Since 2018, Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter have been designing for themselves — and other women with their penchant for pastoral prints, bows and anything pink. But now the mother-daughter duo behind Belgian lifestyle label Bernadette are thinking about the next generation. Luckily, those hallmarks translate well for toddlers.
Inspired by Charlotte’s first child Susie, the de Geyters debuted Baby Bernadette on Saturday, launching it in tandem with their fall collection.
The knitwear capsule, which ranges in size from 0 to 5 years, includes a cardigan ($165), button-shoulder crewneck ($165) and bonnet ($99) in three color variations as well as one pair of booties ($105). Intarsia berries and cherries were lifted directly from Bernadette’s womenswear for mommy-and-me — or, in the de Geyters’ case, grandma, mommy and me — twinning.
The Baby Bernadette knitwear capsule.
Courtesy of Bernadette
According to Charlotte de Geyter, Susie’s arrival in September marked a new chapter for both her and her mother, who raised her as a single parent. “It’s not just us two anymore, so it felt natural to share this with our customers,” she said.
This being their first experience designing childrenswear, Charlotte de Geyter noted their biggest challenge was getting the proportions just right and adapting the fruit motifs so they felt balanced on a smaller scale. Knitting each piece by hand in Antwerp allowed the de Geyters to have better control over the process, hence Baby Bernadette will be made-to-order.
The Baby Bernadette knitwear capsule.
Courtesy of Bernadette
Describing the project as a full-circle moment, Charlotte de Geyter said: “It brings back memories of being little and always wanting to dress like my mother. She was my first muse and, in a way, that’s where Bernadette began.”
Seeing her newest muse Susie cuddled up in the blush-colored alpaca cardigan with berries on it was the cherry on top, though Charlotte de Geyter remains uncertain if Bernadette Baby will continue to grow as her daughter does. “It’s a one-off celebration,” she said, “but time will tell.”
The Baby Bernadette knitwear capsule.
Courtesy of Bernadette
To make the celebration more special, Charlotte de Geyter photographed the campaign herself just 20 days after giving birth, using real mothers whose advice she sought out on set. “It felt especially meaningful to spend time with them and ask them all the questions I had,” she said.
And like that alpaca cardigan, Charlotte de Geyter hopes the images become future souvenirs for Susie that “mean as much to her one day as they do to me now.”