Mini Mode: Access All Areas
Mini Mode Global Kids Fashion Week returned for its fifth season during London Fashion Week last month showcasing an eclectic mix of diverse and extraordinary childrenswear designers from around the globe. I was there reporting exclusively for Dixie Magazine.
Founded by Amanda Rabor, Mini Mode is about empowerment and building self-esteem for kids, whilst contributing a new business and fashion model for the industry on a global scale that promotes inclusivity on every level. Amanda said: “This was an amazing show. We have a huge Mini Mode family which is going from strength to strength and I’m extremely proud of everyone who made Season 5 magical!”
This season opened with an Industry Show attended by the press, buyers and celebrities. I caught up with some of them on the Red Carpet. Danielle Mason (Actress/Model/Presenter) told us ‘I love everything about London Fashion Week. I think its brilliant. Today is about the children and, as I have two young children, I like to see what there is for my kids. It’s important for them to be nice, smart and fashionable. I am excited to see all the designers today.’ Honey G (RAP Artist/X Factor) said ‘My favourite thing about Kids Fashion Week is seeing the kids enjoying themselves. Fashion is a creative thing so it’s good that kids get the opportunity to express themselves in different ways whether it be through clothing or anything else so I think it’s amazing.’
TV personality and mother of one, Cara Delahoyde-Massey and mum of one Amy Ashton were debuting their new childrenswear brand Embroidery by FJ on the runway. Cara was really enthusiastic when I spoke to her on the red carpet, ‘I am so excited for today as we have our clothes walking and we are excited to see the kids in our creations; nervous but excited. We have only been going for a year so we are so humbled to be here and not taking the opportunity for granted. This is kicking off a positive year so far and hopefully it will continue.‘ Cara was joined on the red carpet by her husband, and fellow TV personality, Nathan Massey. He said ‘They have worked really hard. They started off in their kitchen and do all the clothes themselves. It’s great that their hard work is paying off after seeing everything that goes into it.’ Embroidery by FJ is named after Cara and Amy’s their much-loved sons Fred and Joey, and provides unique, quality items that you can personalise for the little man or lady in your life without breaking the bank. The collection was stunning and very well received during every show.
As well as reporting, I was delighted and honoured to be invited to make my London Fashion Week modelling debut opening for IScream London (@iscreamldn) in my role as Dixie Magazine Ambassador. For this season IScream had teamed up with the iconic Ace Café to produce a unique and fierce but modest ‘Rock Chic’ collection. The designer, Tara Hanif, was so lovely and explained to me backstage that each look was a unique piece made with vintage clothing from her archives with a modern twist added. We had a great talk about her creative process and it certainly worked. Kate Hill also collaborated and added some exciting accessories to set off the looks. All the models for this collection were excited to showcase it and the pieces clearly brought out their inner confidence.
The event showcased designers from around the world. A*Dee (UK) presented a beautiful collection of complete luxury outfits for girls aged 2 - 12 years. New brand Mitch & Son (UK) showcased a fresh and stylish collection of boys aged 6 - 12 years. MiTCH creates entire looks with elements that can then be mix and matched to create different outfits. Baronessa Demi-Couture (Latvia) wowed the audience with exquisite silk trouser suits, dresses made of noble materials and decorated with natural rubies, pearls, zirconium and crystals. Beautiful embroidery, luneville technique and filigree
handcraft finished off a fairy tale collection. Kids fashion expert & stylist, Kate Hill (UK) launched collaborations with award-winning kid’s sunglasses brand Zoobug London, a DISCO DIVA clothing capsule with Rich Fashion and an ICONIC DISCO glitter with Galexie Glister. These were stand out collections and brought out the inner diva in all the little models. LB Swim (UK) is a luxury children's swimwear brand made from ECONYL® - a regenerated nylon yarn made from recycled ocean plastic and landfill waste. All LB Swim’s swimwear was super cute in a variety of fun colours with the added benefits of SPF 50 protection and resistant to damage caused by sea salt, chlorine and sun cream. Each season, Billieblush (France) creates a themed collection that offers everyday pieces as well as perfect little looks for special or formal occasions. Charabia (France) presented a beautiful, bright and happy collection. Leya Me (Russia) showcased a modern, cheerful and energetic designer range.
