Mini Model: MAYA

Yesterday, we spent the day on our February magazine photoshoot. With only two models, we were able to spend a lot of time with the kids and with such an exciting and child friendly set, we had a lot of fun on the day!

Maya was first to arrive on set and with the genes of a French dad and Scandinavian mum, she was by far one of the most photogenic children we’ve ever met. Not to mention sweet and professional!

We chat with Maya and her mum during Maya’s shooting breaks to find out a little bit more about this charming girl.

Name: Maya

Age: 8 Years

Languages: English, Finnish and French

How Long Have You Been Modelling For?

*looks at mum who whispers in her ear,  10 months!

Who else have you modelled for?

*looks at mum again, who answers: French Connection and Stella McCartney Kids

What is the best thing about being a model?

It’s fun

What is your favourite thing about today so far?

Um the best thing is that I get to keep a butterfly and an elephant so far (props from the photoshoot) and they are making more (she says this excitedly gesturing over the props girls who at the time are struggling to erect a large paper boat, big enough to fit two 8 year olds inside)

What would you like to be when you grow up? A Model?

Maybe, but I think I want to be a vet, because I love animals!

Do you have any animals?

Yes, I have two Norwegian forest cats named Gandal and Veda they are so huge and they look like little lions – they are not very good at sleeping in because they wake us up every morning!

What is your favourite animal?

Jaguar!

What is the coolest place that you have travelled and what is the best animal you have seen on your travels?

Well I guess today I travelled to Africa and saw some elephants *she says this with a cheeky grin

What was your favourite outfit from today?

The one I was wearing with all the butterflies pinned on to me because I loved all the bright colours and the flower sunglasses were the best!

And what is your favourite thing to wear at the weekend?

I like things with sparkles, my favourite shirt has a gold sparkly bow on the front, it’s so nice.

If there are any questions, you or your aspiring mini models would like to ask our Mini Models, or want to let us know what you think of this interview, leave a comment below!

One Dress, Three Ways: SS11 Little Marc Jacobs Hawaii Dress

With children growing as quickly as they do, it is important they get as much use out of their clothing as possible.

The best way to do this is to create a ‘capsule wardrobe’ that consists of quality clothing they love that is both interchangeable and diverse.

To show the simplicity of this theory, we used one of our new Spring Summer 2011 Little Marc Jacobs dresses that can be a sweet and simple summer option with a pair of sandals or over a swim suit AND that can be layered up in Spring to suit all sorts of weather and occasions.

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Hawaii Dress with Graphic Print

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Blue Ruffled Cardigan

CHLOE Taupe Oversized Sunglasses

CHLOE Brown Cross Body Mini-Me Bag

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Purple Sketch Ballet Shoes

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Hawaii Dress with Graphic Print

HUNTER WELLIES Navy

FALKE Pink Cotton Tights

CHLOE Pink Top with Detailing

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Transparent Rain Coat with Red Trim

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Hawaii Dress with Graphic Print

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Miss Marc Jacobs Jumper Dress

LITTLE MARC JACOBS Geri Hat with Badges

D&G JUNIOR Metallic Silver Trainers

BURBERRY White Ribbed Tights

Does magic exist? – An interview with artist Mickael Valli


Artist Mickaël Valli creates dreamy mixed-media imagery starring his kid sister Anna, photographed dancing and skipping through the leafy countryside of Southern France. His work evokes the magic of childhood, where fairies are real and flying is possible.  Matthew Holroyd, Junior Magazine’s Fashion Editor, speaks with the artist himself about his own childhood memories, family life and how this has inspired his practice

What was your childhood like?

I was brought up in the Champagne region of France and as a child I was always very free and adventurous; riding my BMX, having a picnic in my tree house, swimming in rivers and lakes. I use to live with my grandparents in a big white ‘60s style house with a big garden (everything looks big when you are a child). My grandmother cooking all day long in the kitchen and my grandfather busy in the garden

What are the rest of your family like?

My family are very supportive. My father use to find me vintage cameras to experiment with and I love listening to my mother – she has very strong opinions on colours, scents and taste. My mother is very sensitive, which has taught me a lot.

Does your childhood inspire your work?

Sure it does. It influences every aspect of my life

What else inspires you?

Love stories and nature. I’m obsessed with alternative art, cinema and music

How did you get into photography?

My sister Maud died when she was 15. Maud was like my twin, we were very close. After Maud’s death my mother became pregnant and had Anna. When Anna was a bit older my  mother was working a lot and I had to take care of her. We spent lots of time together and at the period I was experimenting with my camera and that’s how I started taking pictures of Anna. I was still very depressed about the death of Maud, but taking  pictures of Anna took my mind off everything. In a way Anna saved me and my photographs are a homage to her.

How old is she?

She is 7 and a half, I say half because that is very important to her!

What does she think about being a model; does she enjoy dressing up?

It’s just like playing for her because she is very girly and loves dresses and shoes

What does she think of your work?

She is very interested in art and is very creative. Anna often helps me with the collages on my photos

There is a dreamlike quality to your photographs, for example the slight blur, the usage of Polaroid, can you tell me about that?

I am really bored with photography looking for perfection, (the perfect light, the photoshopping) it makes the photograph really impersonal and dehumanises the work. Personally I love family photos; they are so charming and precious. I like natural mistakes, because of a faulty camera or because of my awkwardness just like life: full of the unexpected.

What are you working on right now?

I am finishing some photographs for Vague Paper magazine featuring Anna and at the moment I am talking with other magazines and galleries about future projects. But throughout my work I will always take pictures of Anna, forever, if she’s ok with that!

Words by Matthew Holroyd, Images by Mickaël Valli

Petit Bateau

Born In: Fance, 1918

The Name: When Petit Bateau founder, Pierre Vallon heard his son singing “the little boats, les petits bateaus, in the water” Pierre Vallon had the idea to call his business Petit Bateau

Description: comfortable, quality, cotton knit clothing and underclothing for all ages, from newborns to grownups!

History: As legend has it, in 1918, Pierre Vallon cut a pair of long johns, singlehandedly inventing underpants. This first pair of underpants led Pierre to begin a series of inventions that had one common goal: comfort.

The series of inventions did not stop at undergarments, and from that point, Pierre’s company has been dedicated in creating the most comfortable undergarments and clothing for children and adults alike.

Interesting Fact: Today, Petit Bateau has over 50 signature t-shirt designs.

Not Just Garments: Since the 1920s, Petit Bateau has also been known for their advertising, in particular, their vintage advertising, which featured Pierre Vallon’s muse Marinette, a diapered toddler who boasted about petit bateau through song and play.

Shop the Petit Bateau

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