Voices
Fil Rouge Vol. 2: Savoir-Faire 
Building savoir-faire takes time, dedication, and perseverance. It takes commitment, but it is so rewarding to have the defining feature of a brand be its expertise.
Another aspect of our seasonal theme “Made With Love”, savoir-faire is about passion projects and exceptional attention to detail. While every brand that exhibits at Playtime each has their own specialty that could easily be highlighted, we’ve made a selection of a few to put in the spotlight for our second installment of our Fil Rouge series. Whether stemming from a personal passion, a continuation of traditions, or a quest for innovation, these brands stand out for their savoir-faire.
Join us as we learn why they specialized in each of their qualities, what sets them apart, and what their savoir-faire means to them!
The outerwear brand Pyrenex has been honing their savoir-faire for more than 160 years. Founded in 1859 in Southwest France, they’ve been specialized in crafting high quality down jackets, parkas, and outerwear for the whole family since the beginning. A blend of timeless design, functionality, and modern style, they take particular pride in the family-run manufacturing which has become a global reference for its expertise and prestige.
For Pyrenex, down insulation is both an art and a science. “From the beginning, Pyrenex recognized that high quality down could transform outerwear, creating pieces that are not only functional but also elegant and durable,” the brand’s Marketing Director, Caroline, told us. By specializing in down, they’ve kept technical performance and aesthetic appeal at the heart of the brand.
Carefully selecting the finest down from local farms, Pyrenex processes it in their own historic workshops in France. This way, they maintain full control over the quality and traceability of their insulation. “What makes our technique unique is the combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, ensuring that each piece is lightweight, durable, and comfortable,” Caroline said. For the rest of the garment production, they work with carefully selected manufacturing partners chosen for their own savoir-faire and commitment to responsible production practices. “Our priority is always the same: craftsmanship, durability, and long-lasting comfort for the wearer,” Caroline said.
This, combined with their meticulous attention to detail, guarantees the quality and performance of every Pyrenex piece. Their savoir-faire provides an exceptional warmth, while remaining lightweight and breathable. It’s able to adapt to body movements, retain heat in extreme conditions, and is naturally long-lasting.
While respecting their traditional techniques, Pyrenex continues to explore new materials, technical fabrics, and design solutions. With a rich history spanning more than a century, they adapt their collections to changing lifestyles and climates. Striving to incorporate sustainable practices wherever possible, they also listen to customer feedback to keep improving function and style.
From sourcing down to the final stitch, they firmly believe that excellence comes from close attention to every detail. Sustainability, traceability, and animal welfare are all integral to the brand’s process. “Pyrenex’s savoir-faire represents centuries of dedication, passion, and meticulous craftsmanship,” Caroline told us. “It embodies our commitment to quality, our respect for tradition, and our drive to create outerwear that truly performs,” she continued.
Born from a sincere curiosity about the roots of Portuguese craftsmanship shared by three friends, mothers, and creatives, The Little Poets is a young brand centered around emotion and “historical sustainability”. The co-founders are Ana, a mother of two experienced in photography and advertising; Inês, a mother of three with over 17 years working in the textile industry; and Joana, a mother of two specialized in architecture and Portuguese culture and artisanal heritage. Each of these women brings her own savoir-faire to the overall expertise of the brand. Ana’s poetic eye shapes the brand’s visual soul. Inês ensures every detail is meticulously executed. Joana translates their story into form.
The Little Poets’ savoir-faire is reinterpreting traditional, folkloric Portuguese fashion for today’s world. Ana, Inês, and Joana believe this aspect of Portuguese fashion deserves to be seen. While these costumes were made for specific settings rather than everyday clothing, they have taken the poetry, sense of style, and storytelling and infused their modern designs with these narratives they grew up with.
Translated not only through the silhouettes they use for their collections, but through the textures and craftsmanship as well, The Little Poets preserves the motifs and designs of traditional Portuguese fashion, as well as its patience, technique, and artistry. By exploring historical archives and listening to the stories of their artisans, The Little Poets infuses each piece with a blend of heritage and contemporary sensibility. “Our savoir-faire lives in the balance between heritage and play, between craftsmanship and imagination. It lies in creating a world where the poetry of the past can still dress the dreams of today’s children” Ana told us.
From the very first sketch to the final product, all of The Little Poets’ production is rooted in Portugal. Collaborating exclusively with the most exceptional factories and ateliers in the country that share their devotion to quality and artistry, Ana, Inês, and Joana see these people not just as partners, but part of their extended family. “Each plays a vital role in shaping our pieces with care and precision,” Ana explained. Inês follows every step of the process closely. She ensures that from the cut to the final stitch, every detail reflects their vision and integrity. Helping to preserve their authenticity, this close relationship with the makers behind their collections helps The Little Poets stay sustainable and deeply human.
