Hip Hip Hooray

Youngsters go hipster in Little Trendstar’s retro-inspired designs.

Nicole Worth felt something was lacking in the childrenswear market after having her two boys: clothing that expressed what she refers to as “style for mini hipsters.” A little over a year ago she founded Little Trendstar to fill this void. “Being a designer I thought I should just do it myself,” says Worth, who co-owns a web design firm with her husband. “I always wanted to do shirts with our business and decided to do kids’ shirts, and so far they’ve taken off really well.” So well in fact that the hip, eco-friendly brand has opened showrooms on both coasts, and its T-shirts and one-pieces are hits with such celebrities as Gwen Stefani and Kate Hudson.

“I see our customer as the hipster kid whose parents want to dress him out of the box,” Worth says. “Somebody who wants to gain attention and have fun with clothing. That’s really what it’s all about.” Worth says she uses retro-pop images as inspiration for the clean and modern line. Two of her favorite designs from the Spring ’13 collection feature a hi-top sneaker with the phrase, “I’ve got sole,” and a boom box image that states, “I play loud.” “I’m a child of the ’80s and I enjoy bringing that back and bringing that nostalgia into the brand so parents can look back and introduce their children to [it],” she says. The brand has been such a favorite of parents that Worth is thinking about expanding the line in the near future to get “moms and dads rocking the same shirts as their kids.”

Besides Little Trendstar’s retro-trendy vibe, Worth also prides herself on the apparel’s quality. All the clothing is made in the U.S. and features non-toxic, water-based inks, and the majority of the items are 100 percent cotton. “That was extremely important to me,” Worth says. “Water-based inks are healthier and safer but they also have a better feel on the shirts; it’s not the plastic-y feel.” Other highlights in the spring collection include grey shirts with accents of neon, colors she plans on using more of in the future.

Worth also hopes to “keep the momentum going” and continue to grow the collection and offer more options, including additional styles and extended sizes. And she thinks that industry trends she’s taken notice of will help her accomplish these goals. “What I can say from a retail standpoint, and from being a mom myself, is I’m finally starting to see the industry give people what they’re looking for, especially in regards to boys,” she notes. “There are a lot more options and choices for moms, and I really appreciate that. We want to dress our kids just as hip as the next [one].”–Maria Bouselli