Meet the Maker: Pepa González, Founder of Pepa & Co
Capturing the essence of nature and quintessential British style and sharing the same values of quality craftsmanship and responsible design, Pepa & Co and Bertioli have come together to bring the creative visions of founders, Pepa González and Caryn and Camilla Hibbert, to life.
Inspired by nature and botanicals in Thyme’s English country garden and woodland surroundings of the Cotswolds, the limited-edition collection is made up of womenswear and childrenswear pieces in classic styles, adorned with an exclusive in-house designed hand-drawn ‘Bumble Bees & Forget-me-Not’ print. The ditsy, rambling design celebrates this delightful flower and their loving relationship with bees.
Our founder, Pepa Gonzalez explains the evolution of Pepa & Co, and the inspirations that have brought this partnership, with Bertioli by Thyme, together.
Where did the story of Pepa & Co first begin?
After living in London for three years as a Nanny, and being surrounded by children all day, I noticed that there was a gap in the market for traditional and quintessentially British clothes for children. I was born and raised in Malaga, Spain, and brought up in traditional and very British-style/inspired pieces. These outfits hold such a special place in my heart and it’s something I wanted to create for the children today.
Can you tell us about a moment you have been most proud of in your journey with Pepa & Co?
I always been so proud to see the evolution of Pepa & Co. and I’ve loved seeing many #littlepepas in our designs all around the globe. A particular moment that stands out to me is Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ wedding in 2017, we were delighted to be chosen to dress the pageboys and flower girls in our very special celebration pieces.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I love to look back on the outfits my mother would dress my brothers and I in, and how they have shaped special memories of my happy upbringing. My original inspiration comes from my British in-laws and my large Spanish family. My mother, who was inspired by traditional European Royal families, would hand-craft timeless silhouettes that would make my brothers and I look like children. Typically, in Spain, we would wear classic styles, that we had adopted from the Royals, that included sweet statement collars, delicate handsmocking and intricate details, now of which is included in many of our designs today. It is now so important, to me, to capture the sweet essence of children in timeless outfits that can shape their memories, as they did mine.
How do you ensure sustainable practices in your production?
Sustainable practises are at the heart of our company; to preserve the beautifully traditional and hand-made techniques which we are known for, our clothes are made locally in Spain. We also strongly believe in producing the best quality, longest-wearing clothes, so they can be used for years and passed down siblings and even generations. In producing timeless and special pieces, we encourage our customers to cherish the clothes and to not quickly replace them with a new fast-trend item.
How do you combine both Spanish heritage and classic British design in your pieces?
The blend of British and Spanish designs, long predates the start of Pepa & Co. Spanish Children’s clothes have been heavily influenced by traditional British designs for generations, including the Royal family. Children’s clothing in Spain has an enormous focus on craftsmanship. Older women in the family were always making beautiful garments for the new baby in the family, using old techniques. Hand-embroidered dresses, hand-knitted sets for newborn babies, beautiful delicate lace blouses and many other unique pieces that some of us are lucky to keep as heirloom pieces. Those old techniques are sadly being lost through the generations, which is one of my main motivations to keep building the Pepa & Co. brand. With that, I have combined my inspiration from my British in-laws and the Spanish traditions to make luxury and timeless pieces. Spain loves British classic childrenswear details and designs, Peter pan collars, Liberty floral prints, tartan, handsmocked or mariner shapes have been used for many years as inspiration in my home country. There is a beautiful and traditional connection between the two countries so full of Story behind traditional children clothing.
Patterns inspired by nature are at the essence of Bertioli’s designs. What role does nature play in both your designs and also in your daily life?
We create signature pieces every season in fashion from tradition and heritage. England countryside bring us every season a full palette of colours where I get inspired from. I love visiting the countryside with my husband, Mike, and my son, Matthew, all year round and to get away from the busy lifestyle of London. I found the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire and the breath-taking grounds of Thyme work synergistically with Pepa & Co and is a true representation of why I love the British country so much.
