Clothes with that gentle touch

The NuNu line, targeted at newborns to five year-olds, is chic and smart with a hint of naughtiness – an attribute of every child. Most of the outfits are unisex casual, playing with fabric patterns, stripes and plaid.

Mother of two Kanlaya Chaiwatanachai launched the brand three years ago after giving birth to her son. Her child’s first smile was unforgettable and inspired Kanlaya to come up with a hand-made shoe for her son’s first footwear. The shoe was the start of NuNu, which has as its slogan “first moments last forever”. 

“I have no skill in sewing but I wanted the best for my son. I didn’t like the baby shoes covered with colourful cartoon motifs that were available on the market so I decided to make my own. My first baby shoes mixed and matched colours and printed fabrics and weren’t at all elaborate,” says Kanlaya who quit a full-time job in advertising to become a full-time mum.

So many people loved that first pair of shoes that Kanlaya decided to make more and sell them on her Facebook page. Orders soared and three years ago, she introduced her brand at the Modern Mum Fair.

“I figured shoes were too much of a niche market so I expanded the line to include clothing. The first line offered plain cotton T-shirts and undershirts in 20 shades and they proved incredibly popular. After the fair, I realised that the clothes should be our main products, as there was obviously a potentially large market,” says Kanlaya.

The products are now divided into three lines. The apparel line is called First Chic and mums can dress their newborns in smart bodysuits as well as short and long rompers with reversible bibs. The toddlers have spandex leggings with kneepads attached that help protect them when they start to crawl and stand. Boys and girls both will love the reversible tees plain on one side and striped on the other. 

“I have only a few dresses for girls as the unique character of NuNu is that it’s not feminine but unisex with a playful touch,” she says.

 

 

The second line is called First Shoes and is designed for newborns to babies of nine months with the shoes all made to order. The last is First Props, offering hand-made crocheted hats, headbands and bow ties.

“Working with kid’s products makes me happy. The customers that buy my gear want only the best for their kids. It’s rare in business that you have a chance to see the development of your loyal customers. I’ve been in contact with many of my customers during their pregnancies and though the births of their children to toddlerhood and often the birth of their second child,” says Kanlaya. 

NuNu has no actual shop but the products are available on line via the brand’s website and at other stores like Brown Farm at Central World and Mother Goose on Soi Thonglor. NuNu is also a regular at the Thailand Baby Best Buy Fair, which is held three times a year.

 

BABES IN THE HOOD

>>Check out NuNu’s products at www.NuNuFirstJoy.com. For details call (02) 515 1191.