Kids fashion designer wants everyone to be a little princess
ALL little girls want to be princesses and owner of Bebe Couture, Henny Sharpe, designs her clothes so they can be. "When I was pregnant with my daughter Saige, in 2010, I couldn't really find anything I wanted for a little girl.
My idea for a little girl is that they can dress like a princess every day," she said. Henny, who studied fashion in Paris, started sewing outfits for Saige and when her new baby was six months old she felt ready to launch her range. She discovered the Mackay Babies and Kids Market where she could sell her clothes.
"I wanted to see what the interest was. I started with babies and kids, but I've expanded into a wider range, up to size 9. I also make a few accessories to complement the outfits," she said. Her business, Bebe Couture, which means "couture/high end fashion baby" in French, is now popular in Mackay with its feminine style and touch of couture.
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Bebe Couture's range includes bloomers with matching tops and singlets, dresses and shorts and top sets and has grown in popularity. Henny studied fashion in Paris and she designs and makes the patterns herself and sews all the clothes to create the unique outfits with a touch of class.
"I go with what's in fashion too. Everyone likes baby bloomers and I like to put a couture touch on it," she said. Henny's designs include bright and bold colours with a touch of pastels and a mixture of floral and modern geometric patterns. This summer she is finding backless jumpsuits and monochrome styles popular. Her range changes from season to season. Using lightweight cotton fabrics to suit Mackay's climate, the range is comfortable and soft. This year's she's had a high demand for Christmas outfits too.
"Mostly for summer this year girls like backless dresses. It keeps them cool in north Queensland weather. I'll be starting my autumn/winter collection in March. Henny often gets up at 4.30am to run her business around school drop-offs and pick-ups. "I'll spend about five hours a day working. It's my sanity. Sewing takes me to a place where it's just me; myself," she said.
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