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Meet Buyers From… Modern Classic Retailers 
Classic styles are brought to contemporary families through the thoughtful curation of modern classic retailers. These stores find the balance between products that are familiar and timeless, yet designed for the lifestyle of today’s children. We’ve seen more and more of them attend Playtime Paris and Playtime New York as our offer develops in line with the modern family’s tastes. As more brands with timeless collections exhibit at our shows, more of these modern classic retailers are visiting them!
With parents seeking items that are made to last in terms of style and materials, these offers that blend traditional and contemporary designs are appealing to more families. To celebrate this sense of style, let’s meet some modern classic retailers from around the world that are part of our community! Whether with physical boutiques or online shops, these stores are all dedicated to an elegant, sophisticated fashion sense. While each has their own unique identity, they all share a love for timeless designs that become part of families’ cherished memories. Join us as we travel the world to meet modern classic retailers from our community!
Founded by two sisters, Katie and Hannah, Over the Moon is a luxury children’s boutique in Dublin, Ireland. They started with a simple idea – create a space where beautiful, thoughtful pieces for children could be discovered and enjoyed. « We curate collections from some of Europe’s most exceptional brands, as well as smaller independent makers. They all share our values of craftsmanship, quality, and timeless design, » Katie told us. She and Hannah thoughtfully choose each piece with care, and with the intention it will be loved, worn, and passed on.
Katie and Hannah have decided to focus on a more classic offer because they are drawn to pieces that feel enduring, rather than seasonal. They seek out garments that can be worn, loved, and passed down. “The ranges we stock do not go out of fashion,” Katie said. “Timeless design allows the quality of the fabric, the craftsmanship, and the detail to take center stage,” she explained. Katie finds that these pieces give parents confidence what they’re buying won’t feel outdated in a few months, but will rather remain relevant and special over time. “Being able to pass special pieces on to family or friends is a beautiful thing to do,” Katie said. “There is something emotional in classic fashion. They’re the clothes that live on in photographs and memories,” she continued.
At Over the Moon, Katie and Hannah curate their offer to accompany families at key moments. From newborn gifting to special occasions, holidays, and everyday dressing, their customers can find what they’re looking for. “Alongside our wide clothing offer that covers everyday essentials, occasionwear, outerwear, and accessories, we carry a careful selection of gifts, toys, and nursery pieces,” Katie explained.
Their customers value quality, detail, and a sense of understated luxury. “They’re shopping with intention, whether that means they’re looking for a meaningful gift, a special outfit, or pieces that elevate everyday dressing,” Katie told us. Customers come to Over the Moon for moments big and small, whether that’s newborn arrivals, birthdays, or just everyday pieces that feel special. “Newborn gifting remains our strongest category, and we are so delighted to be part of this special time for our clients,” Katie said.
Katie and Hannah always look forward to their buying trips. They feel like Playtime is a meeting point for creativity, craftsmanship, and community. “Playtime is a space where both established labels and emerging brands come together. You can discover new ideas, new textures, and new products there. It’s always an inspiring moment in the season for us,” Katie shared.
Noble Style Setagaya is an online boutique that regularly hosts pop ups around Tokyo, with their next one opening soon in the department store Mitsukoshi-Nihonbashi. The idea for this shop came from the surprise of the store’s founder, Madoka, when she saw a student in her daughter’s kindergarten class wearing a smocked dress similar to what she wore as a child. Then, her fellow mom friends lamented the lack of variety in smocked dresses available in Japan. “So, I started importing smocked dresses from Europe. This year marks the 10th anniversary of my online shop,” Madoka told us.
Madoka loves the longevity of classic fashion. “How many other designs can be worn by your children and grandchildren?” she said. She also finds that smocking dresses are becoming increasingly rare. Madoka wants to preserve this style of garments through her shop, encouraging her customers to discover the beauty of these designs that are meant to be passed down to future generations.