“Our savoir-faire is an act of devotion: to craft, to memory, to beauty, and to childhood,” Ana said. The dialogue between tradition and modernity, born from the Portuguese spirit and a sense of nostalgia, comes to life in the garments they produce.
A family-run artisan brand, PèPè Children shoes was founded in Italy in 1970. Since its beginning, PèPè has been dedicated to blending innovation and creativity with timeless elegance and sophistication. “We are enamored with the idea of following children’s steps in every occasion of their life,” their team told us. “This is why we offer a wide choice of styles and collections,” they continued.
PèPè started with baby shoes and house slippers before expanding into children’s shoes in the 90’s. The children’s market was very different at the time, with many shoe brands being quite standardized. This inspired them to take the principles of classic shapes and reinterpret them with new materials and colors. Sometimes even quirky, PèPè’s designs have evolved in symbiosis with clothing brands. One key aspect of classics they adopted was the leather sole. For PèPè, it’s a symbol of quality, naturalness, and breathability.
PèPè’s savoir-faire is rooted in this craftsmanship and capacity to innovate and reimagine classic styles. All their footwear is made in their own factory and their leather is sourced around Italy. This gives PèPè control over the production, and ensures the unmatched quality and longevity of their products. They also work with trusted partners that share their vision in terms of quality. Every aspect of this production process also contributes to reducing their environmental impact.
At the heart of PèPè’s collections are children and their parents. Every season, they focus on a few color palettes and materials, drawing inspiration from different moodboards. Across all their shoe categories, they follow the same direction to create collections that are harmonious and instantly recognizable. Above all, comfort is key at PèPè. “In our vision, it means not imposing barriers to the use of the shoe,” their team explained. Kids can wear Mary Janes at the playground rather than sneakers, because their shoes are comfortable enough for any occasion or activity.
While staying loyal to their concept that has been the pillar of its identity for more than fifty years, PèPè stays curious and creative as they blend Italian wisdom and craftsmanship with the tastes and trends of different countries and cultures. Their innovations happen largely behind the scenes in the production technology, drawing inspiration from all around them.
Inna, the Artistic Director of Toyto, has been making wooden toys for children for twelve years now. She’s gained experience by creating, studying industrial design, and from living with her three children. “I still wound’t call myself an expert, because the more I know, the more I realize how little I know,” Inna told us. Toyto’s savoir-faire lies in their innovative designs. Inna pays a lot of attention to details, and has reimagined toys to leave them more open ended for children. “When creating toys, it’s important to ensure they don’t dictate what a child should do,” Inna explained. For her, toys should stimulate children’s imagination, while still being aesthetically pleasing and multifunctional. “I’ve drawn a hundred designs and only made fourteen toys from them,” Inna said.
By constantly exploring and trying new designs, she’s been able to reinvent toys. For example, Toyto’s cubes aren’t square. This offers a completely new experience for children, as they choose each side of the cube and try to stack and balance them. She’s reimagined each category, from cubes to construction sets, pyramids to rainbows and cars. “For me, creating these toys is also play and a way of expressing myself,” she said.
Though currently working on establishing their own production workshops in Germany, Toyto currently produces in a facility in Serbia and paints their products in Germany. They produce their innovative toys in a rather old school way, ensuring they comply with all European certification standards. It’s also important that their toys are easy to store and transport to adapt to the more nomadic life of modern families.
For Inna, designing toys isn’t about creating something children need. She knows that they can entertain themselves with anything, from pot lids to rocks. But what is important is the opportunity toys offer for kids and parents to sit down together and spend quality time playing. She creates toys that adults will want to play with too, bringing out the creative abilities of the whole family. “Toys only come to life when someone plays with them. Creativity happens when someone starts inventing. I create objects, but parents and kids make them meaningful,” Inna concluded.
A brand launched from the love of a technique and a desire to support working women in India, Yaarn is a unique crochet brand started by a mother and daughter, Anne and Hannelore. The idea was sparked during a family trip as Anne visited Hannelore in India, where she had been living for a few years. Anne already had a passion for crochet, and they decided to find a social project in India to bring their designs to life. Since this organic beginning, Anne and Hannelore have approached things differently. They want to create thoughtful, timeless pieces that celebrate true craftsmanship. “Every style is carefully considered, with creativity rooted in an actual, tangible craft,” explained Hannelore.
