BOY WONDER
We are always keen to encourage and promote new textile businesses. Every now and then, one comes along that sums up the compassion many of us share for equality and the environment.
With that sentiment, fashion designer Ismay has now started her own business creating gender neutral children’s clothing called Boy Wonder. With an impressive background in design on an international level, what better way to combine all your passions into a focused outcome. Ismay knows what she wants for her own child’s future, including really cool clothing. We interviewed Ismay to find out more about the new brand and its future.
What prompted you to start designing specifically for children?
I first started designing childrenswear when I worked In London which became what most employers wanted after that. But designing the brand began after having my son. I was frustrated with not being able to find fun, bright clothes for him that weren’t covered in cars and other typical boys stuff! Living in Sweden I started to discover some amazing brands that inspired me to start designing my own.
How does the Boy Wonder himself take to modelling and the influence he has on your designs?
My son took pretty well to modelling. We ended up having two photoshoots due to sampling issues and he was brilliant at the first one, I think the novelty had worn off by the second one! His influence is mainly in that the brand is ethical and sustainable because I want be part of building a better world for him. The organic cotton is kind to his skin and as he loves animals we don’t use any animal products.
What has been the biggest hurdle in starting up your Boy Wonder brand?
There have been so many!!! Trying to source sustainable fabrics made in the UK was very difficult and putting together a good team of suppliers and makers. Most manufacturers don’t have websites or anything so it’s very hard to find out about them and to know what they are like without recommendations.
What lessons have you learnt along the way?
Also been plenty of those! To trust my own judgment more. Sometimes I doubt myself so when other people who are more experienced than me have given me advice I have taken it and it’s not always been right for me or the business.
How do you see the brand evolving and the future of Boy Wonder?
I am not sure at the minute. A lot depends on our crowdfund campaign. If it isn’t successful I will have to re-evaluate my strategy, but I do hope to be able to set up with a retail website in the near future. I have lots of plans and idea for the business including getting it registered as circular and carbon neutral but right now I have to just focus on the present.
We are pleased to be working along side Ismay and the Boy Wonder brand. To find out more about them visit their website here. If you would like to read more about sustainability with regards to digital textile printing at the Silk Bureau Ltd, visit our webpage on the subject here.
