Voices
Discover Birdsn’Bees Top 10 Products From Playtime Paris 
For each edition of Playtime Paris, we team up with a buyer to get the behind-the-scenes look at attending our events from their perspective. This winter, we worked with Hélène, the buyer from Birdsn’Bees in Dubai, and met up with her as she sought out Birdsn’Bees Top 10 products for the upcoming season. Ranging from fashion to footwear, she also offered us insights into how she shops at the show. From what her customers are looking for to the items that stood out the most this winter, let’s step into Hélène’s mindset with Birdsn’Bees Top 10 products!
“At Playtime Paris this season, I was looking for colorful things. Because I’m based in Dubai, dark colors don’t really work well. I wanted items that are playful and made with light fabrics, because it also gets pretty hot there! I favor brands that use natural fabrics like cotton and work ethically with GOTS certifications, and it’s always a plus when they produce in Europe.
In terms of product categories, I wanted a little bit of everything. Clothes of course, but also toys, accessories, stuffed animals, and other lifestyle products that make up about 40% of the offer at Birdsn’Bess. I’ve started expanding our selection of dress up items as well, so I wanted to find more products to add to this category.”
“I chose this backpack from Sticky Lemon because it’s playful. I like products that are kid-oriented, rather than copies of adult products that have been scaled down. This is what I love about Sticky Lemon! It’s a kid’s brand that really designs for kids. Children will be the ones that pick up their products, not necessarily the parents. I just started working with Sticky Lemon in September for the back to school season.
I’ve had a long partnership, really a friendship, with Arsène et les Pipelettes. Their products are always amazing, especially for babies because they use soft, comfortable fabrics. I really like this little tulip outfit for babies this season. It’s a bit 80’s and the faux fur vest is very cozy. When my two sons were young I dressed them in florals, so for me it’s a unisex piece. Little boys can wear flowers too! It’s colorful and playful.”
“I’ve been working with Dimpel for about three years now, their products make for beautiful baby gifts. The natural colors and super soft fabrics make even adults want them! While the designs are quite classic, the fabric makes their products special.
As for Veja, I sell their shoes more during the ‘winter’ in Dubai, from November through the end of March or beginning of April. They’re also great in June when families are preparing vacations to other countries where it’s not as hot and they have to say goodbye to their sandals for a moment! With Veja, I really focus on keeping the basics stocked. Whenever there’s a bit of gold or a metallic element, it’s always a great seller at Birdsn’Bees.”
“Billy Loves Audrey will be new for us! I really like the colors. The purples, golds, and natural nudes that range from pink to coral are really nice. It’s quite simple, just a cape and a tutu, but what I love about it is that the tutu can be paired with a pair of sandals and a basic white tee and become a Carrie Bradshaw outfit! It’s a dress up item, but for me it can be an everyday outfit. I don’t want dress up items that are too much of a costume, I prefer pieces that are versatile. They can be worn for playtime, or as something fun and fancy for a birthday party or a special occasion that isn’t a proper party dress.
I just discovered Les Femmes à Barbes this season at Playtime. I love that it can be for moms, teenagers, or kids, the whole family can wear it. It’s delicate, and the gold plating with enamel is beautiful. It brings a touch of color while remaining discreet and sophisticated.
When I start working with a new brand, I always take a small selection of their products, but make sure that I have enough to properly represent them. I like creating a little corner for each brand, and then if it works well the corner gets bigger and bigger. When it’s a brand that’s not well known in Dubai, it can take some time for customers to get used to it. They may wait two, three weeks, or even a month after I’ve introduced it to actually make the purchase.”
“This will be our second season with AO76, it’s perfect for teenagers and 10 through 14 year olds. They always have a little touch of neon or colorful elements which is perfect for Birdsn’Bees. Their silhouettes are quite classical, but always with a twist and a super nice cut.
We Are Gommu is also pretty new, I just started with them in September after the summer edition of Playtime Paris. The design is quite unusual and it’s not well-known yet in Dubai, but it’s working well. I’m looking forward to adding a larger selection of We Are Gommu products to Birdsn’Bees!”
“I’ve been working with Cacatoès for about seven years, it’s a perfect basic for shoes. We keep the collection stocked year round because it works really well in Dubai. It’s colorful, bright, sparkly – it checks all the boxes! We focus on keeping our bestsellers well-stocked. Some of our customers love getting the next size up as soon as their kids grow out of a pair!
What I love about Cozmo is their fabrics, their cotton is all organic and super soft. I’ve been working with them for about four years, and they’ve acted a bit as my basic to balance out other brands that have more prints. My customers really like buying their matching sets. Cozmo has started adding more prints to their collections over the past two years, so I picked this top to encourage them to keep going!
“I could have added a lot more products, ten isn’t enough! I saw so many great things here at Playtime Paris, the selection is always beautiful and I love the show’s atmosphere. Since Birdsn’Bees is located in Dubai, I’m really more summer oriented. I may buy some mid-season items, but I never need coats or heavy winter products. What I love is that this show still works for me. Even in January, I can find light shirts, trousers, and plenty of swimwear. This encourages me to come to both editions, because I know that I can find what I’m looking for regardless of the time of year.”
Thank you so much to Hélène for sharing Birdsn’Bees Top 10 and insights into what her customers are looking for! If you haven’t already, read the full interview with Hélène to learn about her professional career, how it led to opening Birdsn’Bees, and what visitors can find at the store’s different locations in our article here.
Watch her curate this selection in our reel here, or see the show through her eyes on her account. Make sure to follow @birdsnbeesconceptstore on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest from this beautiful boutique!
