We chat with Nick Joblin (pictured far right) one of the directors and designers of NZ street wear kids label, Minti!


What's the story behind Minti (i.e. history)?
We launched Minti back in 2003, we started it as mini streetwear label for 0-5 year olds, at the time there were really no options for parents to dress their kids in high quality, cool clothing... everyone went crazy over it on the first season so we designed more and more, we have gone from strength to strength from there...

What makes Minti different from other kids fashion labels?
I think the fact that we do all our own designing and artwork makes us different to a lot of other Kid brands out there... doing our own artworks gives us a very hand drawn raw look which we like.... We stay true to our ethos “would we wear that if we were small” during the whole designing process...

What inspires your designs?
All 4 of us directors play a part in designing so it differs... But for me, I get inspired by the people I am surrounded by... I get an idea and just put it to paper and hope it turns out how I envision... I design for some other Streetwear labels as well, so a lot of the prints I do tend to steer away from your run of the mill kids prints like ships, cars, abc’s etc...

Any hints for us as to what we can expect from Minti for Summer 10?
We are super excited for Summer 10 because we are going to cater for the up to 8 year olds... I don’t like to give to much away but it’s definitely the best range yet...

What's been your most exciting/fulfilling/wonderful moment since launching Minti?
The most exciting thing I can recall is receiving a size 6 jumpsuit that was only designed to go up to 18 months, the ones with the snap domes... Anyway, our tiny framed sales rep managed to squeeze in to it... that was definitely a highlight.

Are Minti products available elsewhere in the world?
We stock stores in Japan, the USA and of course NZ...

How would you describe your own personal style?
Pretty much Minti in a guys medium.... I wouldn’t wear the one pieces though.

What can't you live without?
My wife Amy...(pictured in this shot, at centre)

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I was pretty keen not to grow up.

What movie have you recently seen and loved, what book have you recently read and enjoyed and what food can you not get enough of right now?
I enjoyed Slum Dog Millionaire which I saw recently, the sound track is awesome... lots of M.I.A... I just finished looking through the NYLON:Street book which was cool... does that count? Warrick Thai in Melbourne’s Sydney Rd has the best food ever!

Baby’s Got Style is looking for a new soft toy design to be produced by top Australian nursery brand - Alimrose Designs.



Your design will be manufactured by Alimrose Designs to become a part of their next season collection (to be released to the market in August 2009).

This is an amazing opportunity to see your imagination come to life and become a treasured toy for your own child - and countless others!

Our only criteria is that it must be a totally your own original design, completely unique, stylish and cute as can be!

Submit your entries in whatever way you like - if you’re crafty and can make up your idea then get your needles, sewing machine or glue gun out and get busy! If you’re full of great ideas but not so crafty then you could draw your design for us to consider. We’ll accept all entries by email (so take a photo or scan in your design) to: info@babysgotstyle.com.au

Entries close March 31

The winner will receive:

• The supreme thrill of having your design produced by Alimrose Designs!
• The very first 5 pieces of the toy produced!
• $500 worth of other product from Alimrose Designs!

Terms and conditions:

• The winning design will be chosen by Baby’s Got Style and Alimrose Designs.
• All entries MUST BE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL DESIGNS. If you are found to be in breach of another designers intellectual property we (Baby’s Got Style & Alimrose Designs) will not be held responsible.
• Entries will be accepted via email. If you choose to mail us a sample of your design we’re sorry but we cannot return it to you.
• The design may be amended to meet safety standards and production restrictions. These changes will be made by Alimrose Designs and will retain as much of the original design detail as possible.
• The winning design may be used to inspire a collection of products, eg. handsqueeker, rattle, bib. It may extend beyond the use of the one product initially intended.
• If a design is not found to be suitable for production for safety, production, or any other reason it will not be eligible for the competition.
• The winning design will not be entitled to ongoing royalties or rights over the product/design.
• People who submit designs may be contacted outside of the competition by Alimrose Designs to discuss further projects/collaborations on future designs.
• By submitting your design as part of this competition you agree to all terms and conditions.

Shop 4 Kids magazine (Autumn/Winter ’09, $7.95) is on newsstands now and we’ve been busy reading it cover to cover ever since we picked up our (still warm from the printing press) copy!

Jam packed full of the latest finds for hip kids - we were chuffed to see soooo many of our labels being featured.

We’re in there too of course! Check out our big double page ad in the front of the mag (amongst other products in the editorial pages).

WIN a designer bag!




And we’ve been getting calls already asking about Allegra’s nursery, clothing and toys as featured in the “In my closet” story on pages 92+93.




But there’s actually lots of pics that were taken of Allegra’s nursery on the day that didn’t end up making the mag, and with Shop 4 Kids’s permission - we’d like to share those with you here exclusively on our blog.

The fun part is, we might be moving house this year - so I get to decorate a whole new room for Allegra all over again!

Hope you enjoy these pictures and your copy of Shop 4 Kids - and if you don’t have one, well it's time to go to the newsagent.






















Photography by Maree Homer

As seen in Shop 4 Kids magazine, you can win this exclusive Rachael Ruddick Midnight metallic stamped Python Convertible bag, valued at $650.



About the Rachael Ruddick Collection: RR designs blend the richness of textured finishes with modern and sophisticated colours to create utterly elegant products. Each product is handmade by specialist craftsmen, embracing the use of luxurious skins from Australia and customised fabrics. For more information about Rachael Ruddick products visit www.rachaelruddick.com

About The Convertible bag: Designed to suit the modern woman, and made of luxe midnight metallic stamped python leather. The Convertible can be customized to suit your needs.

Option 1: Available with twin straps and change mat, for the modern mother.

Option 2: Available with a single longer shoulder strap and pocket, making it ideal for travel.

Need a little touch of luxe designer style in your life? Here’s how to enter:

We want to know why you need a touch of luxe designer style in your life (no word limit).

Please email info@babysgotstyle.com.au
Please include your name, state and contact phone number.

Terms and conditions:

• Competition closes April 30, 2009.
• Winner will be notified early May and prize to be sent by end of May (at Baby’s Got Style’s shipping cost). The winning entry will be printed in a Baby’s Got Style newsletter in May, 2009.
• Prize is 1 x Rachael Ruddick Midnight metallic stamped Python Convertible bag, valued at $650. Winner can customise the bag using Option 1: change mat and twin straps or Option 2: Long shoulder strap and pocket
• Winner will be drawn on merits of originality, interest and humour. The staff of Baby’s Got Style will decide on the winner and notify them accordingly. If the entry is without the accompanying details (name, state, phone number) it will be considered void.

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May 21, 2009
And the winner is…

We know you’ve been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winner of our Rachael Ruddick, win a designer bag competition (as seen in Shop 4 Kids). The amount of entries we received kept us very busy reading and judging so we’re sorry it took a little longer than we expected! Thank you to all those who entered - some of your entries made for very entertaining reading!

The winner of the Rachael Ruddick Midnight metallic stamped Python Convertible bag, valued at $650 is:

Nancee Biviano, Vic

Question: Why do you need a touch of luxe designer style in your life?

Her answer: I'm a five star girl living in a two star world

Congratulations Nancee. We have no doubt you are going to adore your prize!