Their clients are primarily girls from 3 to 10 years old. “In Tokyo, there are entrance exams called ‘ojuken’ for prestigious kindergartens and elementary schools,” Madoka explained. “During the preparation period for them, girls often wear elegant embroidered smocked dresses for their lessons and classes,” she continued. Though they discover the wonders of smocked garments for these entrance exams, Madoka has seen many girls continue to wear more casual smocked dresses for their daily lives afterwards.
Playtime connected Madoka to the French brand Kidiwi, who she has a strong relationship with. “The event gave us the valuable opportunity to speak directly with Lanto, the brand’s founder,” Madoka told us. Today they still have a close connection, with Kidiwi providing original models for Noble Style Setagaya based on Madoka’s reports of design and color preferences of her clients.
Founder Genesis created Magic Place Kids with a vision of bringing thoughtfully curated children’s fashion and lifestyle products to families in Honduras and across the region. Her offer is centered around timeless, European-inspired clothing, beautiful baby essentials, and special pieces that celebrate childhood. “In a region where these styles are not always easy to find, Magic Place Kids offers families access to beautifully crafted pieces and brands from around the world,” Genesis said. It’s also a family project, having been built along with her husband and inspired every day by their daughter, Sofia.
Each item for Magic Place Kids is carefully selected. Their assortment covers classic clothing for babies and children, shoes, accessories, baby gear, and toys. “Our goal is always to offer products that feel meaningful, unique, and made to be cherished,” Genesis told us. “In many ways, Magic Place Kids is about preserving the beauty and magic of childhood through carefully chosen objects,” she continued.
For Genesis, classic styles are a way to celebrate the sweet, irreplaceable moments of childhood. She also loves them because of her own childhood memories. “My grandmother was a ballet costume designer. I spent hours sitting beside her while she worked, and she would make beautiful, classic dresses for me when I was little,” Genesis explained. “Those memories stayed with me and shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless design,” she said.
Genesis has observed that their typical customer appreciates quality, thoughtful design, and timeless elegance. Many of them are parents or grandparents looking for something special for birthdays, celebrations, holidays, and families gatherings, as well as elevated everyday pieces that feel unique. “They are drawn to products that feel meaningful and lasting. These can be beautifully crafted toys, a classic pair of shoes, or garments that become a keepsake,” Genesis said. Christmas, Easter, and back-to-school are often Magic Place Kids’ busiest times of year as families come in looking for beautiful outfits and thoughtful gifts.
Genesis and her husband have attended both Playtime Paris and Playtime New York. « At Playtime, we always find an inspiring combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and discovery, » she told us. They’ve found many brands that are part of Magic Place Kids today at the events. « Each visit leaves us inspired and excited to bring something special back to our customers, » Genesis said.
“Running my own store is a dream come true,” Ellen, the owner of LovebyJackie told us. Named after her daughter, who is a big inspiration for the concept store and the heart behind the business, Ellen puts passion and love into everything she does. Each item for babies and children is carefully selected for its beauty, comfort, and quality. “I believe that every child deserves to shine and feel special. I love helping parents find something unique for their little ones,” Ellen said.
Fun, elegant, and timeless, LovebyJackie has everything modern families need. From baby layettes to shoes, decor, and stylish fashion, Ellen carefully curates a unique collection for each stage of childhood. “I focus on classic, timeless styles as a foundation because they never go out of fashion. They always feel elegant,” Ellen told us. “At the same time, I love combining these timeless pieces with unique items that add character, personality, and a modern edge,” she explained. For Ellen, it’s all about this balance between classic elegance and standout fashion. This combination makes every child’s look distinctive and confident.
Many loyal customers shop their children’s entire wardrobe at LovebyJackie, trusting Ellen’s vision and eye for detail. “Our typical client values quality, style, and timeless elegance,” she said. Being specialized in ceremony wear as well, customers turn to LovebyJackie for elegant outfits to be worn for special occasions. “Our clients come not just to shop, but also for styling advice, inspiration, and a complete fashion experience,” Ellen told us. Because the boutique is located in Knokke, Belgium, a prime vacation destination, LovebyJackie welcomes a blend of locals and tourists, particularly during the school holidays.
