Time for some design inspiration! If you follow me on here, you’ll know how much I enjoy discovering new talent. I like to go off the beaten path looking for fledgling brands and creatives in the children’s design world — getting lost in that immense labyrinth of interesting links known as the Internet. Hours of “research” are always worth it when you come across something really special!

Trade shows are another favorite playground of mine, although I do prefer original, perhaps less well-known names; the kind of up-and-coming exhibitors you find at events like Dot To Dot London for example (you may remember this trade fair from an earlier post). Today I’m zooming in on a handful of kids’ products I discovered recently via Little Fashion Week. Although this Brussels-based trade show has unfortunately been cancelled, the exhibitors’ work is just too good not to share.

Shadows Game
$9.34 from Nogaravin

Hands up if you like shadow puppets! I do! They’re magical. And it’s something my own kids never tire of playing with. Nogaravin has all kinds of wonderful creations up her sleeve. Born in Israel and currently living in Poland, she makes soft (and adorable) toys, pillows, and puppets.

Tipi Cushions
by Laure Kasiers

Warning: objects larger than they appear! I love this Tipi prototype set by Belgian rug designer Laure Kasiers. Made up of four different colors and shapes, linked together with a simple fixation system, this modular cushion kit can be used as a carpet, den, seat, table, whatever takes you fancy. Kids will love it!

Croco Lamps
by Monsieur Kacha

I recently started collecting ideas for teen rooms on Pinterest (harder than you think!) and will definitely be adding these playful lamps to my finds. Thibaut Theunissen likes to make people smile. His repurposed jump lead lamps come in 8 colors and are sure to brighten up any space in the home (please visit his website for stockists).

Paper Beast
by Julie Rousseau

Cardboard is still one of my favorite materials, so when I came across Julie Rousseau’s fabulous animal trophies, I was in awe. Deceptively simple-looking, Julie spends hours crafting her sculptures by hand. Many of her masks are decorated in pastels or even gold, and would all look stunning displayed on a wall in a child’s room.

Skateboard shelves
from Leçons de choses

Oh my, there is just so much to love on Magali Arbib’s blog! I presume many of you are already familiar with her fantastic skateboard shelves and benches, but have you seen her skateboard wheel hangers or bedding? I hope you’ll take the time to explore her other handmade products, including the most beautiful children’s rugs (that tie-die polar bear!).

If you’re interested in what’s going on in the European kids’ design world, this really is just a small selection of the creative talent featured on the Little Fashion Week website. Enjoy reading about the rest in your own time!

Top image:

What time is it Mr. Wolf? Oh sorry, it’s Mr. Pig! I think. Madame Irma’s bright and colorful wall clocks and watches will have your little ones giggling. Designed to help kids of 3 years and up learn to tell the time, Madame Irma’s products use animals and eye-popping colors instead of numbers. Fun!