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Interview with Preeti Jatia

Preeti Jatia
Preeti Jatia
Founder
Fayon Kids
Fayon Kids

Our outfits are designed to adjust to a child’s size over time
Fayon Kids is a premium children’s wear brand that redefines fashion trends for kids, offering a wide range of styles for every occasion, from casual to formal and Indian to Western. The brand emphasises comfort, sustainable fashion, and the latest designs for children of all ages, making it a household name in kids’ fashion. In conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Founder Preeti Jatia shares insights into the brand’s vision and anticipated trends in the industry.

With the rise of online shopping, how do you believe brick-and-mortar clothing stores can differentiate themselves and maintain relevance in today’s market?

In the dynamic landscape of retail, brick-and-mortar clothing stores can differentiate themselves and maintain relevance by offering unique experiences that cater to diverse consumer preferences. While online shopping provides convenience, there remains a significant segment of the audience who value the tactile experience of touching and feeling garments before making a purchase. For such customers, brick-and-mortar stores can focus on creating immersive environments that stimulate the senses, providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and personalised assistance from knowledgeable staff. Moreover, leveraging technology within physical stores can enhance the shopping experience, such as interactive displays or virtual try-on features that combine the convenience of online shopping with the tangible experience of in-store browsing. Additionally, fostering a sense of community through in-store events, workshops, or exclusive promotions can cultivate loyalty and engagement among customers, further setting brick-and-mortar stores apart in today’s market. By embracing innovation and offering unique experiences, these stores can continue to thrive amidst the rise of online shopping.
 

What strategies can apparel brands use to manage seasonality and maintain competitiveness?

To effectively manage seasonality and maintain competitiveness in the apparel industry, brands can implement several strategic approaches. Firstly, diversifying product offerings to include timeless staples alongside seasonal trends can help mitigate the impact of fluctuating demand throughout the year. By offering a range of versatile pieces that appeal to different consumer preferences and needs, brands can ensure steady sales and minimise the risk of overstocking seasonal items. Additionally, implementing agile manufacturing processes and supply chain management strategies can enable brands to quickly respond to changing market demands and adjust production accordingly. Leveraging data analytics and consumer insights to forecast trends and anticipate demand patterns can further enhance inventory management and optimise product assortments. Moreover, investing in marketing and promotional campaigns that highlight the versatility and longevity of products can extend their relevance beyond specific seasons, fostering customer loyalty and driving sales year-round. By adopting these proactive strategies, apparel brands can effectively navigate seasonality challenges while remaining competitive in the ever-evolving market landscape.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Fayon Kids and how the idea came about?

After completing my B. Com and successfully clearing the CA exams, I found myself reflecting on my journey. Coming from a family where my father had a significant influence on my life and being academically inclined, I naturally pursued a career in CA. However, as I progressed, I began to realise that my true passion lay in creativity. I had always possessed a talent for art, finding solace in activities like sketching and painting. This realisation led me to pursue a course in interior designing at a prestigious architectural college shortly after completing my CA finals. It was during this time that I truly felt like myself, eager to explore various facets of design.
Following my interior design education, I had the opportunity to work closely with two established interior designers in Pune for nearly three years. It was during this period that my love for design truly blossomed. Subsequently, I delved into textile designing, further expanding my creative horizons. Even after getting married and starting a family, my passion for design remained unabated.
The inception of Fayon occurred quite serendipitously, spurred by an event close to my heart – my daughter’s first birthday party. Unable to find the perfect dress for her, I was struck by the limited options available in the children’s fashion industry, largely dominated by polyester and nylon garments. Recognising a gap in the market, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
Drawing upon my background in design, I embarked on a journey to create a bespoke outfit for my daughter. Sourcing fabric, sketching designs, and collaborating with a local tailor, I meticulously crafted a dress that not only captured my daughter’s imagination but also garnered praise from friends and family alike. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I began receiving requests to design outfits for other children within my extended circle.
What began as a simple endeavour to fulfil a personal need organically evolved into a burgeoning business opportunity. With each new order, I realised the potential to transform my passion into a thriving brand. Thus, the conscious decision to establish Fayon was born, guided by the belief that it was destiny’s hand steering me towards this fulfilling path.

Can you walk us through the journey of turning Fayon Kids from a concept into a successful business?

The journey of turning Fayon Kids from a concept into a successful business is a tale of passion, creativity, and seizing opportunities. As I mentioned, it all began after I pursued my passion for interior and textile designing, which laid the foundation for what would later become Fayon Kids. The spark ignited on my daughter’s first birthday when I struggled to find the perfect dress for her amidst the limited options available in the fashion industry for kids.
Recognising the gap in the market for stylish and high-quality children’s clothing, I took matters into my own hands and crafted a dress for her. The overwhelmingly positive response from friends and family validated the potential for a business. What started as a personal endeavour soon evolved into a thriving venture as orders poured in from extended circles. It was then that I realised the organic growth had set the stage for a potential business opportunity. With a conscious decision to transform this passion project into a brand, Fayon Kids was born, driven by destiny and a steadfast commitment to offering stylish, comfortable, and quality clothing for children.

How does your brand cater to different occasions, from casual wear to formal wear, and from Indian to Western styles?

