Although I'm a bit new to the fashion world, I do recognize the phrase 'fashion forward'.  Looking to give your look relevance and trend setting appeal.
​But what I've found as a fashion designer,  is that fashion does tend to repeat itself, but in an elevated way.  An example is the use of a fur hand roll I add to some of my winter outfits.  It's a timeless example of fashion beauty that makes the girls modeling them  feel special and feminine, even if they are only 5.  I've had a couple of shows now and am booked thru September of 2018 with shows and conventions.  What I'm learning at these events, is that parents want an option that may not be in their mind fashion forward, but something with a subtle elegance of the past.  It is so fun looking back at history to see how clothing shaped the culture.  It's also fun to give a nod to the past when reflecting some of it's timeless beauty into our designs.  

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Most that know me, know my background was not in fashion, but chemicals.  In my last responsibility, I worked with personal care manufactures to understand new trends coming to the market.  Specifically, nail polish, foundations...any type eye shadow or coating for the body in any form were target product groups.  As I ended that career, I was always amazed when I worked with L'Oréal or Chanel, the speed in which colors and textures changed.  Now, working in  fashion, I strive to translate my esthetic to children's clothing, keeping an eye on market trends, but not letting it overly encourage my designs.   My design strategy is not to chase style.... but merely to set new tones and directions for children's clothing.  At Promise Clothing, we are striving to focus on the innocent beauty of the child and compliment that....not overtake it.  We don't bury a little girl in ruffles or flowers.  I give clean style and unencumbered looks that has a timeless feel.   I'm learning more about what mother's and their daughters want to see in little girl's clothing.  I'm finding my line is a little different, but that is exactly what uniqueness is all about.  I just won't surrender my personal look or my design esthetic, to the next new trend.  But, I also will not ignore it.

​When I was a young girl growing up in the country, little girl or young girls clothing was pretty much like children, seen,  but not really heard.  Clothing was basically appreciated only for its cost and durability.  Those 2 factors were pretty much all my mother took into consideration when she purchased my clothing for school and play.  That criteria is still important, but we have to add variables that have resulted from changes in our society.
Today's young girls clothing styles might be best described as eclectic, resulting from a generation that unlike myself when I was young, is appreciated for their individuality and voice on a much broader scale. Simply meaning that in order for children's clothing to be relevant today,  you have to pull from a 'broad and diverse range of sources', which is the  exact definition of eclectic.  The uniqueness of children's clothing is important, because it supports the notion of diversity and owning or knowing who you are at a young age.  Our children are simply paying attention to what they wear and being rather selective.  
Now at this point, your probably thinking, she is taking this all too seriously, after all Promise Clothing is acquiring and producing clothing for children 2 years to 7 years and it just 'isn't that serious'.  But it is, because it is all about figuring out how we can start early making our young girls feel special about themselves and this boost self confidence at an early age, not to mention strong self confidence keeps our girls from looking for confirmation from different sources as they grow.  I guess I'm seeing a need for more individual attention to our young girls and I think clothing is a part of supporting individuality and diversity.   I'm working extremely hard to understand exactly what would make the Promise Clothing Brand a contender in the market on price, regional relatability, sustainability and desirability by the economic buyer and the child that will wear it.  I'd love your feedback as I strive to create girl's clothing that makes them feel a little 'extra'.   Lesa Patte' - Promise Clothing