If you follow the kids wear scene, I’m sure you’ve heard the name Bandy Button once or twice. This cool French brand for kids came seemingly out of nowhere a few months ago with their first capsule collection ‘Los Angeles in the 70’s. The relaxed styles, bright colours and retro vibes are totally reminiscent of the collection’s name and we love it! We chatted with Jessica Ben-Ami, creative director for Bandy Button, enjoy the read!
JS: Being a French brand, what made you choose a Los Angeles theme for your debut collection?
JB: I have chosen this theme because of the atmosphere, the energy; The 70’s is actually a period of time I would have loved to live in. But being born in Paris in 1982, this is totally hypothetical. Since I can remember, people are telling me that I should have been born in the 70’s. It is made for me. I love all the retro, clothes, furniture, art, music….
JS: What were your expectations versus the reality of the release of your first collection?
JB: Even though we were confident for this collection, we honestly didn’t expect such a big enthusiasm from the public so fast. Customers, very fast, started to take amazing pictures of their kids wearing Bandy Button clothes and shared them on social media. I would like to thank each and every one of those fantastic customers for supporting the collection.
JS: It must have been quite an experience starting a new brand. Knowing what you know now, if you could do it all over again, is there anything you would change?
JB: I would not change a thing regarding the launching of the brand; I couldn’t dream of a better start! However, we could have produced more. We were sold out very fast on most of the items, and I would have loved more kids to wear our debut collection.
JS: Can you tell us about your creative process? When you’re designing, what factors do you consider? What’s on your checklist?
JB: I always start with a theme, an atmosphere and I get totally into it. Then I start drawing some patterns, shapes that will appear in the collection. Finally, I draw the different pieces, always starting with the sweaters. They are my favourites and are a must have for the kids!
JS: We’re curious about your personal style. What’s your typical daily look?
JB: AHhahahh, I have a very relaxed style, very simple. My priority is to feel comfortable in my clothes. The most important are for them to have the right shape and fabric. Most of the time I wear jeans, All Star sneakers, Doc Marten boots. I am a big fan of stripes, old jeans, and vintage jean jackets that I redesign myself. I sometimes feel more rock & roll, sometimes more bohemian, depending on my mood of the day.
JS: Are there any fashion trends that you love or totally hate?
JB: I am very open on the subject. I like many things and many styles. I don’t really like fitted clothes. Being comfortable is a priority for me and also for the kids. I really prefer loose cut garments.
JS: What are three objects that you can’t live without?
JB: I am totally addicted to my smartphone. I know… it’s a very bad habit. My lip balm. It’s like a habit, I use it all the time! I never wear makeup except on special occasions, lip balm is the only thing I put on every day. The third one would have to be my computer.
JS: What was the most popular piece from the collection? Which is your personal favourite?
JB: The swimming suit Balboa was the most popular item for this collection. My favourite items are, many actually, the Swimming Suit Balboa, the West Hills Jacket, the Stone Hills sweater and the Holly Jumpsuit.
JS: Your brand came out onto the scene with a bang and had such great response! We are all eager to know what to expect for your next collection. Could you give our readers a hint?
JB: The theme for the collection AW 2017 is based on the ‘Animal Instinct’. It will also be a capsule collection with 17 different models. From SS 2018 we will expand to 30 models and we will size up to size 12.
Some Bandy Button pieces are still available at mo+me. Junior Style readers receive 20% off with code: juniorstyle
Or visit the Bandy Button website here
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