High Fashion Kid's Clothing Is 2017's Biggest Trend

Kids today can navigate an iPad before age 2, they learn Mandarin in kindergarten, and they start studying for the SATs before they even start high school. What they're also learning to develop earlier on is their own fashion sense. Thanks to the taste-making power of the baby-Balmain clad Kardashians and mini Gucci-muse Blue Ivy, there's now a greater selection of high-end children's wear to accommodate that. 

Growth in this market has rapidly accelerated over the last year, even though it was largely considered uncharted territory until then. While new brands have emerged, many brands with existing kid's lines—from couture houses like Dior to streetwear clothiers like Bape—have placed renewed emphasis on the category. But even the most unexpected players are getting in the game. For Spring 2018 Balenciaga men’s show included children, surprising for a designer with tastes as severe as Demna Gvasalia. Perhaps the flurry of childrenswear lines is because Kid’s clothing is final frontier for expanding a brand’s universe. Many major European houses already have homewares, fragrances, every sort of accessory and garment for adults. The only thing missing were outfits for the little ones. 

Some might say Givenchy frocks are too extravagant for a toddler, but matching mommy-and-me outfits are irresistibly cute and Instagram-ready. Here are 15 brands for stylist moms and kids to keep on their radar—after all, we expect them to show up to Mandarin lessons looking sharp.

GUCCI CHILDREN'S COLLECTION

Alessandro Michele has expanded the Gucci universe to include kid’s, intentionally mimicking his ready-to-wear collection for adults. COURTESY OF GUCCI

FENDI KIDS 

The Fendi monster motif seamlessly translates into their children’s line.

MONCLER ENFANT

Perfect for the bunny slopes of Gstaad.

KID'S SUPPLY 

When the world’s most adept meta-influencer family hinted at a kids line on Instagram, it set off a frenzy of hype. Now your little ones can "twin" with North West herself.

BABY DIOR

 Their smallest sizes are for a newborn, assuring that you can be swaddled in Dior from cradle to grave.

BONPOINT

 Founded in 1975, Bonpoint is the closest thing to a European heritage house solely dedicated to kids clothes. Every piece is handmade in their Paris Atelier.

MARNI BAMBINA

 All that is signature to Marni—bold prints, innovative fabrics, surprising color combinations—easily lend themselves to children’s wear.

STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS

Stella’s range for children is wide reaching, from princess dresses to comfy sweats. And it's vegan, just like her mom. COURTESY OF STELLA MCCARTNEY

GIVENCHY CHILDRENSWEAR 

The line was introduced this past spring, shortly before the arrival of freshman creative director Claire Waight Keller. The children’s version celebrates the brand's most iconic pieces.

BAPE

For the skater in training or the rough-and-tumble tomboy, the offering here is pint size coolness.

KITH KIDSET

Kidset makes bread and butter basics like T-shirts and sweats for kids, but with some swaggy branding. Waiting on line in Soho for a Kith drop is the perfect weekend.

ELEVATED YOUTH

Elevated Vintage has put '90s Nirvana, Metallica, and Tupac T-shirts on the backs of every celebrity from Kanye to Justin Beiber. Its new like reworks retro tees for kiddies. COURTESY OF ELEVATED YOUTH.

AQUAZZURA MINI

The Italian shoemaker introduced children's shoes this past December with a line of miniature versions of their fancy women's heels. COURTESY OF AQUAZZURA.

CHILD-ISH

This British brand takes high end minimalism to new (but mini) levels, perfect for the any budding intellectual bookworm. COURTESY OF CHILD-ISH.

PETIT PLI

Similar in concept to Issey Miyake's Pleat’s Please diffusion line, Petit Pli’s clothes have tight pleats that expand as your child grows. A single jumpsuit can last your child from four to thirty-six months. COURTESY OF PETIT PLI.