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CHILDRENSALON FAMILY

Growing Up with Childrensalon: Carla’s Story

At Childrensalon, we see all of our customers as family, and we feel privileged to dress your littlest ones from birth, through every milestone, until they are ready for their next adventure. One such family story belongs to Carla Pede, who lives and travels with her family between Romania and Belgium.

Carla has not only been dressed by us since she was a baby, but has also starred in many photo shoots over the past 10 years. So when we heard that she was coming with her parents to England, we invited Carla to join us for a very special shoot to celebrate her 14
th birthday!

It was a day for the memory books, as we welcomed this dear member of our extended family on set for the shoot, in which she would celebrate her own Childrensalon fairytale. Carla went seamlessly from one shot to the next, before we took a break in our day to reflect on her journey with us over the years.

Emotions ran high, as we reminisced about how Carla had grown up with us. From her first days in our small studio, and her loyalty and affection over the past decade, to today as she embraces her bright future, she was moved to tears (as were we). Happy birthday, Carla!

2 Sep 2024

A Perfect Day

"We all love this pretty top from Chloé. The ruffles and gorgeous rose print make it easy to dress up and down," says our styling manager, Melissa.

Chloé - Girls Pink Spiral Print Wool Blouse | ChildrensalonChloé
£375.87
Chloé - Girls Pink Corduroy Skirt | ChildrensalonChloé
£205.22
Versace - Girls Gold Pleated Medusa 95 Skirt | ChildrensalonVersace
£434.78
Monnalisa - Girls Ivory Velour Sweatshirt | ChildrensalonMonnalisa
£209.35

So Carla, tell us – how did your Childrensalon story begin?

I was just a baby when it all started. My mum was looking for something amazing for a baptism and she came across Childrensalon for the first time. There, she found the most perfect Miss Blumarine dress and cardigan for me. From then on, my parents felt that I was always most beautifully dressed in clothes that were from Childrensalon. When I was younger I lived in outfits by Monnalisa, to the extent that many of our friends started calling me the “Monnalisa girl”!

When I was four years old, my mum sent in some pictures of me to Childrensalon, as she had got to know a lot of the team working there and they had become friends. In the summer of 2014, my mum received an email on behalf of Michele [Harriman-Smith, who led the business and is the daughter of Childrensalon's founder Sybil], asking us if she would bring me to be in a photo shoot. I loved the experience — it was like a fairytale come true! From that moment onwards, a special relationship developed between us and I travelled over to England and modelled in many Childrensalon shoots over the years — it felt like they had become a second family to us. Over time, our relationship got even stronger and I developed a special bond with many of the team, including the wonderful Melissa, who styled me in this shoot today.

And what are your favourite memories with us from throughout the years?

So many. I loved dressing up in the beautiful clothes. One time, I remember wearing a dress, shoes and a crown by Dolce & Gabbana. It felt like I was in a fairytale. I remember all the people, too — especially Melissa, who always made me feel so beautiful, the ladies who did my hair, and the photographers, all of whom I really liked and made me feel so comfortable. It was like coming home every time and I was always sad to leave. The people were always great and meeting Michele and George [Harriman-Smith, Childrensalon's creative visionary] was very special. I loved their energy, and Michele had a kind of aura around her . . . she was like a queen whenever she came into the room.

Stay Relaxed

"This embroidered gilet is beautifully soft and a great way to elevate their favourite loungewear. Carla and I approve!" says Melissa.

 

Are there any special pieces from Childrensalon that hold a place in your heart?

Of course my parents would say the baptism dress. Then after my Monnalisa phase, I remember there was a tutu from Angel’s Face that I absolutely loved. I also had some glittery boots that I insisted on wearing to school. Even when they were too small, I would carry on wearing them . . . I loved those boots so much!

Now that you are in your teens, how do you like to dress?

I like dresses, skirts and pants — or how do you say it? Trousers? Dresses make me feel special, though. There is a big trend for girls to wear trousers, but sometimes I want to look more feminine, so having support helps me feel confident, especially when everyone is following that trend. My mum always encourages me to wear what I want. We are very close in my family, and we talk about everything.

Sweet Celebrations

"This Marlo Kids dress is perfect for a celebration. The embroidery, the scalloped details and an adorable pom-pom trimmed neckline . . . the overall effect is delightful," says Melissa.

"For me, this dress was the most beautiful. I felt very special in it." - Carla

Shop Dresses

From the earliest days . . .

Shop Girl

. . . to the present day

Shop Teen
Marlo Kids - Girls Pink Floral Embroidered Dress | ChildrensalonMarlo Kids
£165.00
Mama Luma - Girls Pink Satin Bow Hairband | ChildrensalonMama Luma
£36.00
Monnalisa - Girls Pink Tulle Dress | ChildrensalonMonnalisa
£281.74
Monnalisa - Girls Grey Suede Leather Bow Shoes | ChildrensalonMonnalisa
£321.96

What are your favourite outfits from the shoot today?

It’s so hard to choose, but I would say Dolce & Gabbana has special meaning for me. Ever since I was little, I loved modelling their collections for Childrensalon, and today I felt just as amazing in the dresses and trouser set. My dream would be to model for Dolce & Gabbana! Also, for me the pink floral [Marlo Kids] dress was the most beautiful. I felt very special in that dress. I loved the knitted Calvin Klein set, too — it was so comfortable.

This Girl Can . . .

"For girls who want to feel comfy while conquering the world, this dreamy soft cotton lounge suit from Stella McCartney Kids delivers," says Melissa.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I would say that I am quite active. I really enjoy doing sport, and twice a week I have aikido [a Japanese martial art] and swimming.

You’re turning 14 very soon – any special plans to celebrate?

Yes, I am going to an amusement park in Belgium with my whole family, which I think will be very fun!

Tell us about your dreams for the future . . .

I think I would love to travel and live in another country. I am a relaxed person and tend to go with the flow, which I think is quite rare. I am not sure what I would like to be when I grow up, but I do enjoy the modelling I have done with Childrensalon and would like to explore that more. I wish I could return and do shoots with Childrensalon forever! Whenever I do, it feels like I am coming home to the ones I love . . .

What advice would you give to other young people?

I would say always follow your dreams and never give up on the goals that make you happy. Passion is what will help you accomplish your dreams and dedication to your loved ones is most important. I love Childrensalon and the team like they are family and I hope that I am able to carry on the legacy of what I have learned into my future career, hopefully as a professional model one day.

       A Dolce & Gabbana Dream

Happy birthday, Carla! From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful day and every future success.

Images by Childrensalon

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