Sammy & Nat Designer Samantha Benson

If you had told New Yorker Samantha Benson five years ago that today she would be helming her own baby clothing brand, she never would have believed it. But when she started shopping for gifts for her friends who were expecting, she couldn’t find anything that wasn’t covered in frills and “baby-ish” add-ons. “I wanted quality, simple pieces that they would use every day,” says the FIT graduate who left her position at Michael Kors in the spring of 2014 to begin developing Sammy & Nat. Retailing from $24 to $55, the line comprises classic silhouettes like one-pieces and rompers made from 100 percent pima cotton in sizes 0-3 months to 6-12 months that can be dressed up or down. As she puts it, “I want all the collections to have the same qualities I myself would look for in comfortable and casual clothing.”

Describe the typical Sammy & Nat customer. A mom or dad that appreciates classic and quality clothing for themselves as well as their children. They are willing to buy quality over quantity and use it over and over again until they grow out of it. They want the fabric that is touching their baby’s skin to the absolute best.

What are your key trends for Spring ’15? In addition to the solid colors we have these great anchor prints in navy blue, hot pink and red, as well as some super cute polka-dot colorways.

Any standout clothing memories from your childhood? Anyone who knew me as a kid knows I was obsessed with Michael Jackson. One year my dad bought this black and red leather skirt and jacket. Zippers and all. I thought this was the best thing that ever happened to me. It sort of was. I wore this for months… Even to school.

Who is your style icon? Classic beauties like Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, etc. These women had impeccable style and class. But two come to mind that are a bit more relevant: Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie. They may not be the most lovable in the public eye but I love how simple and classic their style is. They always look like they are effortlessly put together, understated elegance at its best.

Which trends do you hope to never see again? These teeny, tiny cut-off shorts that some girls seem to think is attractive. Just no.

Which designer do you admire the most? The first that comes to mind is Diane Von Furstenberg: The more I learn about her, the most interesting and inspiring she becomes. She is a wonderful and strong female role model for all that she has accomplished. Another up and coming designer I think has beautiful collections and a lot of potential is Cristina Ottaviano. Her dresses are to die for!

What is your favorite part of your job? That every day is a challenge and every day I am learning. It’s true what they say: Love what you do and you never have to work a day in your life. There are obstacles and challenges starting a business but the unknown is so exciting.

If you weren’t designing clothes, what would you be doing? No idea. I will also say that if you told me five years ago that I would started a baby clothing brand I would never believe you. You never know!

If you could invite anyone to dinner, would it be? My mom… My dad, sister and I lost her when I was 7 and my sister was 4. We have so much to tell her.

What three things can you not live without? My family, my friends and avocados.