Kidswear therapy

Pirouette media

Katie from Pirouette & Linda from Smudgetikka talk to guests about their careers in the kids’ fashion & lifestyle industry & the influence of their childhood on their careers

  1. 12/15/2025

    LIVE at CBME Istanbul

    LIVE  we suggest watching this one on youtube for optimal experience ;) https://youtu.be/Y_ABE9GoX9U   Recorded on location in Istanbul, this episode of Kidswear Therapy finds Linda and Katie walking the show floor, sharing honest, in-the-moment reflections from a busy few days away. With the Pirouette Collective bringing together Molo, Sticky Lemon, Paade Mode and Goldie + Ace, the conversation drifts naturally between meetings, unexpected stand discoveries and the reality of testing brands in a new market. They chat about what caught their eye — from beautifully made occasionwear and swimwear to wooden toys, lifestyle pieces and a surprisingly charming take on toddler toilets — alongside the small moments that make trade shows what they are. There’s talk of international buyers, social media connections happening in real time, and how different markets respond to independent brands. Light, observational and refreshingly unfiltered, this episode captures the rhythm of a trade fair as it really feels: moments of calm, bursts of buzz, plenty of laughter, and lots to think about once the bags are unpacked back home.     ////////////////////////////////// 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

    16 min
  2. 10/06/2025

    Rebranding a Legacy: Bundgaard’s Next Step with Majbrit Weidemann

    Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. This week on Kidswear Therapy, Linda and Katie welcome an old friend — Majbrit Weidemann, now Managing Director of Bundgaard shoes. Linda and Majbrit go way back to the wild days of New Generals, when organic cotton and kids’ runway shows were still radical ideas. Fast forward to today, and Majbrit’s steering Bundgaard’s 120-year legacy into a new era. She describes uncovering a “chest of gold” in the archives and translating that heritage into a sharper, more contemporary premium kids’ footwear brand — one that feels modern but still true to its roots. They chat about design DNA, fearless creativity, and learning not to grow faster than your cashflow. Plus, how Bundgaard’s now using AI to speed design mock-ups and brand writing — with humans still firmly in charge of the soul.   Main talking points Linda & Majbrit’s shared history — the “New Generals” years Joining Bundgaard and rediscovering a heritage brand Mining 120 years of archives for design DNA Turning legacy into everyday philosophy, not nostalgia Bundgaard’s repositioning: premium, functional, modern Beginner shoes & archive classics — spotlight for AW26 The “fear factor” in today’s cautious kidswear market Lessons from fast growth at New Generals Balancing creativity, strategy, and profitability AI tools as design assistants — not replacements Staying brave, creative, and connected in a changing industry   ////////////////////////////////// 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

    47 min
  3. 09/12/2025

    MICROPOD - De Minimis Gone & Kidswear Chaos

    Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. In this quick micropod, Katie and Linda chat about the mess caused by Trump’s tariffs and the end of the 'de minimis' exemption. Independent brands, especially those producing in China, are really feeling the squeeze—some even getting customs bills bigger than their orders. With shipping to the U.S. suspended from over 30 countries and platforms like Shopify scrambling to soften the blow, it’s a stressful, confusing time. The two share stories, vent a little, and send out a big “Kidswear Therapy hug” to brands just trying to keep afloat. While the tone’s a bit heavy, they balance it with humor and look ahead to lighter topics—like kids’ modeling and influencer culture—in upcoming episodes. How Trump’s tariffs and the loss of the de minimis exemption are hitting small brands. Brands turning to third-party logistics (3PLs) to find workarounds. Horror stories of customs charges exceeding the value of shipments. Over 30 countries suspending deliveries to the U.S., leaving retailers scrambling. Shopify rolling out tools to calculate duties upfront and avoid nasty surprises. Pressure on mid-sized brands already struggling with inflation and tight cashflow. Retail casualties like Ssense, blaming tariffs for big drops in U.S. sales. Confusion and lack of systems—echoes of Brexit chaos. Brands questioning how long they can keep going under this strain. A supportive note to the industry: “we feel your pain.” Teaser for next episode: kids’ modeling, influencer culture, and where to draw the line.   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

    18 min
  4. 09/09/2025

    The Playtime New York & CIFF debrief

    Kidswear therapy with Katie Kendrick & Linda McLean. Katie and Linda return from summer chaos (read: kids finally back at school) and dive into the world of kidswear trade shows. Linda reports from Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), where the new uniform stand design had brands split between “clean Scandi chic” and “where’s my giant poster?” vibes. Katie shares her adventures at Playtime New York, which ranged from dodging influencer meet-and-greets with her daughters to sweating through the hottest NYC summer. They cover how trade shows are shifting more toward showroom-style setups, the pressure on brands to hustle buyers into appointments, and the challenges of a tough global market for independents. Sprinkled throughout are side stories about influencers, denim obsessions, matcha lattes, and Katie’s questionable street cred in front of TikTok-famous strangers. Despite the serious note about store closures and financial pressures, the tone stays upbeat: there’s still opportunity for creativity, new markets, and a fef laughs along the way. CIFF’s new format: Sleek, uniform stands lowered costs but limited brand personality. Changing trade show dynamics: Less foot traffic means brands must secure appointments and treat fairs like showrooms. Playtime New York comeback: Big European brands returned, proving the U.S. market remains key despite tariff and cost challenges. Market pressures: Independent boutiques continue to close, pushing brands to adapt collections, strategy, and positioning. Bright spots: Innovative newcomers and bold collections show there’s still energy and opportunity in kidswear.   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

    38 min
  5. The Pitti Bimbo & Playtime Paris debrief

    07/08/2025

    The Pitti Bimbo & Playtime Paris debrief

    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

    34 min

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Katie from Pirouette & Linda from Smudgetikka talk to guests about their careers in the kids’ fashion & lifestyle industry & the influence of their childhood on their careers