Kidswear should make you smile. After all, if you can’t wear loud, colourful, creative clothes when you’re a child, when can you wear them?
LA kidswear line Ultra Violet Kids was founded Michelle Chaplin and inspired by her daughter and mini muse Violet. It all started around the time her daughter turned one. Chaplin made her a crop top and harem pants out of a bright African fabric she had lying around. Violet wore it at her birthday party and her friends and family loved it. It sparked an idea. “That outfit made me think there might be more to it than just a cute outfit, this could be my next step,” recalls Chaplin. Fast-forward two years and Ultra Violet Kids is stocked around the world. Everything is made in LA and almost all of the brand’s clothing is made from sustainable fibers or deadstock fabric (which basically means fabric that may have been sent to a landfill has a second life). They use 95% deadstock fabrics sourced at the market. Once a style is sold out, you will never see it again. The new FW 16 collection was inspired by 1970’s psychedelic culture and the 1990’s rave scene. “It’s a colorful, creative and playful collection for kids to really have a blast wearing,” says Chaplin. We caught up with the talented designer to find out more. Photography: Khali Macintyre | Go to www.ultravioletkids.com
When I wake up...
I get up and make coffee and catch up on Instagram and Facebook. Make a morning post and take a shower.
Before I go to bed...
I brush my teeth, wash my face and usually watch something. My favorite shows currently are Halt and Catch Fire, Mr. Robot, Narcos or Masters of Sex.
I treat myself by...
Going to dance class a couple times a week. Currently I love Afro-Funk and Yoga Booty Ballet. I also love a good massage or spa day.
Life in LA is…
The weather is lovely year round and the people and lifestyle is really laid back.
My role model is…
My mom is incredible. She has always been able to balance work and life. She is really smart in business, good with money and my biggest fan.
The definition of success is...
For me success is having a live/work balance, feeling whole and happy.
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing today…
I would be traveling. Running my own business can be very challenging. I am happiest when I explore new places, textiles, people and food. The stresses of everyday life are so different when you remove your day to day routine from the equation and break free of your comfort zone.
My mother taught me…
To work hard, never give up on your dreams and if she doesn’t like what I’m designing it will sell.
My top business tips are…
Really know what you are getting into when you start your business. Organize a great team that you like and trust, learn to hand over tasks that you are too busy to manage and let go, you can only control so much.
Happiness is...
Laughing with my family, kissing and tickling my beautiful daughter, being held by my husband.
My career path has…
Changed and evolved. The leap from womenswear to kidswear was a leap of faith and has changed my path greatly. I am excited to grow Ultra Violet Kids and see what the next chapter will be.
I’d describe Ultra Violet Kids as…
Grown up clothing for the not yet grown up. It is bright, colorful and happy, just like the kids that wear it.
I like to dress my children in…
Comfortable, fashionable clothing. I think kids should have their own voice and be able to dress themselves. Violet is really into dresses and skirts, she loves purses and wears different shoes everyday.
My biggest career highlight was…
Launching UVK. It has grown so much in two years and overall has been the biggest highlight in my career.
2016 is going to be the year that I…
Learn to let go of what could have been and be present in the now.
My new collection is…
Colorful and fun like a 70’s psychedelic trip met a 90’s rave.
The process behind each piece is…
Inspiration which leads to the design of the piece and then I make patterns, pick fabrics, make samples and fit.
My time management secrets are…
Working when my daughter is asleep and at school and when she’s with me try to be present and have fun.
My style essentials are…
Great jeans, clogs, jumpsuits and a smile.
I get stressed when…
Money is pumping out but not coming in as quickly. Running a company can be pretty stressful. We rely on our www.ultravioletkids.com to generate sales and good weeks are crucial to our success.
After I finish writing this I’m going to...
Get back to work.