Today’s spotlight is on UKFT member Ira & Isla Baby and Kids. “I joined UKFT to access the support advice for Ira & Isla Baby and Kids. UKFT have provided me with practical advice for many parts of the business and we are always in conversation with a member when we need advice,”  said founder Jasleen Kaur said about becoming a UKFT member.

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The luxury British childrenswear brand Ira & Isla Baby and Kids was founded by Jasleen Kaur in London in 2013. Following the birth of her second daughter, Isla, the mother of five noticed a gap in the market for luxury childrenswear handmade in Britain. She said: “The market appeared saturated for childrenswear, yet I could not find high quality classic traditional dresses for the girls.”

Named after her two firstborns, Ira, and Isla, the brand offers simple, well-crafted and timeless clothes for girls and boys from 3 months to 6 years. Jasleen explained:

“I launched Ira & Isla with my husband in London in 2013, shortly after having our second baby, Isla. A womenswear designer myself and interning at Mathew Williamson during my degree at London college of fashion, yet due to economic realities, chose to become a secondary textiles and food teacher. After the birth of Isla, I planned for the launch of Ira & Isla Baby and Kids, which took over 7 years to get off to the ground.”

Using her expertise in sewing and pattern cutting, Jasleen creates garments that have the potential to become family heirlooms. Ira & Isla’s clothes are designed to last long after a child outgrows them, to be passed on to siblings, children and grandchildren. “The only reason an Ira & Isla dress will stop being worn is that they have outgrown after taking the hem down and haven’t been passed on to another child yet,” said Jasleen.

The brand puts an emphasis on sustainability, by introducing responsible practices beyond the fabrics and manufacturing process:

“We sew dresses that are made to last and pass on. Sustainability for us isn’t just about the fabrics and manufacturing process, it’s also about extending the product life cycle through design including generous sizing, deeper hems which can be taken down to help ensure garments fit for 2 years or even 3 years: as children grow fast after all.”

Extending the lifespan of a product and minimising waste is at the core of Ira & Isla’s philosophy:

“We work with manufacturers that offer low minimum order quantities which allow us to produce new designs and reduce waste. It was fundamental to us to manufacture our products in the UK to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. Sustainability is at the core of our business. We design to minimise waste; our packaging is recyclable. We don’t design collections for throw away trends or one day wear.”

 

Proudly made in England, Ira & Isla’s designs are inspired by silhouettes from the 1900’s and are made with traditional production methods. Fine detailing such as smocks and lace trimmings play an important part in the elegance and timelessness of the garments. To create its collections, Ira & Isla works with skilled British artisans:

“Ira & Isla designs are “PROUDLY MADE IN BRITAIN” and we work with a fantastic team of skilled artisans in Britain across all aspects of the business who share the vision for quality and limited production. The seamstresses we work with are talented, experienced, and dedicated to perfection. The combination of both allows us to produce dresses to treasure forever.”

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Ira & Isla Baby and Kids is a UKFT Member. Click on the link below to learn more about the UKFT membership:

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