Apolina
Apolina Kids clothing is a collection of modern bohemian childrenswear with a sense of craft, thoughtfully produced in India.
Inspired by memories of the cherished pieces from her childhood - dresses hand-embroidered by her grandmother and 1970s hand-me downs from older cousins - founder and designer Caroline Duckett created Apolina, with the aim of creating a line of inspiring childrenswear reflecting her own personal style, for like-minded mamas and their free-spirited babies. Apolina was born out of a desire to create a more authentic style, something exciting yet nostalgic; not a passing trend but a modern bohemian range with longevity and a sense of craft. Apolina is designed in England, but inspired by travel and the natural world. Traditional handicrafts from many different cultures serve as the starting point for all Apolina pieces, particularly folk art from Scandinavia, Mexico, America and Eastern Europe. The colour palette looks to unusual colour combinations found in nature, and the relaxed silhouettes are designed mindfully to ensure children are comfortable and able to play freely as well as allowing for growth thus ensuring an increased wear-time.
All garments are proudly and ethically made in India, at a small family-run sample workshop where the free-hand machine embroidery is created by true artisans. With a focus on highlighting traditional Indian craftsmanship, Apolina works with a family-run Indian manufacturer, who employs equal numbers of women and men (unusual for this industry). Ethical trading and production practices are strictly adhered to and workers are not only paid a fair wage, they are also treated as members of the extended family.
Each item is unique due to the hand finishing of the garment, and styles are produced in limited numbers through 'small batch' production. Each style is seasonless and has been designed to be layered up or dressed down depending on the weather, to encourage maximum wear / minimum waste and to help remove the idea of disposability in fashion. Each Apolina piece is designed to be cherished and passed down to younger siblings, and then kept by mothers as a reminder of precious childhood memories, with the hope to be given to grandchildren as a future heirloom.
Apolina’s AW21 collection returns to the original bohemian inspirations of the 60s and 70s, recalling the volume silhouettes, elaborate sleeves and midi skirt lengths of Talitha Getty in Marrakesh. Relaxed and romantic styles play with print in this collection: bold border prints inspired by childhood clothkits ensembles and vintage bandanas, and folk florals reminiscent of Russian fairy tale illustrations. Naive embroideries reference Swedish folk art and are complimented by Apolina's signature hand finishings. Soft 1930s peach melba and pale pear tones mingle with a natural palette, while the prettiest misty blue and snowdrop white evoke winter skies and tinted snow at sundown for a perfect, muted winter mood. Designed for creating dreamy layered up bohemian looks that bring the sweetest cosiness to cold days.
