It's not everyday that you come across one of a kind children's clothing. Banana Bread Baby is a company based in St. Augustine, FL that specializes in great style for kids, and they will be showcased during Jacksonville Fashion Week March 27th-March 30th, 2013. Brittany Alphonso, the creative talent behind this collection, took time to discuss the brand and the upcoming Fashion Week.
On what got her into children's fashion
"When I was 4 years old, I vividly remember walking through a crowded department store and finding a beautiful set of plastic glitter shoes with a matching princess gown, and a head piece. I said to my Mom, with extreme passion 'I want fashion and design'.I have always loved pairing colors and textures others were too scared to wear. It turns out it has become very popular, after the fact. I come from a long line of seamstresses that never really sat me down to teach me how to use the machine. I just picked it up like I knew how to sew already. I love bright and happy colors. It's quite the adventure when it comes to my designs.
I really didn't apply my designing skills until I became a stay at home mommy to two beautiful girls. My good friend Serene and I decided to start a weekly sewing group / play date to indulge our creative ideas. This was the first time I actually made a child's dress and I was immediately hooked. I quickly began producing dress after dress until I decided my talent should be put to good use. I was expecting my third baby when I launched Banana Bread Baby."
On participating in Jacksonville Fashion Week
"I am overwhelmingly excited and thankful to have the opportunity to show off my talents in children's wear. Moreso I'm excited to be benefiting the Wolfson Children's Hospital. 7 of my 15 models are and were patients of the hospital, children that some never expected to walk, let alone survive. Now they will be walking the runway in my designs. This fills me with great pride and respect for these children and families. I want to create a fun, memorable experience for these children that they can keep for the rest of their lives."
On what inspires the Banana Bread Baby line
"I am inspired by my children on a daily basis. I see their little eyes light up when I show them new fabrics and trimmings. Lynae, my oldest, has already begun designing her own clothes, and hopes to be a designer, just like mommy. I'm also inspired by my natural surroundings. The beach is my next true love."
On trends she likes and doesn't like
"My favorite fashion trend currently has to be the peter pan collars and lace ruffles. I adore the fashions of 1920s and 1940s. I love to pull vintage trends to become modern once again. I know a lot of people are not going like this, but I hate faux -hawks, and I'm not a fan of the Ringo round shaped glasses,sorry."
What we can expect next from Banana Bread Baby
"As Banana Bread Baby is going into the 3rd year of business, I'm excited to announce that I will be offering select designs to be carried in retail. My main goal for this year is to create jobs for local US citizens, both women and men, by opening a local small scale production factory. To this day, I design and produce all of my own clothing for the line, so this will be a big deal for me. I plan to grow my little Banana Bread Baby to become a profitable, meaningful, and self fulfilling company."
Advice to those wishing to work in the fashion industry
"My advice to those who wish to break into the fashion industry is to stay true to yourself and what makes you happy. Not everyone will be a fan, but as long as you enjoy and feel passionate about the pieces you deliver, it's a success."
Banana Bread Baby clothing can be shopped at www.bananabreadbaby.com . Follow Banana Bread Baby on Facebook , and be sure to catch the collection's showcase during Jacksonville Fashion Week March 27th through March 30th.
Comments