Flow - The Edie Print
The Om Baby Original Flow design in our 2021 collection is a special one. It's adapted from a painting my daughter, Edie, did at nursery a few years ago. I always admire the freeness of toddler and child art and I have long-loved abstract shapes – so I held on to the painting, as a source of inspiration.
On my last trip to India in 2019, I met with my block printer Vijendra, of Bagru Textiles, to discuss the next series of prints. In the past, many of our collections have featured pre-made blocks, but I have long wanted to work with the local craftspeople to create bespoke designs. The blocks are created by tracing the design onto the wood and then different size tools are used to chip away the design - it’s an incredible skill honed over many years! Vijendra and his team reworked the painting and hand-carved these stunning blocks which work together to create a three-colour print. I never want to steer away from the roots of this traditional craft, so it was important to me that Vijendra was on board with the idea. Thankfully, he loved it too!
It’s a family affair in Bagru where Vijendra works with his wider family; each house taking on different parts of the process around the communal drying square. From the block carving, to developing the natural dyes using plants, dabu printing, and washing and drying. I love that we are two small family businesses working together.
As with all of our Originals, this exclusive design is hand-printed using natural dyes on certified organic cotton, in small made-to-order runs. Working to order and with nature in a slow, considered way ensures we’re as earth-kind as we can be. The plan was to experiment with a few natural colour combinations and choose one, but after consulting with our customers, we have decided to create the print in four different colourways! Perfect for mixing and matching the family.
The fabric for the children’s collection is then sent across to our studio where we make each garment to order in Walthamstow, London. I also work with a tailor in India, producing small runs of the adult collection, providing more opportunities for the local community.
Based on your feedback, we have developed four new shapes to add to the collection – a wide-legged sleeveless jumpsuit, a robe, lightweight trousers, and a children’s sun dress. This is alongside the much-loved classics including the jumpsuit, adult shorts, baby rompers and box tees.
As with anyone who collaborates with Om Baby, Edie has been paid a fair textile print price for the design. Beautiful natural goodness, designed by my muse from day one of this brand - I am so proud of this mother-daughter collab! I hope you love the design as much as I do and I can’t wait to see which pieces are your favourites.
Thank you to Vijendra and everyone at Bagru Textiles for their creativity, patience and love for the craft. And thank you to the models (names), photographer Leonie Freeman for the shoot and Yuki Okazaki and Lucy at And They Wear for hair and styling.
Shop the collection here