Fayon Kids primarily focuses on prioritising the comfort of the child while staying abreast of the latest fashion trends. Our collections encompass a wide range of styles, including casual, semi-formal, formal, Indian, Western, and Indo-Western wear, suitable for all occasions such as birthdays, weddings, festivals, theme parties, and more. From Indian to Western attire, Fayon Kids effortlessly blends elegance and charm, ensuring every occasion is celebrated with style. Serving as a one-stop shop for children’s wardrobes, we specialise in custom-made, tailored ethnic and western wear, tailored to suit the dynamic personalities of kids.

How do you engage with your target audience, particularly parents and caregivers, when designing new collections?

As a mother of two daughters, I empathise with the challenges of shopping for kids, ensuring Fayon Kids prioritises comfort and style. We actively engage with parents, seeking feedback and sharing transparent insights into our design process. Our commitment lies in creating inclusive, practical designs that empower parents and exceed expectations, fostering trust and connection with our audience.

What sets the brand apart from other children’s clothing brands in the market?

At Fayon Kids, we specialise in stylish, comfortable children’s wear. Our collections prioritise both style and practicality, offering breathable fabrics and adjustable designs. We understand the challenges parents face in finding the perfect clothing for their kids, which is why we provide hassle-free options, including occasion-specific wear and personalised designs. With our commitment to quality and innovation, we ensure that every garment not only looks great but also feels comfortable for your child.

Can you share some insights into the design process and how you stay ahead of fashion trends for kids?

At Fayon Kids, our design process revolves around simplicity, customisation, and staying ahead of fashion trends for kids. We prioritise competitive analysis to understand the evolving landscape and continuously refine our offerings to stand out in the market. Our ‘Why Me’ approach highlights our commitment to being a one-stop destination for head-to-toe collections, personalised with unmatched quality and designs. We ensure prompt customer service and offer alterations at nominal charges, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Moreover, our dedication to nurturing young talent in the modelling world enhances our brand’s visibility and inclusivity, setting us apart as a leader in children’s fashion.

How do you ensure that the clothing produced by Fayon Kids is both fashionable and comfortable for children?

At Fayon Kids, ensuring that our clothing is both fashionable and comfortable for children is at the core of our design philosophy. We meticulously source premium fabrics that are not only stylish but also gentle on the skin, prioritising comfort without compromising on quality. Our designs are crafted to be trendy yet functional, embracing modern fashion trends while maintaining a focus on ease of movement and wearability. Moreover, we incorporate adjustable features and flexible sizing options to accommodate children’s growth and changing needs, ensuring that our clothing remains comfortable and practical over time.

Tell us about any innovative materials or manufacturing techniques your brand is exploring to improve the quality and sustainability of children’s clothing.

At Fayon Kids, our commitment to innovation extends to the very design of our garments. One of the innovative features we have incorporated is the adjustable dori elastic, which allows outfits to adapt to a child’s changing size over time. This unique design element ensures that our clothing remains comfortable and well-fitted, even as children grow. By providing this flexibility, we not only extend the lifespan of our garments but also reduce the need for frequent replacements, contributing to sustainability in children’s fashion. This thoughtful approach to design reflects our dedication to creating clothing that not only meets the needs of today’s children but also anticipates and adapts to their needs as they grow.

What are the future plans and aspirations for Fayon Kids? Can you provide any insights into upcoming collections or innovative designs?

Our upcoming collections will continue to embody our commitment to timeless elegance, modern trends, and unparalleled comfort, reaffirming Fayon Kids as the go-to destination for parents seeking the best for their little ones.

What emerging trends do you foresee shaping the children’s apparel industry in the next few years, and how do you anticipate brands adapting to these changes?

As the founder of Fayon Kids, I foresee several emerging trends that will shape the children’s apparel industry in the coming years. One significant shift we anticipate is a growing preference for premium, timeless pieces over fast fashion trends. Parents are increasingly seeking investment pieces that offer both quality and longevity, allowing children to wear them repeatedly while retaining their grace over time. Additionally, sustainability will continue to be a driving force, with consumers gravitating towards brands that prioritise ethical production practices. We also anticipate a rise in demand for personalised and customisable clothing, as parents seek unique pieces that reflect their children’s individual style and personality. At Fayon Kids, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends by continuously innovating, sourcing premium fabric, and offering customisable options that meet the evolving needs and values of modern families.

How do you envision the evolution of technology’s role in the children’s apparel market, particularly in online shopping, customisation, and virtual try-on features?

I envision technology playing an increasingly integral role in shaping the children’s apparel market, particularly in online shopping, customisation, and virtual try-on features. With the rapid advancement of technology, online shopping experiences will become more immersive and personalised, allowing parents to browse and select clothing for their children with greater ease and confidence.
Customisation will also be enhanced through innovative digital tools, enabling parents to tailor garments to their child’s unique preferences and measurements, resulting in a truly bespoke experience. Additionally, virtual try-on features will revolutionise the way parents shop for children’s clothing, providing a realistic and interactive platform where they can visualise how different styles and sizes will look on their child before making a purchase. As technology continues to evolve, we at Fayon Kids are committed to leveraging these advancements to enhance the online shopping experience for our customers. We will offer seamless customisation options and virtual try-on features that empower parents to make informed decisions and find the perfect clothing for their little ones.
Interviewer: Shilpi Panjabi
Published on: 24/02/2024

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.