Yaarn’s savoir-faire in crochet is what their entire universe is built around. Anne develops all of their draft patterns in-house. She works closely with their team leads in India to exchange ideas, stitches, and pattern updates. In addition to weekly video calls, she and Hannelore also frequently visit this community of around 200 women in Southeast India, a region well known for its crochet expertise. “It’s a partnership built on trust and mutual learning,” Hannelore told us. “We’ve worked with the same people since day one, and have grown together over the years,” she continued.
The meticulous care with which each piece is made is what sets Yaarn apart. It’s what defines the brand and makes it so special. “Crochet patterns are entirely different from fabric patterns,” Hannelore explained. “Each size requires its own puzzle to be solved, making the process both complex and fascinating,” she said. Together with their teams in India, Anne and Hannelore have built a rhythm of collaboration that blends technical precision with a deep understanding of the craft.
Yaarn is rooted in both ethical production and natural materials. Their craftsmanship, attention to details, and the quality materials they use are what sets them apart. These attributes make their products heirlooms that can be passed down for generations. By sourcing all their materials locally in India as well, they’re able to keep their environmental footprint as low as possible while supporting the communities they collaborate with.
Each season, Anne and Hannelore challenge themselves to take the technique even further. They’ll revisit and refine existing styles, and slowly incorporate new ones. They’ll experiment with new stitches, shapes, and colors, while staying true to their identity. By exploring new markets and visual directions and listening to the feedback from their stockists, they continue to evolve the brand in a natural way. “Yaarn has always been about translating creativity into craft,” Hannelore told us. “We’ve chosen to focus entirely on crochet — not knitting or any other techniques — and that focus has defined everything we do. Knowing exactly who we are and what we stand for has shaped Yaarn from the very beginning, and continues to guide every stitch we make,” she concluded.
Rooted in an informative, yet playful, exploration of natural habitats, Forivor stands out for its savoir-faire in storytelling through hand drawn prints. Co-founded by Rebecca, who brings her knowledge of the natural world, and Alice, who draws each detailed illustration, Forivor brings quiet, gentle moments of learning and bonding to families. Their heirloom textiles are accompanied by cards and books that are designed to instill a lifelong passion for nature and creative thinking.
Before co-founding Forivor, Alice had primarily drawn women, shoes, and interiors from her imagination. Upon realizing it would be nearly impossible to capture all the intricate details of the plants and animals she illustrates, Alice focused instead on capturing each creature or plant’s feeling. By adding little things she loves like shoes or hats, her illustrations bring the similarities between humans and the world around us to the forefront. “I think the recognition that our lives are connected is what helps children both enjoy the factual element of our collections and feel a symbiotic relationship to them,” Alice explained.
Rebecca first had the idea for Forivor’s storytelling products that feature the ‘real’ daytime world on one side and magical nighttime worlds on the other while working at the Environmental Justice Foundation. “I believe what we fall in love with when we are young stays with us. That passion for the natural world can be nurtured through textiles that also journey with us through life,” Rebecca told us. The habitats she and Alice explore are all carefully researched so that their products are gently educative, while nurturing creative storytelling at the same time.
Working with a high quality manufacturer in India to create all their textiles, Forivor has a core product range that stays the same while the prints are the primary change from collection to collection. This has allowed Alice and Rebecca to perfect their textiles over the years, though they continue to work closely with their manufacturer to continue improving their products to be even more luxurious, sustainable, and long lasting.
The wonderful thing about Forivor’s concept is that the world is full of incredible habitats for Rebecca and Alice to research, explore, and build a collection from. While they’ve primarily focused on the UK, their sights are set on other habitats as well. “It’s a real joy that our work allows us to explore our incredible planet in detail,” Rebecca and Alice told us. “As an adult, it can feel like there is limited time to learn new things. But by researching new collections, we rediscover the natural world all over again,” they continued. This concept resonates with other adults too, as they love Forivor products as much as children do. Reminding them of their connection to the natural world and offering a gentle moment of learning, Forivor’s illustrations are calming and engaging to parents and children alike.
Mini Melissa transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with each plastic shoe they produce. Created to bring the unique universe of the adult footwear brand, Melissa, to children, both lines stem from Grendene, one of Brazil’s largest footwear manufacturers, whose origins go back to the production of plastic components like bottle caps in the early 1970’s. From this technical knowledge of plastic, the idea was born to transform this material into something extraordinary. From this idea, Melissa came to life, and then Mini Melissa.
