Founded in London in 2006 by sisters Chloe and Sophie, Bamboo baBy is a unique and contemporary brand that aims to have minimum negative impact on the environment. Their fashion led baby and children’s clothing collections are beautifully designed and beautifully natural. Bamboo fabric is organic, sustainable and super eco-friendly whilst being gorgeously soft.

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The Beginning

Sisters, Sophie and Chloe Tostevin always dreamt of starting a company together.  Sophie studied fashion design at Kingston University where she specialised in children’s clothing in her final year. When she graduated it seemed there was no doubt that the business they should start would sell children’s clothing, and hence Bamboo baBy was born.

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Working with a Sister

Based in Camberwell in South East London, the ladies have only good things to say about working with a sibling: ‘we are both very different and have complementary skills and we have always been the best of friends.’

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Why Bamboo Fabric?

Bamboo was chosen as from the outset they knew they wanted to have an eco-clothing company and one with a difference.  Most companies focusing on the same agenda gravitate towards organic cotton and so the sisters instead went for bamboo. Nobody else seemed to be using the fabric and yet it has so many great eco-credentials.

It’s organically grown (certified by OCIA) and being a grass, after it’s cut it regenerates without the need for replanting/reharvesting.  Bamboo can be grown almost anywhere – even on hillsides where nothing else can grow, it needs very little water, and produces a yield 10 times that from cotton. It also takes in more carbon dioxide and gives out more oxygen than other plants and to top it off it makes a super soft fabric.  It really was the perfect choice.
There really isn’t that much difference between bamboo and cotton in terms of versatility – you can make jersey, denim, knitwear and fleece, and it makes the softest of blankets plus super-absorbent towels and robes. It can also be washed in the same way that cotton can.

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The Unique Qualities of Bamboo as a Fabric

Bamboo is thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic (so great for kids with eczema), breathable and absorbent, but best of all is it’s beautifully soft.

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Design Influences

There are many inspirations behind the collections - the ‘Hot Chocolate’ collection was inspired by cold winter evenings sat in front of the fire with a lovely mug of hot chocolate! It was the first time they had knitwear in their collection and they wanted a comfy and snuggly feel for winter, while still keeping the colours very unisex. The autumn/winter 2009 collection ‘Do Not Pass Go’ was inspired by children’s board games and the spring/summer 2010 range is inspired by summer sports. At the end of the day they just want to make really nice clothes for kids.

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What’s next for Bamboo baBy?

To keep making cool kids clothes! They would like to continue to grow by stocking more independent boutiques around the world, and expand the range to include clothing for children up to 10, outerwear, swimwear, sleep wear, more colours and more styles.