« When I think of Playtime, what comes to mind most is meeting the people behind the brands, » Ellen said. « It’s such an important experience, to not just see products but to connect, exchange ideas, and discover new inspirations, » she continued. For Ellen, these encounters are invaluable, helping her bring fresh, exciting, and carefully curated selections to her clients.
Timeless, delicate, and thoughtfully curated, discover Rosa Celeste. Founded by a mother who developed a deep appreciation for beautifully crafted pieces and the memories they hold when she became a mother herself, Rosa Celeste has ready-to-wear, special occasion pieces, footwear, and a range of refined accessories. “I began curating a selection of distinctive children’s fashion from around the world in response to the limited offerings in Honduras,” Maria Jose, the store’s founder, told us. “Today, Rosa Celeste presents a considered edit defined by quality, timelessness and a quiet elegance. The pieces I select are designed not only to be worn, but to become part of a child’s most meaningful moments,” she continued.
From baptism outfits to elevated everyday pieces like diaper bags and swimwear, Maria Jose thoughtfully picks each product to create a complete, harmonious wardrobe. « I’m drawn to a classic, timeless style because they carry a sense of permanence. These are pieces that live beyond a single season, » Maria Jose explained. « They become part of a child’s story, often remembered through photographs and meaningful moments, » she said. For her, these styles offer families something lasting. They are items that feel special today and remain relevant years from now.
The typical Rosa Celeste customer is a mother, grandmother, or other close family member who is deeply involved in a child’s world. “They are drawn to pieces that feel special, garments that express love, care, and intention,” Maria Jose told us. “My customers are not simply shopping for clothing, but for something meaningful. They want pieces that make their children feel beautiful and confident, and that will be fondly remembered through photographs and cherished moments,” she continued. The holiday season at the end of the year is always the busiest for Rosa Celeste. Maria Jose loves being part of her customers’ celebrations and memories during this time.
As for her own memories, Playtime has been a key event for Maria Jose. “Each season, it feels essential for me to attend. There is always an element of discovery, something new and unexpected that I can bring back to my clients,” she said. This helps her keep the offering at Rosa Celeste fresh, distinctive, and thoughtfully curated.
Born from a love of dressing her own daughter, Martina opened La Stanza Allegra to help other parents do the same. Named after her daughter Allegra, this Italian boutique has handmade clothes that are classic and timeless. Their elegant offer features clothing for newborns through 8 year olds, as well as handmade Italian shoes and a selection of natural body lotions and detergents.
“I carefully curate my selection to be tailored, romantic, and sophisticated,” Martina told us. “I choose to focus on timeless styles because I sincerely believe it’s the correct way to dress kids as kids. It’s a way for them to be comfortable, yet elegant and refined,” she explained.
Martina’s customers are mainly moms and grandmas in search of clothes that are more than just garments. “They want pieces that will become memories they cherish through time,” Martina said. Many of her customers come to La Stanza Allegra for a whole new wardrobe ahead of special occasions.
Allegra joined Martina for her first trade show at Playtime, a memory Martina cherishes. “We had the chance to prepare all the looks for the next season together,” she told us.
Born of a passion project, discover the story of El Rincón de María! Following a move from Barcelona to Miami, Florida, Ani realized there was a gap in the American market for authentic European children’s clothing. So, she decided to launch her online boutique to fill this gap. “We curate over 50 brands from Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy that offer timeless clothing for babies and children,” Ani told us. “Our focus is on classic, high quality childrenswear that celebrates craftsmanship, beautiful fabrics, and traditional design,” she continued.
Ani believes that classic children’s clothing has lasting emotional value. « These pieces often become part of family memories. They are worn for first photos, holidays, baptisms, and special milestones, » she said. For her, these styles allow children to look like children. They also give parents pieces to treasure in photos and pass down to younger siblings. Ani favors European brands for their long tradition of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful designs. « They create garments that feel elegant, but still comfortable for children, » she explained.
