Pecorella Paris offers a range of innovative and stylish designs for baby, boys and girls from 6 months to 36 months old. Whether it’s a pretty dress for girls, some cool boys jeans, Stefanie understands the various demands of children’s clothing, and that is exactly why she has something for every occasion, including girls flower dresses for ceremonies as well as casual items such as boys trousers and girls jackets for everyday wear.
I had the pleasure to meet the founder of the brand Pecorella Paris, Stefanie Beer-Velez, the other day in her Parisian atelier. Time for an interview!
Would you mind introducing yourself and your brand to our readers?
My name is Stefanie Beer-Velez, I’m originally from Austria. I studied Fashion Design at the French Design School ESMOD, in Munich. For my specification for the last year of studying was “childrenswear”. In 2003, for my final exam I created the Brand name “Pecorella” for the collection to show the jury. Pecorella means little sheep in Italian. The Italian use this word when they want to get sleep the children’s, to count the sheeps “contare le pecorelle”.
After different work experience in France and Italy for different haute-gamme/ luxury brands, I launched my own brand “Pecorella Paris” for baby ready-to-wear in January 2013. Handmade limited collections for girls and boys, from 6 months to 36 months.
What was your background prior to starting Pecorella?
As I’m pattern maker and I always wanted to have my own company, the idea to launch my own brand was just a logical thing.
What got you started working in children’s fashion?
The specialization of my last year of studying, where I noticed, that the world of children’s wear is mine.
Do you have children?
No, not yet.
Tell us a bit about your drive and purpose, your vision for your designs.
To offer 2 collections a year of high quality clothing’s, nearly “unique pieces” for a everyday life with or for special occasions with the permanent ceremonial collection. My idea is that the children wear different styles than you can find at the big chains (fabrication of 20.000 pieces and made in China). All my products are handmade in Paris.
How does your design process differ when designing for boys vs girls?
Honestly, I don’t have different process when I am designing for boys or girls. Mostly, I have an idea (but not very precise) but then I am looking for a fabric and when I found an eye catcher , immediately I have the design of the style in my head.
What do you feel makes your work unique?
The quality of the fabric, all dresses are lined, handmade in Paris, very limited collection.
What’s your favorite design from your current line?
The dress Johanna, it is very classic dress, in grey corduroy with white dots, but I love the detail of the 3 stars on the front.
Do you believe fashion/style is important for children?
Yes, I think it is important to see the changes of fashion, to see different styles.
What are some essentials that every child should have in their closet / toyroom?
For girls: a colourful dress and for boys: a colourful classic shirt.
What do you have coming up that you are really exited about?
Yes! 3 things!
Last summer, I realised during a visit at the zoo, that since more than a year I would like to use “something from nature design” for the new collection, and now I found the right fabrics.
From November 2 until December 30, 2015, I’m showing my collection in the Concept Store “L’Épicerie” located on 13 rue Commines, in Paris. Feel free to stop by.
I’ve also been selected to take part in the Pop-up Etsy de Noel which will take place from 11-13th of December on 30 rue du Vertbois 75003 Paris. Very excited and hope to see you there!
If one of our readers is in your city, Paris, for 24 hours, what things would you recommend they do?
I would recommend to rent a bike for a day and just bike along the Seine, seeing the wonderful architecture and get lost at the small streets, drinking a coffee on a terrace.
Website: www.pecorella-paris.com
