street, New York - (212) 242-5511.

New York Kids

2010-05-02T04:17:00.001+01:00

I met these kids on Lafayette. They were walking with their friendly mum (hard to find parents who allow pictures of their children to be posted on internet). With their incredible energy, their big smiles, their colorful outfits and creative hair styles, the three brothers and sisters made my day!

Kids furniture wanted...

2010-05-01T07:50:00.002+01:00

Milan Furniture Fair was packed with colors, great material innovations and playful shapes. Children were quite largerly featured in catalogs and other selling tools, but I have to say that there were rather few products directly related to children. Nothing like the last decade that so many proposals for the children's rooms and play areas. Let's hope that a new generation of designers is working on projects for the coming years. If you hear of anything interesting, let me know!

Photos Moroso, Lago, Marcel Wanders, Constance Guisset.

Jade, 7 years old, France

2010-04-29T22:32:00.013+01:00

Jade was named after a stone that her father offered to her mother the day they met, in Australia; she was born in Sydney, 7 years ago. Her parents and older brother moved to France soon after. Gaelle Le Boulicaut her mother is a freelance photographer who mainly works for Elle Decoration, Madame Figaro, Case da Abitare.

Jade

What you want to be when you grow up

I am not sure , either a school teacher or a photographer

Your favorite famous person

Princess-Zoulou-Zazou

What makes you laugh/happy?

Daddy's jokes

What makes you sad

Nothing

Your favorite film

Trouble at Timpetill by Nicolas Barry

Your favorite places for holidays

St Barth's Island and Sydney

A city that you would dream to visit

Shanghai

Who chooses your clothes in the morning

Maman in general, myself if only Daddy 's around

Your favorite color

Turquoise blue

Favorite brands

Petit Bateau, Monoprix, Abercrombie and Fitch

The piece you like the most from your wardrobe

My new cigarette pants in black and white

The next item you would like to get

A new pair of Converse in red

Gaelle

Favorite children's brands

Lulu gaufrette, Petit Bateau, Catimini, Kenzo kids, Monoprix

Favorite children's stores

My mother's attic; she's kept all my Liberty shirts and skirt, white crocheted dresses, Start Rite shoes, my Petit Bateau PJs up to the age 6 so Jade has been wearing those clothes a lot. It was my favorite way of dressing her, mixing vintage and new clothes.

I also like the 60's vintage stores in Sydney and Perth; Petit Bateau which is so easy and so reliable, Kenzo kids and Catimini for their prints, Monoprix for the money value, good quality and surprisingly good design.

Favorite online stores

I never buy Children's clothes online, or clothes in general online. Only books and cameras

Criteria you consider when you buy something for child

It needs to look good and to be comfortable to run and play with + easy care

Most expensive item you bought for your child

A tweet coat, so cute, it was impossible to resist!

The outfits you really enjoy to see her in

Dresses, and all the white tutus and glittery tops that I don't have the age to wear myself anymore... it is great to be 7 and to be able to walk around in a princess dress with a pair of biker boots to go shopping. I don't have the guts to do that any longer

An item that is hard to find

The perfect white summer dress, and little kaftans for the beach

Your favorite adult’s brands

Chloe, Kenzo, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michel Vivien for shoes, Earnest Sewn for jeans

The book on your bedside table

Vanity Fair and also The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

Your favorite places for the summer holidays

Basque Country in South West of France

Lili Gaufrette, Kenzo kids, Petit Bateau, Monoprix, Abercrombie and Fitch, Catimini

Evolutive desk

2010-04-29T10:15:00.007+01:00

As an architect mother mentioned in her Pirouette interview last month, it is hard to find nice furniture for kids, well designed, that will not look odd or too funky and will blend nicely with the rest of a house. German brand Perludi has a whole range of products that are both playful, stylishly neutral and well done. They presented their brand new born CASPAR in Milan, and that was probably the only new piece of furniture for Kids I saw in the whole event. CASPAR is a beautiful desk that reminds a bamboo forest. It is made out of massiv wood and it (and its matching chair) can grow as fast as a child, as fast as the bamboo.

Dog Light

2010-04-27T23:36:00.002+01:00

Sampson is a Dog Light by James Plumb , made by hand from reclaimed wood and old pub sign lights for a head. Presented in Milan, Sampson is a limited edition of 25 pieces. Be aware and let the children know: it looks like a toy but it is not a toy!