Mallory Allen of Mallory Xavier used her first and middle name for her New Zealand made childrenswear label so failing was not an option. Allen studied fashion design and practice at Wintec originally just to learning how to sew. Before this, Allen worked in youth transition, with an education degree specialising in Autism. Allen combines these skills today by mentoring young New Zealand designers.
As owner and operator of Little Umbrella, Tauranga, Allen supports a range of New Zealand made clothing, art and gifts with like minded self starters. After the arrival of Allen’s daughter Coco, now four, Allen noticed a gap in the market for New Zealand made clothing that was both dressy enough for formal occasions yet hard wearing enough for toddler play. The shapes and sensibility of vintage fashions inspire the cute yet functional label that was a reaction to fleeting adult fashion trends reflected in mass produced toddler apparel that concerned Allen. Mallory Xavier is a wholesome label with two collections a year.
