There are collections, when discovered, that you fall in love with. A collection that remains on your most wanted list for years to come & you simply can't stop talking about it to your mama friends who appreciate such beauty. Blu Pony Vintage does just that! I first came across this remarkable children's line last October at ENK Children's Club. It is, in ever sense, an incredible brand full of the American made vintage esthetic of the 1920's & 30's and modern day appeal of today-both beautiful to the eye and functional for today's children. Meet Bonnie Matthew's creator and designer behind Blu Pony Vintage.
Bebe Birds (BB): Tell us about Blu Pony vintage? Can you share with us your inspiration when creating the brand?
Bonnie Matthew's (BM): Blue Pony Vintage is American vintage. It is American made. Inspired by the 1920's and 30's, I add design details from that time in fashion but also keep in mind the needs of a modern child.
BB: What's in a name? Can you share how you came up with the name, Blu Pony Vintage?
BM: Because the line is designed for boys and girls and I wanted a brand name that would work for both. I grew up on a farm in Washington state and I have always loved horses. I don't know a kid that doesn't like ponies. Blue is also a gender neutral color and since my line always uses a lot of denim, that color seemed like a perfect fit.
BB: We love the quality and the vintage feel of your brand. Does this come from your own personal style that has carried over into your children's collection?
BM: Yes. It has to be. I have to design what I believe in and dress in clothes that inspire my designing. I want to grow my brand into a women's collection. That's a few years down the road...
BM: Listen to your customers. When I started I was very true to 1920's and 30's designs. Boys shorts and pants were button up and no adjustable waistband. Buyers bought the collection knowing this in the design but when it was on the selling floor it wasn't moving. After getting some feedback I actually pulled the items and made the changes to make the pieces work for the modern child. Now, all my boys bottoms have zipper flies and adjustable waistbands.
BB: We love SO many of the pieces we saw from your collection at ENK in January, such as the slips under the girls dresses. What have you found to be your most stand out piece from this collection?
BM: I grew up wearing slips. I just love them and it's something not really seen anymore in kids apparel. Slips are a great way to layer up and add more warmth but they can also be worn as a stand alone piece. They are always in my collection. The coats are a very fun and luxurious piece. The fur collar was introduced in the last AW12 (Autumn/Winter) collection and it sold out. It was a risky design for me but I tried and people loved it. Since my coats aren't necessarily a kids everyday coat I wanted them to be fun and really stand out.
BB: Any advice for new designers embarking on the world of children's wear?
BM: Yes. You have to love to problem solve. As a designer and local manufacturer there are always issues and you have to be flexible and make adjustments quickly. Also, really know what you want your brand to be and the message or story it tells. If you know this clearly, your designing will be easier.
BB: What can we look forward to with Blu Pony Vintage?
BM: Oh boy...so many things. I just went up to a size 14. In a year I will be doing baby. Then the following year I will introduce mommy and me pieces. Then the brand will keep growing into more lifestyle items: books, bags, shoes, linens etc...
