Hattie’s a new kid on the block

01 September 2018

Hattie & Co is the newest kid on the block when it comes to top designer clothing for children in Bedford. 

Opening in the Edwardian Arcade on September 1st, the small but perfectly formed boutique is stocking five fabulous designers ranging from daywear to gorgeous special occasion outfits. 

Each piece in the collection has been curated by owner Nicola Harris, mother of Hattie. Nicola is well-known as the award-winning owner of George James Bridal in Bromham Road which attracts customers to the town from far and wide. She is keeping up with that designer demand with additional venture named after her new daughter Hattie.

Hattie
Hattie’s mum Nicola opens a baby/toddler wear shops including ranges worn by Royal children. The shop in the Edwardian Arcade complements the multi-award-winning George James Bridal

The brands: 

Rachel Riley is a British luxury baby and children’s wear label. Launched over 20 years ago, Rachel Riley’s designs are known for fine tailoring, exclusive vintage inspired prints and attention to detail such as intricate hand smocking. The brand became a global household name in 2014 when Prince George wore a RR outfit during his first official engagement. Other high profile celebs fans include Suri Cruise and Harper Beckham

Kite, is a bold, bright and beautiful brand with a planet-friendly ethos. Brought to life just yards from the sea in Dorset, every garment is manufactured to the highest quality with the lowest environmental impact. The pieces are all made from the finest organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles with designs drawing from nature. 

Emile et Rose, the Little London 2017 award-winner for best children’s brand is recognised for its traditional pastel pinks and blues. The company was born in 2002 in Devon where all of the design and distribution takes place and continues to flourish under the same family ownership. The fabrics are mainly cotton or cotton rich and comfortable, stylish yet completely practical for babies as they grow and explore their surroundings.

Patachou is produced in Portugal.  It has a chic feel and is of the finest quality. It is the perfect collection for special occasions. The company also takes its social responsibility very seriously too, for every three pieces sold, another is one is donated to a child in need.

Mini-La-Mode is based in Southampton, these baby clothes are made from the highest grade of hand-picked Peruvian pima cotton which is 100% certified for its premium quality and is therefore perfect for precious new born skin. It is allows skin to breathe naturally which is essential for regulating a baby’s body temperature and all the items are lovingly handmade by traditional artisans.

“I feel passionate about choosing products for children that are high-quality with a planet-friendly ethos. We aim to provide exceptional customer service with gorgeous garments to suit all price points,” said Nicola,

“There is a gift-wrapping service for those wishing to purchase items for baby showers and other special occasions. We also provide an on-line service for those who do prefer to browse from the comfort of their own homes.”

Hattie
Hattie greeting guests are here new shop in the Edwardian Arcade

Nicola added:

“George James Bridal was inspired by my beautiful nephew who we tragically lost to cancer five years ago when he was only ten years old. This devastating loss put things into perspective for me and it was then that GJ Bridal was born. Over the last four years I have been  delighted that the boutique has become multi-award-winning and more importantly we have loved sharing the special wedding journey with over 700 brides.

“I got married in 2016 and in January of this year was delighted to welcome into the world our beautiful daughter Hattie Harris. At George James we have welcomed so many lovely ladies who already have families and many of our beautiful brides have gone on to have children. 

“It was following the birth of my own child and having shared precious moments at the shop with all the lovely families that inspiration hit once again and the idea of Hattie & Co was born.

“I am a huge supporter of shopping with local indies and think the Bedford community is thriving with wonderful businesses and I feel there is a gap for a quality baby wear boutique. The bond with a child is so personal that I feel that it is a lovely thing to be able to buy in-store rather than on-line.”

Hattie
It’s exhausting launching your own specially curated collection...

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