Cape Town, South
Africa based Balu was born as a cottage industry in the early
90’s. The designer and creator, Barbara Louise (Balu) Nivison, for whom the
company is named, started off painting sarongs.
These were sold on the beach and she then also started creating
children’s wear for her friends. Eventually she had a small group of workers in
her home, drying her artworks on the lawn.
In time,
Balu graduated to small premises where a centre for hand painting was
established for the training of numerous unemployed, unskilled, but willing
“artists” to paint all of the fabrics used in Balu’s creations. As Balu continued to grow, they sought
various agents to carry each seasonal collection, and today are sold in no
fewer than 800 specialty stores worldwide.
Balu
caters to girls from age 2 to age 12, and their creations are vintage inspired,
drawing inspiration for color combinations from nature. They specialize in use of lightweight fabrics
that are easy to care for, yet are very effective in creating a distinctive
look and feel that, although dressier, is still comfortable and wearable.
Their 2008
Summer Range shows inspiration from fruit and
flowers, using lush, delicious color combinations taken from Pomegranate, Kiwi,
Blueberry & Sweet Pea. Fabrics range
from vintage crushed cottons to organza, featuring hand-painted mesh vests
under solid camisoles, skirts with ruffled pettiskirt-like layers underneath,
as well as flower-fairy and pixie inspired party dresses. Add a matching stretch-lace cardigan or
leggings in a bold complimentary solid and the outfit is complete.
Balu has
earned a reputation that is today known all over the globe for fine girl’s wear
that is unique, original and unlike any other brand currently on the
market. They have also exhibited at,
among others, Fimmi in Valencia,
Spain, Mode Enfantine in
Paris, the Birmingham Show in the UK,
No Kidding at Houten in Holland, and at the New
York Children’s Show in the USA. They were also recently nominated by top
fashion buyers in America
for the prestigious ‘EARNIE AWARD’, presented by the International Magazine,
Earnshaws.
Balu can
be purchased in the USA
at www.zoolootrading.com
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