What?: It’s all been a bit miserable on the London kids’ shop front lately, what with Hither Green’s beautiful Cissy Wears closing its bricks-and-mortar store earlier in the year and our beloved eenymeeny in Tufnell Park set to shut up shop altogether later this month. Thankfully there is a little beacon of hope in the form of Hackney-based family lifestyle store What Mother Made, which opened last month and offers a gorgeous mix of handmade childrenswear and well-chosen books and gifts – as well as a small selection of handmade womenswear.
Described as “playfully traditional with a contemporary edge”, What Mother Made’s vintage-inspired rompers, dresses and separates have a modern-1980s feel and are expertly cut and sewn from a vibrant selection of locally sourced fabrics by a small in-house team in the shop’s Dalston studio. Available in ages 0-8, each and every piece is lovingly made to order to eliminate waste, and can be made to your exact specifications for a truly one-of-a-kind, heirloom-worthy result.
What Mother Made’s Well Street boutique is the perfect backdrop for such colourful treats with its fresh white walls, big plywood pegboards and lush greenery every couple of feet. Own-brand kidswear is beautifully displayed on one wall, amid the toy and accessory offer, while the grown-up edit is presented on the opposite side of the shop. None of it is particularly cheap, but it’s all very covetable – and absolutely perfect for gifting.
Particular favourites include the sleeveless pastel rompers in nostalgic floral prints, the handmade marbled wrapping paper, and the ridiculously adorable assortment of tiny leather bootees. The store also offers picture books, greetings cards, handmade stuffed animals, kids’ tableware, Polish slippers and a chic selection of toiletries and home accessories. Not your average kids’ shop by any means – and definitely one to bear in mind when you’re in the market for something a bit special.
Where?: What Mother Made is located at 192 Well Street, E9 6RG a six-minute walk from Homerton Overground. Its other location can be found at 166 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JL, a 12-minute walk from Stoke Newington Overground.
Price Range: Clothing costs from £30 for a child’s shirt or pair of trousers up to £75 for an adult jacket.
Best Bits: The rompers really are something else and knowing that they’re handmade in Hackney with zero waste is amazing.
Worst Bits: Currently only the clothing is available to buy online. For everything else you’ll have to pop in-store (what a terrible tragedy).
Did We Buy?: Not this time.
Would We Come Back?: Yes!
Babu and Matcha the Shiba Inu browse at What Mother Made, Hackney.
bablands.com 