Viewing plastic as a canvas for design, their savoir-faire is defined by their ability to combine technology, design, and creativity in a sustainable way. Their proprietary material, Melflex®, is recyclable in Brazil, vegan, and versatile. This allows them to endlessly explore different colors, textures, and shapes. Their production is vertically integrated, so their shoes are all made in Brazil in Grendene factories. By controlling everything from design to manufacturing, Mini Melissa ensures the quality control, consistency, and responsible production of their footwear.
“At Melissa, we create products designed to last and begin again,” their team told us. “We’re constantly researching new materials and production processes that minimize social, environmental, and climate impacts,” they continued. Every pair carries The Vegan Society certification and is produced through a low-carbon manufacturing process. Since Melflex® is recyclable, leftover materials and scraps generated during production can be reused. Mini Melissa also has a circular initiative so customers in Brazil can return used shoes to collection points for proper recycling and material reuse.
With their fully in-house production model, Mini Melissa is able to ensure responsibility at every stage. They use renewable energy, rainwater collection, and water reuse systems in their factory as part of their continuous effort to reduce their footprint. This, in addition to their research and development team constantly exploring new ways to reduce the brand’s impact, are examples of Mini Melissa’s commitment to circularity. “For us, sustainability means innovation with purpose. We create long-lasting, responsible products that express beauty and awareness with every step,” their team said.
Through their unique combination of industrial expertise and artistic vision, Mini Melissa has elevated plastic to a new level, creating shoes that are timeless, sustainable, and full of personality. “When reimagined through design, plastic becomes a symbol of transformation. It’s proof that creativity and responsibility can coexist,” their team told us. Representing more than footwear, their shoes are platforms for self-expression, creativity, and innovation. Every collection brings new designs, and frequently feature collaborations with beloved characters and other brands.
Founded and designed by Rachel Riley herself, this brand is centered around classic, beautifully-made clothing that celebrates the charm of childhood. Rachel is committed to bringing traditional craftsmanship to modern families around the world through her eponymous label. Her collections are designed with the utmost care, bringing a touch of nostalgia to each thoughtfully crafted garment. Rachel Riley’s savoir-faire is all about traditional techniques. Their hand smocking and hand embroidery are exceptional, bringing techniques that have been around for centuries to modern wardrobes.
“I’ve always been drawn to the artistry of traditional craftsmanship. The handwork that takes time, patience, and a real love of the process,” Rachel told us. By working closely with the skilled artisans that make their collections, Rachel Riley has been able to perfect their techniques over the years. In addition to bringing timeless designs to today’s market, Rachel Riley is also preserving these time-honored techniques. “I wanted to create clothing that captured the innocence and joy of childhood,” Rachel explained. “To make pieces that would be cherished, passed down, and remembered,” she continued. Rachel finds that traditional techniques are the best way to do this, as they tell a story through every stitch.
Through their expert craftsmanship, Rachel Riley ensures every garment feels luxurious, comfortable, and relevant for today’s children. Rachel finds that there’s something so special about knowing a piece has bee made by hand. “It gives the clothes a soul and a timeless quality that never goes out of style,” she said.
By working closely with their manufacturers around the globe, Rachel Riley ensures every detail meets their exacting standards. From the fabrics they source to the finishing touches, it’s a true collaboration built on trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence. The beautiful handwork comes from partners specialized in the dainty techniques based in the Philippines. For their coats and knitwear, they turn to carefully selected manufacturers in China. Rachel Riley footwear is handmade in their own workshop in the Loire Valley of France. By tapping into the expertise of different regions, they achieve the highest quality for each product. This care that goes into every step is what truly defines Rachel Riley.
“Our savoir-faire is at the heart of everything we do,” Rachel told us. She explained that it represents a respect for tradition and the human touch behind each garment, and honoring the past while creating something beautiful and lasting for the future. For Rachel, clothes become keepsakes when they are able to hold memories and become part of family stories. With each collection, she continues to evolve Rachel Riley’s signature style. Finding inspiration in vintage designs, fabrics, and storytelling, Rachel reinterprets them for the modern world. “We’re always exploring ways to make our collections even more special, without ever compromising on quality or authenticity,” she said.
With a rich expertise in crafting high-end Italian knitwear, Gensami is centered around celebrating love bonds through their products and their concept of a yellow thread. “It’s a ray of sunshine that appears on the left cuff of every garment, on the side of the heart,” explained the brand’s founder and Creative Director, Miruna. This yellow thread symbolizes the light loved ones bring into our lives, and runs through every Gensami creation. “It acts as a reminder to pause and feel connected,” Miruna told us. The brand’s name comes from ‘Gens’, which is Latin for people, and ‘Ami’, which means ‘love’ in Italian. “Our mission is to weave connections and stories through refined, emotionally meaningful knitwear for newborns, children, adults, and even pets,” Miruna said.
