It was the off-the-shoulder Evangeline dress that had us hooked. Then the Isabel dress. Talk about chic childrenswear...
We were so excited to discover New York-based kidswear brand Tuchinda, especially because the options for boys are just as good as the girls. Why do we love it so much? Well, for starters the New York-based founder Tina Tuchinda has two sons – 1 and 4 – herself so understands every mum’s dilemma when it comes to finding something to wear for your child that (a) you love and (b) they’re happy with. Add to that a heap of sophistication, organic fabrics and artistic designs which as well as being creative and fun, are also very stylish. A Parsons graduate, Tina was all set to embark on her career full-time designing womenswear when she fell pregnant with Hunter. She became a stay-at-home mum after her son arrived – only she couldn’t ‘stay’ still and instead would design and sew kidswear during his naptime. Soon she was designing, sewing and cutting outfits for all of Hunter’s friends too. Tina, who was born in Korea but moved to the States when she was four-years-old, says her design style is influenced by Milanese, Parisian and Japanese fashion. Dressing children from 12 months to 16 years, she believes in incorporating stylistic aspects and attention to detail not normally found in children’s clothing. Take her gorgeous Irene Blouse and matching Sasha Skirt, for instance, with their precision patterns and beautiful organic cotton softness. Or, there’s the incredibly stylish Emilia Top and Lola Shorts. Little boys meanwhile, look like stylish little men in her Hugo Shirt. We chatted to the stylish mother to find out more about life behind one of the most covetable kidswear lines of the moment. Go to www.tuchindadesign.com
When I wake up…
My one-year-old and four-year-old son are usually in some configuration all over my face and body… yes, we co-sleep with our kids, sigh.
Before I go to bed…
I try to squeeze in some Instagram time for my business and teach myself some French.
I treat myself by…
Horseback riding, learning cello, starting a new hobby/craft.
Life in New York is…
Like opening a surprise gift everyday. Each new day, each new person, every street corner brings a set of new opportunities… it’s awesome!
My role model is…
Anyone who has truly found inner peace and is a truly authentic being.
The definition of success is…
Happiness.
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing today…
I’d open as many orphanages and children’s shelters as I possibly could.
My mother taught me…
True GRIT, determination and perseverance.
My top business tips are…
To choose a business that is beyond yourself and just making profit. Starting your own business can be so challenging and exhausting that you might often want to call it quits, but if you have a business with a cause, or meaning then it reminds you why you are working so hard. For me, when I’m at my breaking point, I think about all the children who won’t be helped if I don’t donate my time and money, then it gives me renewed energy to keep going and improve!
Happiness is…
Inner peace.
My career path has…
Has been enlightening in many ways in the journey to find myself and my place in the world.
I’d describe Tuchinda as…
A special journey through life.
Designer Tina Tuchinda with her husband Jay and their son Hunter
I like to dress my sons in…
Whatever mood I’m in that particular season… this season it’s a bit boho tropical Brazilian.
My biggest career highlight was…
Finally making a profit and being able to fulfill my true passion… donate a percentage of our profits to Children’s Rights and work with them to advocate for the welfare of abused and underprivileged children.
2016 is going to be the year that I…
Focus on sustainability for my personal life as well as my business.
My new collection is…
Inspired by the Gap year I’m dreaming of taking with my family to all the exotic, inspiring, cultural places around the world.
The process behind each piece is…
Like many artists, very personal and a reflection of the transformations in my life.
I’d describe the Tuchinda child as…
Free as a bird and as mindful as Buddha.
My time management secrets are…
No secrets. I’m just trying to maintain yin/yang balance in all my ‘roles’.
Having my own business is…
Inspiring, liberating, and humbling on the good days… stressful, exhausting, and again humbling on the bad days.
My style essentials are…
Whatever everyone else is not wearing… but still allows me to run after my two very active boys.
I relax by…
Horseback riding and learning something new (new language, new instrument, new hobby, etc).
I get stressed when…
Anything bad happens to my family and when life gets stagnant, so I make sure it stays exciting.
My next travel destination is…
Reality: India for production. Dream: trying to persuade my husband to take a Gap year and travel all over the world with our little family.
After I finish writing this I’m going to…
Install a birdhouse in my window (that I’ve been promising my four year old for some time now) and finish up my macrame plant hanger!