When Gaultier and Lagerfeld Invite Themselves in the Schoolyard

More and more mothers are dressing their kids in reputable designer clothes. This seems crazy to you? It certainly seemed crazy to me before I discovered L’Enfantillon. Its unique concept built around selling samples at up to 50% off retail price, all the time, allows us to indulge.

I immediately fell for the distinctive “out there” colors and style of the Jean-Paul Gaultier collections. My two older daughters absolutely love them. No matter how old kids are, the desire to express themselves through what they wear is as important to them as it is to their parents. It seems to be what drives fashion industry greats to enter the world of children’s apparel.

Jean-Paul Gaultier, named the fashion industry’s “enfant terrible”, is an icon and a great designer. He made his mark in the 80s by designing clothes that broke through the barriers of conformity that dominated the haute couture world at that time. In 1983, his now famous smock is born. It is a symbol that still shines today in both his adult and child collections.

He collaborated with Madonna, and many others, in the 90s. He is the mind behind her famous conical breast corsage. The garment in itself was one of the stars of her Blond Ambition Tour. Gaultier’s work also made a noticed appearance on film in the hit movie the Fifth Element.

In 1985, the Gaultier Junior brand is born. Each new kid collection is inspired by his adult collections. Humor and eccentricity is still at the heart of his work.

For this fall, red and black are ever present but Gaultier has also fashioned some superb pieces for girls in tints of burgundy. This collection for girls and boys is available at L’Enfantillon in sizes 6 months and 6 years. You can come and see them at the store or check out the Pinterest board I set up for you.

Some key pieces of past collections are also displayed at the online store.

Karl Lagerfeld is another name associated with high fashion. His perennially fashionable style, black coat and opaque glasses, make him stand out in all circumstances. As well as being Fendi’s artistic director, the German born French designer also holds this title for Chanel’s haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories design branches.

Despite an impressive resume, Karl Lagerfeld is just now entering the children’s clothing world. Last spring was when his collection, Karl Lagerfeld Kids, was introduced. Sporting a more sober look than that of Gaultier, Lagerfeld still managed to instill some sense of humor in his creations and has even ventured into more colorful schemes than his other work. His famous cat Choupette serves as his muse. She is the prominent star of the kids’ T-shirts. Not so strange considering that it has 90 000 followers on social media networks. He has even dedicated a book to her entitled: Choupette, la vie enchantée d’un chat fashion (Flammarion Publishing).

This fall, the girls and boys collection will be available at L’Enfantillon in sizes 1 month and 8 years. Karl Lagerfeld Kids is the luxury of haute couture collections in a smaller format. A stylishly impeccable workmanship. See the whole collection here.

I am curious…what other great adult fashion designer would you like to see designing kids clothing?