She and her team have spent years perfecting this craft by studying and collaborating with Italian knitting masters. These craftsmen are the guards of generations of technical knowledge. By combining these traditional techniques with modern technologies, Gensami has developed unique blends that create 3D effects, sculptural stitches, and sophisticated textural contrasts. “This combination of heritage and innovation is at the heart of Gensami: artisanal gestures enhanced by modern precision,” Miruna explained.
All of their production takes place in Italy, largely in small artisanal workshops specialized in high end knitwear. Their relationship with these artisans is close and collaborative. Miruna is personally involved in the development of each prototype, yarn selection, tension calibration, and finishing techniques. Every garment passes through quality checks to ensure they meet Gensami’s standards. “The emotional and sensory quality is as important as the technical precision,” said Miruna.
For Miruna, knitwear is a language of intimacy: it’s soft, warm, and close to the skin. “For us, it naturally became the perfect medium to express the emotional dimension of our brand,” she continued. Going beyond classic “Mini Me” styles, she’s reinterpreted family matching in a deeper, more poetic way. Gensami pieces are coordinated, rather than identical. Using noble fibers like cashmere, alpaca, mulberry silk, merino wool, and organic cotton, every piece is more than a garment — it’s a bond that can be worn.
Gensami continues to push forward by expanding their universe, while always staying true to their core values of craftsmanship, emotional storytelling, and innovative knitwear. They continue to evolve the language of knitwear each season, exploring new blends, constructions, and ways to connect through what we wear.
“Savoir-faire means creating beauty with purpose,” Miruna told us. “It represents the ability to transform yarn into a symbol of connection. Something soft, meaningful, and capable of carrying love from one generation to another,” she continued. Gensami is built around this belief that garments can carry memories. Their knitwear is meant to accompany life’s most intimate moments, from births and celebrations to daily rituals. Gensami keeps people connected, even from afar, through the small yellow ray of sunshine stitched onto every left wrist.
Denim is a category that is known for how many resources it takes to produce, but since its beginning DL1961 has been changing the game. The New York based premium denim label is family owned and committed to transforming how denim is made. “At DL1961, we control every stage of production, from fiber to finished garment,” the brand’s Co-Founder and CEO, Sarah, told us. “This allows us to create high quality, long-lasting pieces with a radically lower environmental impact,” she continued. Sarah explained that DL1961’s mission is simple — make better denim for a better planet.
Because they own and operate their vertically integrated facility, DL1961 is able to oversee each step of the process and continually refine their techniques. They’ve pioneered water-saving finishing technologies and developed custom fabrics to enhance durability and comfort of their denim, always pushing forward to innovate and improve. “We treat denim as both a science and a craft,” Sarah explained.
DL1961 took on the challenge of sustainably producing denim on purpose. “We saw an opportunity, and a responsibility, to rethink a category known for being resource-intensive,” Sarah said. By vertically integrating their family-owned facilities in Pakistan, they control every step of production. From raw materials to finished garments, they have complete visibility into their supply chain and are able to maintain strict quality standards. Constantly investing in new fiber technology, cleaner chemistry, and next-generation machinery keeps the brand evolving and improving. “We also work closely with global partners to pilot new materials, expand recyclability, and improve garment circularity,” Sarah continued.
For Sarah and her team, their savoir-faire is a mastery of denim from the inside out. “It’s the ability to understand every fiber, stitch, and wash, and to elevate each step to create something better than what existed before,” she told us. DL1961 is committed to not only providing high quality products, but also education, traceability, and industry-wide collaboration. “We want to show that premium denim can be made in a way that protects people and the planet, without compromising style, comfort, or performance,” Sarah concluded.
Photo from The Little Poets
Every brand in the children’s industry has been born of a desire to offer something unique. Whether young or centuries old, they’re constantly honing their craft and their savoir-faire to always be better. These brands are a few that stand out to us this season for their incredible dedication to their savoir-faire.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about their stories, and that you’re as excited as we are to discover their new collections this winter in Paris and New York. Get your pass to meet Yaarn, PèPè childrens shoes, Forivor, The Little Poets, and Pyrenex at Playtime Paris; Rachel Riley, Gensami, DL1961, and Mini Melissa will be at Playtime New York; and Toyto will exhibit at both shows.
Read our first Fil Rouge article about the Playtime Team here, and stay turned for the next three installments of our Fil Rouge articles that will highlight the family businesses, sustainable practices, and collaborations of more brands in our community.
