Oscar de la Renta is the latest designer to launch a children’s wear line, although it will buck the current trend for children looking like mini adults.
WWD reported December 7 that the label has taken on childswear expert Catherine Monteiro de Barros as vice president of design for children’s wear, with the in-house collection currently in development. Monteiro de Barros, who founded the now-closed luxury children’s brand Papo d’Anjo 17 years ago, has been quoted as saying she wants the line to appeal to those who “want their children to look like children” — so don’t expect creations inspired by de la Renta’s extravagant red carpet organza gowns. There will be lines for both girls and boys, aged between 18 months and 14 years, with the first complete collection set for release at OscardelaRenta.com, freestanding stores and selected retailers for Fall 2012.
A capsule collection will also be on sale at luxury department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Harrods, as well as at Oscar de la Renta boutiques for Spring 2012. There is currently no information on pricing. In recent years de la Renta has created limited-edition clothing for children in honor of charitable causes, although the decision to expand more seriously follows an increasing trend for fashion savvy youngsters, spearheaded by the likes of mini style icon Suri Cruise and singer/designer Gwen Stefani’s well-heeled sons. Over the past year labels including Stella McCartney, Fendi and Gucci have all expanded into the children’s market. Last month there were even rumors of singer-turned-designer Victoria Beckham, whose five-month old daughter Harper Seven Beckham has already been spotted in Chloé and Stella McCartney, delving into the realm of children’s design. – Yahoo
