A new company offering good quality, original clothes for children has become so popular parents are asking for the pieces to be made in their size. Ruth Addicott talks to its founder, textile designer Kate Carrick.

WHEN textile designer Kate Carrick struggled to find original, good quality clothes for her children, she decided to take matters into her own hands and set up her own business.

Kate launched Darlington-based childrenswear company Chalk at the beginning of this year with an emphasis on quality fabric, stylish and individual pieces manufactured in Britain.

“Chalk really came about because I couldn’t find the kind of clothes I wanted for my daughter; clothes that combined great fabrics with clever design and perfect detailing,” says Kate.

“Chalk is for everyone who loves individual design and great clothes for their children.”

The collection features some gorgeous dresses, skirts, dungarees, tops, trousers and coats, with prices ranging from a blouse at £45 to a winter coat at £130.

The Tab coat is among the best selling items, while the Pleat pinafore is one of the most versatile, made from lightweight wool with a beautiful silky lining.

The clothes are non-seasonal and available all year round.

They are also unique in that they all carry the Made In Britain mark, something Kate is proud of.

“I wanted to work with British manufacturers, as independent designers like myself play an important role in their survival,” she says. “Sourcing from the UK wasn’t easy and it has taken time to establish a strong base of suppliers that are both talented and willing to think differently.”

To ensure the clothes are all high quality, Kate sources all the fabric from family-run mills in England and Scotland.

Chalk also offers a bespoke service, allowing customers to choose specific patterns, colours and fabrics. Kate, who studied textiles at university, creates the designs herself from her home near Darlington.

“To really appreciate these clothes, you need to see them in the flesh – or rather, the fabric,”

she says. “For example, one of our coats features an asymmetric collar and the external patch-pocket on some of the other items, has become something of a trademark because it emphasises what Chalk is about – using brilliantly-executed details to add flair and interest.”

Kate says there has always been a wide variety of children’s clothes available, but finding both variety and quality at a good price, is a problem. “I think Chalk definitely adds these and that’s a good thing,” she says. “Judging by the number of times I’m asked by parents if they could have items in their size, its rubbing off, too.”■ For further information, visit chalkchildrens wear.co.uk