Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

Linda and Katie discuss recent trade shows Pitti Bimbo in Florence and Playtime Paris, highlighting the successes, challenges, and emerging trends from the season so far. They chat through Pirouette’s runway show and dedicated Piazza space for a selection of directory* brands and delve into the importance of creating a memorable buyer experience, the dynamics of fashion shows, and the shift towards romantic styles in clothing. The duo also shares insights on the role of influencers and the evolving market landscape, emphasizing the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

• Celebrating Pirouette's events at Pitti Bimbo
• The Importance of Buyer Experience
• Fashion Show Dynamics and Challenges
• Trends and Insights from the Fair
• Emerging Brands and Unique Offerings
• The Role of Accessories in Fashion
• Engaging Experiences at Events
• Navigating Brand Management Challenges
• Insights from Playtime Paris
• Emerging Trends in Kids Fashion
• The Rise of Indian Brands
• Innovative Designs and Sustainability
• The Role of Influencers in Fashion Shows
• Reflections on Playtime Paris

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

• Linda shares her experience at Sam McKnight's 70th birthday party.
• Katie discusses the exciting new brands at the Pirouette Piazza.
• The runway show is making a comeback at Pirouette.
• The Pirouette directory.
• The importance of business strategies over creativity.
• European fashion returning to prominence?
• Challenges in manufacturing and market dynamics

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

• Introduction and Event Overview
• Spotlight on Unique Brands
• Influencer Dynamics in Fashion
• Gifting Strategies and Market Insights
• Closing Thoughts and Future Events

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

Katie catches up with Linda fresh from a vibrant week in London, where standout kidswear brand Happyology hosted a stylish event at Somerset House. The Spring/Summer 2025 collection was showcased in a café takeover blending fashion, flowers, and themed menus, creating a visually rich, press-friendly setting. With influencers, journalists, and bloggers in attendance, the event generated strong buzz and social content. Katie and Linda discuss how thoughtful presentation, storytelling, and PR elevate a brand’s visibility in a competitive market—and why Katie wishes she’d made the trip!

• Linda shares her experience attending the Happyology fashion event in London.
• The importance of PR and social media for brands in the fashion industry.
• The presence of influencers and press at the event, enhancing its reach.
• The benefits of networking and seeing friends at such events.

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

In this episode, Katie Kendrick and Linda McLean chat with Australian designer Lorna Murray, the creative force behind the iconic foldable hats now seen on global style icons like Kathy Hilton. Lorna shares how her brand evolved from a personal design project to a globally recognized label stocked in over 500 stores.

Her journey began with a decade of working alongside artisans in India and Indonesia while still teaching art in Australia. A key collaboration in Florence helped propel her hats into the spotlight. From there, a few viral moments—including a Korean influencer and Cathy Hilton on Real Housewives—sparked an organic wave of global attention.

Lorna discusses the evolution of the brand from a one-woman operation to a team of 17 in Sydney and 60 in Indonesia, all working in sync. She emphasizes the power of collaboration, shared values, and creating space for staff to grow organically within the business. Sustainability, creativity, and strong team culture are at the heart of Lorna Murray’s continued success.

• The Journey of Lorna Murray
• Growth and Expansion During COVID
• The Role of Social Media in Business
• Designing Unique Hats
• Building a Team and Company Culture
• Expanding into Children's Fashion
• Creating Brand Loyalty and Collaborations
• Celebrity Endorsements and Their Impact
• The Influence of Reality TV on Fashion
• The Role of AI in Business
• Navigating Market Entry and Brand Growth
• Childhood Inspirations and Creative Journey
• Future Collaborations and Brand Vision

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

After a prolonged break Katie & Linda give us a packed pod. With a look back at the AW25 show season, including Pitti Bimbo, Playtime Paris, Playtime New York and Kid's hub as well as Katie's trip to CBME Turkiye.

Summary

• Overview Pitti
• Overview Playtime Paris
• Overview CIFF
• Overview Playtime New York, Kids hub
• Themes
• Pricepoint
• Observations
• CBME Turkiye
• Favorite brands from show season
• Photography's important role
• Honorable mentions
• Conclusion

Mentions

Shows

Pitti Bimbo https://bimbo.pittimmagine.com

Playtime https://www.iloveplaytime.com

CBME https://www.cbmeturkiye.com.tr/en/

CIFF https://ciff.dk/our-brands/the-new

Brands

https://anjaschwerbrock.com/

https://www.wheat.co.uk/

https://global.gingersnaps.com.ph/

https://bobochoses.com/

https://jesurum.it/

https://www.raspberryplum

https://mc2saintbarth.com/

https://copenhagencolors.com/

https://www.molo.com/

https://www.veromoda.com/

https://www.kokori.co.uk/

https://ambosstoys.com/

https://palloncinoblusleepwear.it/

https://brunobrunonation.com/

https://www.wildwawashop.com/

https://thesundaycollective.com/

https://www.halcyonnights.com.au/

https://www.stickylemon.nl/

https://velocipedekids.com/

https://forivor.com/

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

It’s Linda’s birthday! A quick mention of the rotten Wimbledon weather before discussing the financial difficulties of concept store reference Smallable and their search for new investment following their placement into receivership.

Continue the conversation on the directory* https://pirouettedirectory.com/groups/general-business

Katie & Linda share their thoughts having been at Pitti Bimbo together, whilst Katie also talks about the Playtime Paris show ahead of this summer’s Olympics.

After the podcast Linda heads to CIFF kids, whilst Katie flys to New York for Playtime New York & Kid’s hub.

Mentions

Smallable https://www.smallable.com

Betty Soldi https://www.bettysoldi.com

Pitti Bimbo https://bimbo.pittimmagine.com

Playtime https://www.iloveplaytime.com

Children’s show https://www.childrenshow.com

Portuguese brand that gave out tinned sardines neither Katie nor Linda could remember the name of: My First Cante https://www.cantelisboa.com

Goldie + Ace https://goldieandace.com

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com

Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean.

Recorded LIVE at Pitti Bimbo 98.

Linda & Katie talk to Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine about growing up, La dolce vita and his introduction to fashion and the business of Pitti Bimbo

CEO of Pitti Immagine since 1995. Since his tenure Pitti has developed a diverse array of shows from fashion to food, to fragrance. Here he devotes his time to kids fashion & lifestyle.

Kidswear Therapy is a Pirouette Media Ltd production. Recorded & edited by Richard Kendrick Music by Low Tide https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Iqd1isfhrqhgH51tX2aqe

Hosted by Katie Kendrick of https://pirouetteblog.com Linda McLean of https://smudgetikka.com

Sponsored by https://pirouettedirectory.com