I clearly remember being eight months pregnant and going to the baby show in Olympia (my son Connor is now 18 months old). There was so much on offer that it became slightly overwhelming, but one thing was for certain: I needed (not wanted) a Pink Lining baby changing bag. Come on, I’ve worked in fashion for the last ten years—of course I had to have a stylish baby changing bag. It was pink, printed and colourful, with gorgeous hand-stitched detail. Yes my bag was pink and I had a son—it doesn’t really matter when they are that young, does it? This bag made me feel it was designed especially for me.
Well done Charlotte Pearl, the creative force behind Pink Lining. Charlotte launched her business in response to the needs of her own three children. She designed four distinctive prints: “Robbie the Robot”, which she came up with after making a robot out of a cardboard box with her children; “Dinosaur Walk”, which is my son’s personal favourite (he likes to make roaring noises every time he picks up this lunch bag); “Little Lady”, a ladybird design; and “While the World Slept”, with woodland animals and toadstools.
So let’s get this straight: Charlotte, who launched Pink Lining, has three children and time to run a successful children’s accessories business? Her gear is sold not only in some of the UK’s most prestigious shops, including Mamas and Papas, John Lewis, Harrods and Fenwick, but also in shops from Helsinki to Osaka to Auckland. Because of their phenomenal success, Pink Lining developed their collection and introduced the “PL Child” range for our bigger little ones—hurray. This collection includes overnight bags, lunch boxes, toy boxes, pencil cases and my personal favourite: cute wheelie bags for travelling.
Connor sporting the picture satchel (£25). This bag is fun because you can personalise the front with your child’s drawings or pictures.
Connor’s favourite: the “Dinosaur” lunch box (£12). Perfect for him to take to nursery.
Check out all the lovely products from Pink Lining on their quirky and fun website:
About the author:
Serena Francis is a mum to one boisterous little boy named Connor who is fast approaching the ripe age of one. Her background in fashion ignited her passion to start jewellery business called Melita Rose while on maternity leave and is available online and in select west London stores. Although lately she finds herself trading in her handbag for a cool nappy bag. If you’re a new indie designer, please get in touch with Serena on serena@melitarose.com