Ani has observed that many of her clients turn to El Rincón de María for milestone moments. “Our customers are mostly mothers who appreciate quality, tradition, and thoughtful design,” she told us. “They’re looking for clothing that feels special and meaningful, whether it’s a baby’s first outfit, a baptism gown, holiday looks, or beautiful everyday pieces,” Ani continued. She finds that her clients value European craftsmanship, natural fabrics, and timeless silhouettes that photograph beautifully and feel appropriate for childhood.
Due to their special selection of fashion and accessories, business peeks particularly in spring as families celebrate baptisms, Easter, and other celebrations. Fall and winter are strong as well, as families seek outfits for portrait season and holiday events. “We also see significant activity around new baby arrivals,” Ani said. “Many customers come to us specifically for going-home outfits and newborn knitwear,” she said.
Playtime is an important event for Ani, especially when it comes to discovering emerging European brands and new collections. “Playtime helps us stay connected to the creative energy and innovation within the children’s fashion industry, It allows us to build relationships with designers and brands that share our values,” she told us. “For buyers like us, Playtime is where we often discover the next brand our customers will fall in love with,” Ani explained.
Classic, curated, and elegant, discover Chachai! Founded by Nicole, this baby and kids boutique in Panama City carries a careful selection of classic children’s fashion, accessories, shoes, and gifting. “Our goal is to offer beautiful, high quality pieces that feel special and timeless for children and families,” Nicole said. With a strong influence from traditional Spanish fashion, many of the brands they carry are well-known for their craftsmanship and classic European style.
“We believe that children’s products should feel enduring and meaningful, rather than disposable,” Nicole told us. “Classic styles have a charm that never goes out of fashion. Many families appreciate these pieces that feel special, well-made, and even heirloom worthy,” she continued.
Nicole finds that her customers are mainly parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends looking for beautiful, meaningful pieces for the children in their lives. “Many people visit Chachai when they’re looking for baby shower gifts, birthday presents, or classic outfits for special occasions,” she explained. These customers all appreciate quality, timeless designs, and her carefully curated offer of brands. The holiday season is always busy for Chachai, as well as during family celebrations throughout the year like baby showers, First Communions, and Christenings.
For Nicole, Playtime represents creativity, discovery, and connection within the children’s industry. “It is a wonderful place where inspiring brands and retailers from around the world come together,” she shared with us.
El Rincón de Allegra is an online store based in the Dominican Republic specialized in carefully curated children’s fashion. “We offer a wide selection that includes everyday outfits, special occasion pieces, seasonal collections, and accessories,” the store’s owner, Isabella, told us. “Many of the brands we carry are exclusive to our store in the country. I love bringing unique pieces that families here can’t find anywhere else,” she continued. Exclusivity has always been important to Isabella. She finds it allows her store to offer something truly distinctive. “Many of the brands I work with are being introduced to the country for the first time through my store, making it a very special experience for my clients,” Isabella explained.
As for why she focuses on classic styles, Isabella told us that they never go out of fashion and always look elegant in photos. “Parents appreciate investing in pieces that feel special and well-made,” she explained. Isabella chooses each piece thoughtfully, and always keeps her own children in mind when building her offer.
The typical customer shopping on El Rincón de Allegra is a parent who values quality, detail, and unique pieces for their children. « Many of them are looking for special occasion outfits for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and family events. They also turn to us for beautiful, everyday clothing that stands out, » Isabella said. She finds that traffic on her website really picks up around Christmas, graduation season, and other special events throughout the year.
Isabella turns to Playtime to discover new collections, connect with designers, and bring fresh ideas and brands back to her customers in the Dominican Republic. “Playtime is a very special event in the children’s fashion industry,” she told us. “It’s a place where creativity, inspiration, and beautiful brands come together,” Isabella concluded.
While they all have their own unique identity, each of these modern classic retailers celebrates the enduring emotional effect of timeless children’s fashion. A key way for their customers to cherish childhood as it’s happening and through the photos that capture meaningful moments, it’s no wonder these styles are having a moment in the spotlight.
Read more about special occasionwear in this article featuring insights from brands and buyers! You can also restock your timeless offer thanks to this expert selection from OrderWizz.
