Kidswear therapy

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. Episodes available on YouTube  https://youtu.be/Q0hbUnklT24   Thinking about working with a sales agent? This week on Kidswear Therapy, Katie and Linda chat with Catherine Brooks of The Alioli Agency about what agents look for in a kidswear brand, when a business might be ready for representation, and why good product, strong photography, production planning and clear agreements matter. Melissa Fletcher is back with practical advice for brands preparing for AW27: contact buyers early, focus on the retailers who are right for your collection, and find out which trade shows they plan to attend. There’s also a chat about the value of industry events, plus a look at the designer tote bags that have become collectors’ items. Chapters / topics 00:00 — Welcome to Kidswear Therapy 01:22 — Meet Catherine Brooks, kidswear sales agent 03:06 — When is a brand ready to work with an agent? 03:32 — Production capacity, quality and lead times 05:12 — Trust, communication and the brand-agent relationship 07:44 — What agents look for in a kidswear brand 09:32 — Retailer expectations, late deliveries and chasing payments 12:05 — Why an agent can’t create overnight success 14:02 — Clear agreements, the rewards of agency and trade show connections 19:00 — Designer tote bags and trade show nostalgia 22:32 — Melissa’s AW27 buyer outreach advice 23:09 — Why brands should contact buyers early 23:48 — Finding the right retailers for your collection 24:06 — Ask buyers which trade shows they plan to attend 25:59 — Trade show preparation, press and brand visibility 29:57 — Wrapping up and looking ahead to Istanbul     ////////////////////////////////// Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Produced by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe Hosted by  Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com   Special Guests: Catherine Brookes  https://aliolikids.com Melissa Fletcher   https://www.fletcherbrandconsultancy.com        

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. Episodes available on YouTube  https://youtu.be/YropLfCN1a0   This week on Kidswear Therapy, Katie and Linda get talking about the Victoria’s Secret show: its impact on young audiences, body image, and whether the products live up to the hype. Then trend forecaster Fiona Coleman joins them with a fresh way to think about kidswear colour for Autumn/Winter 2027/28. Consultant Melissa Fletcher shares ideas on using AI to help promote a Spring/Summer 2027 collection and support the retailers selling it.   Chapters / topics 00:00 — Welcome to Kidswear Therapy 01:28 — Victoria’s Secret: the show, body image and product quality 08:12 — Young kidswear brands and what to expect from an agent 09:01 — Introducing colour forecaster Fiona Coleman 11:43 — AW27/28 kidswear colour trends: “punching” colour 15:07 — Introducing Melissa Fletcher 16:04 — Using AI to promote an SS27 collection and support retailers 20:04 — How brands can use AI in their work 21:20 — What Katie and Linda are watching   ////////////////////////////////// Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Produced by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe Hosted by  Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com   Special Guests: Melissa Fletcher   https://www.fletcherbrandconsultancy.com Fiona Coleman.  https://fiona-coleman.com    

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. available on YouTube  https://youtu.be/HAWBiQ4x1AQ     Kidswear Therapy is back with a new weekly format. Katie and Linda discuss the pressures facing kidswear brands, including why established labels are choosing to close, upcoming EPR rules and the debate around AI-generated child models. Melissa Fletcher, former Head Buyer for Kidswear at Harvey Nichols, shares practical advice for founders: gather full-price sales data and honest feedback from independent retailers before promotions skew the picture. Use those insights to make stronger, more commercial decisions for Autumn/Winter 2027 while keeping your brand’s creative identity. The episode also features Tres London, a premium children’s clothing label, and a look at the seasonal work behind Christmas campaigns, margins and line sheets. Chapters / topics Kids Wear Therapy returns with a new weekly format Tres London and a London press event Kidswear brands closing and the legacy they leave EPR legislation: the impact on small businesses AI-generated child models: questions for the industry Meet Melissa Fletcher, kidswear consultant and former Harvey Nichols buyer Melissa’s advice: use AW26 sales data to plan AW27 Why independent retailers’ feedback matters Christmas campaigns, margins and line sheets Topics for future episodes and a note to friends in Istanbul     ////////////////////////////////// Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe Hosted by  Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com   Special Guest: Melissa Fletcher https://www.fletcherbrandconsultancy.com  

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. available on YouTube  https://youtu.be/vVA5P5w21zI   Join Katie and Linda at Pitti Bimbo 103 in Florence as they explore the defining kidswear trends for Spring/Summer 2027. From tropical prints, bold stripes and summer knitwear to statement denim, sun hats and glamorous occasionwear, they share their highlights from the show floor. The episode also visits Piazza Pirouette, catches up with emerging children’s fashion brands and reflects on the runway shows, creative installations and renewed energy surrounding the international kidswear industry. A lively, honest roundup for designers, buyers, retailers and anyone interested in the future of children’s fashion.   ////////////////////////////////// Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe Hosted by  Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.   available on YouTube  https://youtu.be/J-jekqzERX0   Recorded live at the Pitti Bimbo press day in London in March 2026, Katie Kendrick and Linda McLean catch up after a busy trade show season in Copenhagen, Paris and New York before turning their attention to the upcoming Spring/Summer 2027 edition of Pitti Bimbo 103. Joined by Lisa from the Pitti communications team and journalist Fiona, they discuss the show's new "Pitti Pool" theme, the return of Piazza Pirouette, expectations for the season ahead, emerging trends, and why Florence remains a key meeting point for the global children's fashion community. Part industry insight, part trade-show diary, this episode captures the excitement building ahead of Pitti Bimbo in June.   Reflections on Copenhagen, Paris and New York trade shows. Buyer behaviour and the changing role of trade shows. Preview of Pitti Bimbo 103 and the new "Pitti Pool" theme. Return of Piazza Pirouette and the Summer 2027 runway. Industry insights from the Pitti team and trend forecaster Fiona. Key trends and colours to watch for SS27. Why the mood across childrenswear feels increasingly positive.   ////////////////////////////////// Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe Hosted by  Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com