Discover the Charm of What Mother Made
When the terms “handmade” and “London” intersect, the unique and timeless creations of What Mother Made immediately come to mind. Meet Charlotte Denn, the founder and designer of this enchanting brand. Together with her team, they craft distinctive pieces for babies and children, which can also be custom made. One of our favorites is the vibrant rose pleated dungarees that have captured our hearts.
An interview with Charlotte Denn
Yoyo Mom had the pleasure of asking Charlotte a few insightful questions:
Are you a mom?
Yes, I am a mother to two beautiful children: Madison, who is 6, and a baby boy, Arlo, who is just 7 months old.
What are the ups and downs of being a mom?
The ups come simply from spending time with them; they make me laugh every day. It can be challenging at times to balance work, school, and caring for a baby, but the rewards are immense.
What inspires or motivates your designs?
The inspiration behind What Mother Made primarily stems from vintage shapes and patterns. I admire how beautifully designed clothing was in the past. I often visit jumble sales and flea markets, searching for old children’s clothes, which offer amazing sources of inspiration for me. I’m not particularly driven by modern fashion trends, but I genuinely enjoy selecting fabrics, which is one of my favorite pastimes, mostly because it involves shopping!
How did you become interested in making children’s clothing?
My passion for creating children’s apparel was ignited by my daughter. I discovered it was difficult to find classic styles in lovely fabrics, so I began to make my own. I initially sold handmade dresses at a market stall and quickly started selling out. Since then, the brand has rapidly expanded. I believe people value the care and attention that goes into handmade products.
What is your ambition for What Mother Made—local or global?
While I would love for What Mother Made to be recognized worldwide, I would never compromise on quality for the sake of expansion. We certainly want to grow but are committed to continuing our tradition of creating handmade garments and sourcing my own fabrics.
Do you have any recommendations for moms in London?
There are fantastic trendy markets in London that showcase what sets the city apart from others. For example, Broadway Market in Hackney is particularly noteworthy. It not only features the best emerging brands but also offers great bargains.
What about recommendations for kids in London?
Children always enjoy parks, and London has no shortage of them. Interactive playgrounds like Holland Park Adventure Playground keep kids entertained for hours.
Beyond the online store, What Mother Made is available at Broadway Market every Saturday (9 am – 5 pm) and at Abney Hall, Stoke Newington every other Sunday (11 am – 5 pm).