fawn&forest

Kristen Angelo knows whats up. She thoughtfully designs practical pieces.... that have some urban edginess for your tot.  Hello kerchief! Thanks Kristen!

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A designer.  At age 12 my friends were getting grounded for kissing boys or not calling home on time – I got grounded for spray painting antique dishware black and habitually rearranging the house while my parents were out.

Boopalina + Bebe products are incredibly well conceived, thoughtful in purpose + design. What motivates this? What sparks you?
Some products are designed from my personal experiences as a mom.  Some products are developed by literally draping fabric over my tot and drafting a pattern.  Others, often my personal favs and our most successful products, evolve from fluke and are nudged by a little random creativity.  I pull a lot of inspiration from pattern, color, texture, contemporary appeal, the flamboyant spirit of youth.  I love thumbing through a classic design book or interiors magazine and translating themes and elements to children’s design.

What does 2009 hold for you?
We’re expecting an appearance from baby no. 3 in October, and I'm hoping to gain momentum on the renovation of our 1920's craftsman home.  I look forward to expanding our range of products and print selections, transitioning to organic textiles grown and milled in the US, and introducing a new vintage modern collection of stretched canvas wall art.  In March we were approached by a major nationwide retailer interested in launching some of our products…I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what unfolds.