Catching Up With Darlo

If you attended the SS15 edition of Bubble London, there's a good chance you'll remember Rising Star finalist, Darlo. 

The ethical babywear brand launched at July's show - and, when we heard that it would be returning in February 2015, we couldn't wait to catch up with founders Chloe and Jim!

Darlo's organic cotton leggings, vests and babygrows were a big hit at Bubble - not least because each garment provides a week's worth of meals for a child in India. 

The brand is partnered with Mumbai-based charity, Project Crayons, which provides education, shelter, food and hope for children and youths in marginalised communities. Darlo's 'A Little Giving Changes Lives' food programme is just one of its ambitious charitable projects. 

Chloe and Jim decided to found their own social enterprise after being struck by the lack of support available for children in developing countries. 

Since exhibiting at Bubble in July, they've secured their first order, been invited to the Houses of Parliament, and (most excitingly, if you ask us) organised their first lifestyle photo-shoot! Their mini-models, Henry and Willow, are some of the cutest we've ever seen...

Colourful organic comfies for a good cause! What could be better? 

You can catch up with Darlo at the February 2015 edition of Bubble London, where they'll be showcasing a range of new styles and colourways.

Grand Designs: Bubble & Speak Visits Designjunction

It's been a busy few weeks for team Bubble and Speak, culminating in a trip to Designjunction at New Oxford Street's cavernous Sorting Office. 

We spent hours wandering the halls of this renowned design show, which was brimming with exciting exhibitors and unique pieces. 

Alexandra Daisy Ginsburg's installation, Design Taxonomy, was one of the first to catch our eye. Created as part of the Dezeen and Mini Frontiers show, it featured 112 futuristic model vehicles. 

Dominic Wilcox's Stained-Glass Driverless Car was also a real show-stopper. 

Later, we bumped into Bubble favourite Molly-Meg, who had a pop-up shop at the show. We love that cute Lapin & Me lamp! And is that a copy of Lille Nord we spy on the middle shelf?

Finally, we stumbled across this beautiful exhibition, which had been created in aid of Designjunction's chosen charity, Teddy's Wish. Dubbed 'A Child's Dream', it featured customised ercol chairs and Anglepoise lamps. 

We came away feeling seriously inspired! But how about you? What's got your creative juices flowing recently? Let us know! 

aden + anais' Pure Merino Muslin Collection

Last week, our London correspondent went along to the press launch of aden + anais' new Pure Merino Muslin Collection. 

The Bubble brand has collaborated with Woolmark, combining muslin and merino wool to create a range of uniquely soft and breathable products. 

Aden + anais' founder, Raegan Moya-Jones, flew in for the launch, which took place at the Vinyl Factory, Soho. 

It was the perfect setting for the label's ground-breaking merino muslin blankets, swaddles and sleeping bags. 

Available in a range of hand-dyed ombre prints, they're fire-proof, shape-retaining, and - thanks to the wool fibres' natural protective layer - dirt resistant (good news for mums and dads everywhere!)

Woolmark's UK project manager explained that, after considering cashmere for the collaboration, they had settled on merino wool, as it's both luxuriously soft and durable enough to be thrown in the washing machine. 

The range (including these Musy Mate Loveys) has already sold out in America - and we suspect it will prove a big hit here, too! 

Catch aden + anais at Bubble London next February. 

Bubble Goes to London

Bubble and Speak's Northern contingent headed down to London for a couple of days last week. While in Islington (the home of Bubble!), we took the opportunity to visit some great local children's retailers - including Igloo Kids. 

The store had a lovely back-to-school window display - and, once inside, we were thrilled to see some brands from Bubble London on the shelves.

We spotted a whole wall of colourful Country Kids tights, and cooed over the cute Kissy Kissy outfits. This Weekend a la Mer jumper caught our eye - as did a shelf brimming with aden + anais swaddles.

Later, we passed Trotters' Kings Road branch, and couldn't resist popping inside for a look. We loved the in-store hair salon (complete with a giant aquarium), and were delighted to see some Bubble favourites - including Early Days - on display. 

Where are your favourite London haunts? Let us know! 

Beau Loves at Boxpark

Last season, Bubble brand, Beau LOves (you may have read about them here - or here!) won our first-ever Boxpark competition, scooping a free week in one of the mall's 'box shops'. 

Their pop-up store was a huge success, enabling founder, Faye Wilde and team to reach new customers and showcase Beau LOves' latest collection of cool, gender-neutral childrenswear. 

Faye said: "We got to introduce Beau LOves to lots of new customers that hadn't seen or heard of us before, which was great. And seeing the clothes in a shop environment and how the general public react to my brand was really amazing!

"The Boxpark team were so friendly and helpful, and made us feel so welcome! We had a really great time."

We were thrilled to hear that Beau LOves enjoyed their time at Boxpark - and even more excited to see these pictures of their pop-up shop! 

How great do those Beau LOves goodies look in situ? The brand's fun, edgy aesthetic made it the perfect fit for Boxpark, and Faye hopes to return in the future. 

Congratulations, Beau LOves - and a big thank you to Boxpark!