May 23, 2007

Shop without Dropping

Shopping with little kids is tough – that trip to the mall is little more than a ticking time bomb until the inevitable meltdown (yours or theirs). And what exactly are the fashions this season beyond your stroller zone?

L.A.-based Papillon Baby has opened its own virtual store with a worldwide perspective. Popular with socially conscious Hollywood moms, the shop's fresh and innovative designs (not to mention commitment to organic materials and fair trade practices) are part Moroccan bazaar, part French boutique.

In addition to trend-setting labels like Jean Bourget and Gold Rush, Papillon Baby offers its vintage-inspired private label, as well as signature collections. The Devi line for girls features bold and colorful cotton voile pieces hand embroidered in India, while Mr. Kite's hip T-shirts and jeans target the urban, worldly tyke. An eclectic selection of home accessories, mobiles, toys, music and books includes hand-made mobiles from Vietnam, South American knit dolls and little leather shoes.

Many of their unique products are made in small fair trade cooperatives, using native handcrafts and natural materials. Papillon's founders believe it's never too early to promote ethical values and respect for the environment; social responsibility is as important to them as making and selling beautiful clothes.

It's a convenient – and conscious – world view.

Available online at papillonbaby.com.

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