Meet the Woman Behind Luxury Childrenswear Brand Fable & Bear
Huddersfield childrenswear brand Fable & Bear focuses on cute characters, toned-down designs, and organic materials
Tell us about yourself.
I’ve always done childrenswear and knitwear design. I did textile design at uni and worked for high street brands, and did the behind-the-scenes supplier side as well. I also touched on some high-end cashmere brands. I’ve always had a soft spot for childrenswear. It’s always so fun, and it always makes you smile – you can be really creative with it as well! More recently, life’s been about creating opportunities for myself really; seeing the opportunity in the market to do something a little bit different. Fable & Bear started off as me wanting to do organic cotton, unisex and then to go against the typical seasonal fashion calendar. You’re always chasing your tail.
What inspired the aesthetic of Fable & Bear?
I feel like animals always make you smile and I’m an animal lover myself. I’ve always had dogs growing up and grew up in the countryside, so I’ve always been surrounded by animals. I think especially doing childrenswear there’s a lot of character, and you’re always surrounded by character-led products. I didn’t want something crazy bright coloured, or too garish. What would I wear if I was a tiny little person? The palette of Fable & Bear is quite neutral, only the cream and the black just to keep it really simple.
What was the transition into running your own business like?
It was a bit scary, a bit of a plunge, and took lots of chats with family. I’ve got a longstanding relationship with the factory that make them. I’ve worked with them for years and trust the quality and speak to them all the time. It was actually my brother who said ‘you just need to try’. I think it’s not until you work for yourself that you realise you know a lot more than you thought. You know it without realising because you’ve got that background in the industry.
What’s your bestseller?
Definitely the jumpers. I’d say the monkey is really good and I launched a lion a few months ago which has done really well. It’s hard to choose one, but I’d say the monkey is the number one, the lion and then the giraffe.
What’s the feedback like from customers?
With the retail side which is online and a little bit face-to-face at markets and pop-up shops, I can be really reactive to what they want. People think I exaggerate when I say people walk past my stand and there’s lots of oohing and ahhing. It’s so lovely. I’ve always tried to present the pieces in a calming, clean and Scandi way which is like my aesthetic at home!
Tell us about your plans for 2025.
I do obviously want to keep the core of it how it is with the lightweight knitwear and I’m actually increasing the size range. It currently goes up to to three years and I’m adding on a three to four, and four to five. I’ve got a few more jumpers coming in too. A new tiger jumper and a new farmyard jumper will be available from March. Eventually I’d like to do toys and some other products like muslins.
Tell us a local hidden gem.
Slaithwaite – it’s a really lovely village. You can walk the canal and it’s full of independent shops like Acorn and Pip.
Tell us an independent business you’re loving.
One of my really good friends is at Kester Studio. She’s amazing at illustration, and handprints florals with the meaning behind it.
What’s an essential baby item to pack?
I’d have to say a Fable & Bear jumper!
