As far as inspirational stories go Eva Karayiannis’s is right up there. Born in Cyprus and raised in Athens Eva trained as a lawyer but started exploring ideas and designs around her kitchen table, sourcing artisan knitwear and garments from independent craftsmen and opening her first caramel baby and child shop in 1999 in London’s chic Chelsea. She says:

I wanted to find a modern, distinctive style, which could be individual – yet at the same time luxurious and understated.

I love the fact that caramel often references the charm of vintage pieces and pushes the boundaries of the archetypal childrenswear colour palette, creating a playful rhythm of layering colours and textures. Eva is passionate about exquisite quality and design and aims to use as many British materials and artisan techniques as possible, including Scottish cashmere, Fairisle knitting techniques, traditional tweeds and the use of both Liberty and original prints which are designed in-house and produced in the UK.

Opening a new store almost every two years and distributing through over 100 independent retailers caramel has now grown into a global lifestyle brand and has recently opened up a store in Singapore.

With their distinctive and unconventional styling caramel baby and child clothing is immediately recognisable and Eva believes that the customer can sense that it’s still a very personal company.

I must say I love the concept as well as the product and have decided to make this a two-part feature. Today you’ll get a peek at caramel’s baby clothes and next week you can drool over the children’s wear range for AW 2013.

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

More information & photography | caramel baby and child