TEA, ALL YOU CAN BE
THE FAMILY GROOVE SIPS THE LIFE STYLISH WITH EMILY MEYER AND LEIGH RAWDON,
CO-FOUNDERS OF THE PROGRESSIVE KIDS' CLOTHING LINE, TEA COLLECTION
THE FAMILY GROOVE: Tell us about Tea Collection. What's "Tao" of Tea all about?
Emily Meyer: Tao literally means way. We honor the way in which you see the world when
you see it through the
eyes of a child. The Tao of Tea approaches every decision, every
moment, with a sense of wonder and honesty.
While most companies follow a mission statement, we follow a business philosophy to
operate mindfully, working
together toward business objectives. We are inspired to design
and create beautiful products that are real and offer
an intrinsic value to our customers.
TFG: What's the meaning of the name?
EM: Leigh and I chose the word 'tea' because it embodies the philosophy of the company: to evoke warmth, inspiration and mindfulness.
Each collection is inspired by global aesthetics—traditions, architecture, landscapes, art, all things cultural—and, like the drink, Tea's philosophy is to offer products that inspire mindfulness, products which connect us by celebrating cultures around the world.
TFG: How would you describe the Tea Collection look?
EM: Well-designed clothes reflecting the textiles and beauty found in cultures from around the world.
Some overarching characteristics that appear in all our collections are saturate colors, rich and coordinating patterns and textures and "wise luxury" quality that is achieved by using the finest materials without compromising convenience of modern lifestyles.
TFG: Tell us about your fall/winter line.
EM: Fall celebrates Japan, China and Tibet , where warm days and cool nights are the familiar reminders of the changing seasons. We've used "kanji," the alphabet young Chinese and Japanese students study, on our Daily Tea activewear collection of long-sleeved shirts. The designs are culturally significant as they blend the artistry and language of these countries. We even translate the words into English at the bottom right of the shirt.
Our fall collection also celebrates the culture of Tibet through designs like our Lhasa Robe for girls. This intricately knit sweater coat comes in amethyst, a purple color gemstone considered sacred. I love the Lhasa Mountain coat for boys. It's a lambskin shearling jacket that is rugged like the mountain ranges—and like most boys.
TFG: Are you influenced by the adult fashion trends?
EM: Yes, adult trends are considered since the parenting lifestyle has changed in recent years. The collections are influenced by adult fashion trends but I design with the sensibility of how a child lives his or her day.
TFG: How do you balance Tea life with mommyhood? Or do you?
EM: I am not yet a mommy but I am an aunt—Tea is my first born.
New mom Leigh Rawdon: My son is only two months old, so I am sure I have much more to learn as he grows up. I have found that the balance seems to work itself out. I love my work and I love my son. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive network of family, friends and colleagues. My son will end up with so many people who are helping him grow up.
Personally, I focus on always doing my best and being truly present—working when I am working and being with Adam when I am with Adam. Nonetheless, I'm sure that Adam knows more about marketing plans and proforma financials than any little baby out there.
TFG: There's been a marked improvement in kiddie fashions over the past several years. With the democratization of fashion extending now to wee ones, what do parents need to know about kids clothes?
EM: Children change their clothes several times a day. Therefore, quality of clothing is of utmost importance, followed by the trend-factor. Clothing and presentation communicates ones' values or even parents' values.
Tea maintains high standards of design and manufacturing, using the highest quality materials, and yarn-dying whenever possible. Our designs reflect places many parents have traveled to or want to travel to and we hope that our collection evokes the curiosity of making the foreign familiar.
TFG: Tell us about your charity affiliations.
EM: Tea participates locally and globally through various charitable activities.
We are so excited about the success of our partnership with the Global Fund for Children, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the dignity of young people around the world. We designed an exclusive line of body suits and T-
shirts and give 100% of the proceeds to the fund. We're educating our retailers and our customers about children around the world and, to date, we have raised over $16,000.
We are lucky to have a corporate culture built on respect for self, others and contribution to community. Tea supports local organizations through product donation and proceeds from sample sales.
CLOTHES WITH A CONSCIENCE
WE LOVE THIS FALL'S GLOBALLY-INSPIRED GARB
