Behind the Seams
Maisonette Essentials
Our adorable and oh so chic line of elevated basics, Maisonette Essentials, has arrived—and it’s a dream come true.
- Written By
- Liz McDaniel
As Vogue alumni with a passion for the creative side of the business, Maisonette Co-Founders Sylvana Ward Durrett and Luisana Mendoza de Roccia always knew they would create their own collection. For a team of busy moms that aims to help other busy moms, a house brand was an obvious next step.
Enter Maisonette Essentials, a debut collection of well-priced, adorable and comfortable clothing for your mini.
“Our goal at Maisonette is really to bring style and simplicity to modern parents,” says Ward Durrett.
“With Maisonette Essentials, we focused on creating beautiful, elevated basics that will not only mix and match but fit seamlessly into a child’s wardrobe. We have children and we know that all moms are busy! Our hope is that by creating solutions for ourselves, we’ll do the same for our customer.”
Enter Maisonette Essentials, a debut collection of well-priced, adorable and comfortable clothing for your mini.
“Our goal at Maisonette is really to bring style and simplicity to modern parents,” says Ward Durrett.
“With Maisonette Essentials, we focused on creating beautiful, elevated basics that will not only mix and match but fit seamlessly into a child’s wardrobe. We have children and we know that all moms are busy! Our hope is that by creating solutions for ourselves, we’ll do the same for our customer.”
With that in mind, Creative Director Jessica Sailer van Lith and Chief Merchandising Officer Clementine Drackett turned to designer Karolina Petersson.
“She has super great taste and an elevated sensibility,” says Sailer Van Lith, “But as a mom, she totally understands what is needed when it comes to kids clothes.”
Petersson was eager to begin and lent the same expert eye she brought to her women’s wear days at Phoebe Philo’s Celine, Jill Stuart and Theory.
“I am paying attention to finishings and details in the same way,” Petersson says. For inspiration, she turned to classic pictures of Jane Birkin with her children, some favorite pieces from her own childhood, fabric swatches from her time at Celine and of course, her son, Leo.
“She’s really taken simple children clothes and added thoughtful elements that take them into a different stratosphere when we’re talking about play clothes,” says Sailer Van Lith.
The result? A modern, playful collection that somehow feels timeless—at a price point that won’t have you stressing out on the playground. Think full skirts and simple ruffle tops for her, classic chinos and oxfords for him, plus unisex sweats in the softest cotton. The palette is fresh and fun, while prints range from classic gingham to an ornate floral that the illustrator Emily Isabella created “as a challenge to myself to create something simultaneously dense and airy.” Another adorable stand-out is the tulip cat print, also from Isabella.
“She has super great taste and an elevated sensibility,” says Sailer Van Lith, “But as a mom, she totally understands what is needed when it comes to kids clothes.”
Petersson was eager to begin and lent the same expert eye she brought to her women’s wear days at Phoebe Philo’s Celine, Jill Stuart and Theory.
“I am paying attention to finishings and details in the same way,” Petersson says. For inspiration, she turned to classic pictures of Jane Birkin with her children, some favorite pieces from her own childhood, fabric swatches from her time at Celine and of course, her son, Leo.
“She’s really taken simple children clothes and added thoughtful elements that take them into a different stratosphere when we’re talking about play clothes,” says Sailer Van Lith.
The result? A modern, playful collection that somehow feels timeless—at a price point that won’t have you stressing out on the playground. Think full skirts and simple ruffle tops for her, classic chinos and oxfords for him, plus unisex sweats in the softest cotton. The palette is fresh and fun, while prints range from classic gingham to an ornate floral that the illustrator Emily Isabella created “as a challenge to myself to create something simultaneously dense and airy.” Another adorable stand-out is the tulip cat print, also from Isabella.
Endlessly chic, yes, but the pieces are also highly functional. Collectively, they all work together in a way that makes delegating outfit planning to your mini a breeze. And each individual piece is smart in its own way. An apron dress is fit with multiple buttons for adjustable straps that grow along with her. A skirt with built-in bloomers is monkey-bar ready. Pockets abound.
“One great aspect,” adds Drackett, “is that a lot of it is unisex. As the mom of a boy and a girl, it’s nice to find things that can really work for either one.”
Plus, the fabrics are all cotton and easy to care for.
“That’s the beauty of the brand,” says Sailer Van Lith. “Not having to sacrifice style but also not feeling stressed when they’re crawling on the playground because you can throw it in the washing machine and move on.”
That’s the beauty, indeed.
“One great aspect,” adds Drackett, “is that a lot of it is unisex. As the mom of a boy and a girl, it’s nice to find things that can really work for either one.”
Plus, the fabrics are all cotton and easy to care for.
“That’s the beauty of the brand,” says Sailer Van Lith. “Not having to sacrifice style but also not feeling stressed when they’re crawling on the playground because you can throw it in the washing machine and move on.”
That’s the beauty, indeed.