Bellos Boutique (UK) is a brand inspired by the 1940’s traditional English style of bows and bonnets for the girls and braces for the boys! It was certainly an audience favourite. BEBEBEBE (Korea) is a contemporary kid’s designer who presented a collection featuring delicate detail and original design. Little People London (UK) showcased unique fashion for kids with an adult level of style. Ray and Roy (Nigeria) presented a stunning collection of luxury dresses for girls, and also announced the launch of their Mummy and Me options.
MadPax Backpacks (USA) showcased their new ‘Hex - do you have Hex Factor’ design and new additions to their metallic ranges. Princess Ford (Nigeria) is a recognized international luxury brand for children and they presented a beautiful range of miniature ball gowns and ballerina dresses for all occasions. The Bow Kids (Egypt) staged delicate and beautiful princess dresses for little girls and their mothers. Présent de l’ondée (Japan) presented playful and fluid designs in their children’s formalwear bringing a new style to the runway.
The second day saw two consumer shows where members of the public could see the collections on the runway but also see them up close in a show room where they had the opportunity to purchase some of the styles directly. For these shows I had the opportunity to chat with some of Mini Mode’s regular models backstage while in Hair and Make Up by Wow Beauty and Costello Creations. Kay created some amazing braid styles! Emma Gemme, a 9 year old model from Ukraine, told me ‘This has been my third season with Mini Mode and I am very excited to be here again. I love Mini Mode for many reasons. It’s always a fantastic show with an array of talented designers from all over the world. It’s an outstanding international fashion event that promotes kids and offers them future opportunities. But more than anything else, Mini Mode is a unique, one of a kind, heartfelt community. I made a lot of friends here. We have fun together backstage before hitting the runway and start missing each other right after the show ends. And it all takes place in London, my favourite place in the world.’
Popular Youtuber and Vlogger, Inspiring Vanessa (@inspiringvanessa), is also a regular model for Mini Mode. She told me ‘My favourite thing about Mini Mode is the experience and friendships I make! Walking on the runway in amazing brands is certainly incredible and getting to see how others get ready for the show has given me an understanding of what goes into fashion shows! Not only do I have the opportunity to walk but I also make friendships with the models and got to share my experience will other like-minded individuals!’ I asked if she had any favourite designers from this season ‘I think my favourite designer would have to be iScream as the whole collection was mainly vintage items of clothing. I am also in love with the Bow Kids Dresses; the girls wearing the dresses created a fairy-tale atmosphere and added magic to the show.’ As well as showcasing designer collections the consumer show put on some great entertainment for the audience including an incredible performance of ‘Into The Unknown’ from Frozen by Julianne Pundan.
I was delighted to catch up with my fellow NYFW model and Singer/Songwriter, Lex Gibbon (@LexGibbon), who was presenting at the event. I asked Lex how she got involved with Mini Mode. ‘I was asked to sing at the first show they ever did. I was so nervous as it was my first real ever performance (apart from singing at school). It was so much fun and I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in performing, modelling and presenting with them ever since. The thing I love most about Mini Mode is that it feels like a family. I have made some of my best friends here and we all support each other. The mini mode team are all so lovely and I really look forward to every season.’ It was Lex’s involvement with Mini Mode that propelled her modelling career. She told me ‘I literally owe Mini Mode everything. I was asked to LA from the Mini Mode show with Lulu et Gigi last year and it’s all snowballed from there.’ Lex’s latest single, ‘Sample Size’, is now available on iTunes and she brought the house down performing it for the final walk of the show.
This was the perfect way to end a great weekend and encompassed everything Mini Mode is all about; inclusion, diversity and acceptance.