INTERVIEW WITH EDEN & ZOE – CASHMERE KNITWEAR

Sophisticated and understated. Classic styling with a modern twist. Meet Eden & Zoe, a new children’s clothing brand for children age 2-8 years old.

This first collection of Eden & Zoe is inspired by ballet and the flowing silhouettes of ballet wear, presented in the classic colours pink, white and gray. Don’t all girls dream of wearing their dance clothes all the time?!

Each collection is made in small quantities to ensure quality and exclusivity. All clothes are made from pure cashmere, created using a hand-operated knitting machine and finished by hand.

Please use code “Paris20” for a 20 % discount on all orders. It can be applied during the checkout process and they do ship worldwide! To shop all these lovely pieces, go here.

We interviewed Melissa Wang, the founder and designer of Eden & Zoe.

How would you describe your brand?

Eden & Zoe is a cashmere knitwear brand for children that is sophisticated and understated. My brand represents classic styling with a modern twist. When I am designing, I like to think about the details that make a garment unique yet timeless. Our collection is made from 100% cashmere yarns, which are sourced from the Mongolian highlands. Each collection is made in small quantities to ensure quality and exclusivity. Most importantly, the brand is about your child feeling comfortable and content in what she/he is wearing.

What lead you to working with fashion?

Eden & Zoe are the names of my two daughters. They are my inspiration and motivation. Eden & Zoe was started with a wish to keep them comfortable, cozy and stylish. My girls decided that wool knitwear was too “itchy”, so I started looking into cashmere. Cashmere is a material that I love and I wanted to share that experience with them. Having found the combination of quality and style in children’s knits elusive, I decided to create the clothes myself

How do you define your own personal style?

My style is classic and understated. The details and craftsmanship of what I wear are important to me – be it clothes, shoes, bags or accessories. I also appreciate intricate patterns and textiles. Having said that, most of the time I am dressed in black, gray or dark blue.

Who has been your biggest fashion influence?

It’s hard to point to any one influence. I admire and am inspired by a range of designers from various cultures. I grew up between Hong Kong and London and lived in New York, Beijing and Shanghai before moving to San Francisco. I would say that I am influenced by Asian as well as Western design perspectives.

What’s the biggest highlight of your career until now?

I started Eden & Zoe recently, so my “career” is just beginning! I hope to experience many highlights as I work to build the brand and reach out to consumers wherever they may be.

What do you find most rewarding, and most challenging about your job?

I love designing each collection and seeing it become a reality. I also love receiving positive feedback on the pieces – especially when it comes from consumers whose children are wearing and enjoying them. There are many challenging aspects – where to begin!

What is your favourite item from your AW13 collection?

I like all the pieces in the AW13 collection! My daughters especially love the Darcey and Sylvie dresses and the hand and leg warmers. Personally, I like the Yvette capelet – it is stylish as well as functional and my girls look adorable in it!

What do you like and dislike about the fashion industry?

Since I am new to the industry, I am still finding my way. I have enjoyed my experiences so far. You can ask me again this time next year and I can give you an update!