It takes a village to… build a Pram

March 29th, 2010

carolina zapf-002941

Over the years my vintage pram has evolved into the “trademark” of Baby CZ. The story behind this loved piece began with the creation of my first Baby CZ line eight years ago consisting of 15 cashmere knitwear pieces that fit snugly inside of a shoe box. When it came time for my first show I began brainstorming ways of presenting my small line “outside of the box” which they fit so snugly inside. After researching different carrying and display cases, I came up with the idea of using a vintage pram to display my classically inspired line. After weeks of searching I found the perfect shape pram and placed my first bid on “E-bay” and thus my journey began.

When the Pram arrived in Long Island I packed up my 5 month old daughter Lily and ventured out into the winter snow to pick up the pram. It was 20 degrees outside when I opened the crate to find a beautifully shaped but terribly rusted pram in hundreds of pieces. Very overwhelmed by what I had just gotten myself into, I drove to the local boat yard hoping to find someone who could assist me with my new “project”. After being turned away, I drove my pram to Manhattan where my beloved contractor Tony found a shop that was willing to re-chrome the rusted pram.

My friend Natalie, a handbag designer generously offered to help me with re-furbishing the leather. As the entrance hall to my apartment started to look like a “pram workshop” I realized that I still needed to find someone whom could restore the paint. A friend of mine referred me to “Sports Car Painting” in Long Island City. I arrived with a rusted pram in hand to meet the owners Vinny and Anzo whom specialize in restoring vintage and exotic sports cars. It took a little convincing but eventually they offered to re-paint the sad grey color transforming the pram into a beautiful cream and baby blue masterpiece. After weeks of re-assembling the pram, I was finally able to set off with my baby Lily and my Pram for my first store and press appointments. The journey of the pram currently housed at our Madison Avenue Store represents our attention to detail, functionality, and the love I put into designing each season’s line.

Introducing the Ultimate Baby CZ Layette Collection

February 12th, 2010

BabyCZ1109_8363_editWhen you are expecting a new baby, it’s always a challenge to find a classic layette that exemplifies the innocence of your new little one. Gentle hues of pink, blue and my absolute favorite crisp white with added tiny detailing make a new baby look its very best. Having found it so impossible to find these pieces, I have created a layette collection rooted in classic elegance. From tiny mittens to burp cloths and onesies in soft pima cotton with details such as crochet and hand embroidery we cover everything. Paired with our Baby CZ classics in cotton and cashmere, such as our Tipped DB and Blanket with Binding, your new little one will smile in luxury and comfort.

The Ultimate Baby CZ Layette Collection:
Onesie with Boy’s Collar in blue or Onesie with Peter Pan Collar in pink
Short Sleeve Onesie in pink or blue dot print
Soft Pima cotton receiving blanket in solid blue pink or dot print
Gown with Crochet in pink or blue dot
Wrap Cardigan with matching pant
Soft cotton Pima Hat
Drop cloth and bib
Bathrobe and hooded towel

Spring Dressing

February 5th, 2010

brynn

I find early spring dressing to be a challenge. Classic clean silhouettes that can be paired back to transitional pieces such as cashmere cardigans are hard to find. This spring, I looked to 1940’s prints and styles to create classic pieces for early spring.

One of my favorite styles is the Brynn Dress. Created in soft cotton poplin, the three tiers of contrasting binding at the hem exemplify classic spring dressing. My daughters will be wearing the Brynn dress with their navy cashmere crochet cardigans while we take a trip this Presidents Day weekend. Whether in a print or a classic stripe, navy and white accented with bright red or yellow is a great way off starting your spring wardrobe.

Luxurious Pima from Baby CZ

November 25th, 2009

Luxurious Pima from CZ
The search for the highest quality craftsmanship behind the clothes we make at Baby CZ has always been a priority for me and has taken me around the world. I am especially proud of our luxurious soft Pima cotton. When I recently traveled to the factory in Lima, Peru, where the Pima is made, I walked up to the unassuming door of a small factory and, much to my delight, was greeted by the owner himself. He is a classically trained musician who decided to take over the family weaving business. It was wonderful to watch him in action, how he oversees every stitch and detail and doesn’t let a single mistake get by. He takes so much pride in not only the finished product but the entire process. I love the way his musical training makes itself apparent in his orchestration of the machines—he creates something unique and special and is passionate about the finished product. And I love that we can wrap our babies with it, knowing that they are wearing something made with such thought and care. Our Pima hats, pants, and onesies are the perfect gifts for any expecting parents — and wonderful treats for your own baby to enjoy.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Carolina

Fall Adventures from Baby CZ

October 28th, 2009

Fall Adventures from Baby CZFall is always a time of new beginnings for me and this year more than ever. My children started a new school year and I opened the first Baby CZ retail store on 69th and Madison in New York City. Having a retail space is something I have long dreamed about and I’m filled with ideas about the space and looking forward to making the store an integral part of the community. So, stay tuned — I’ll have lots of exciting Baby CZ news over the next months!
Fall is also the time of another new beginning—my birthday. This year I decided the best present I could give myself was some alone time with each of my three children. I asked them to pick their favorite restaurant and went on a dinner date with each one separately. My son Nicholas chose to go to Sant Ambroeus for a “proper dinner date” with his mother. He dressed himself in his corduroy blazer and trousers and sweetly played the role of a little gentleman throughout dinner making lovely conversation and acting quite grownup. As we left the restaurant, he turned to me and said “Mommy, let me get you a taxi,” as he raised his tiny five-year old hand out into Madison Avenue traffic. It is a happy image that I will always treasure and a wonderful birthday moment.
The beautiful fall weather makes it the perfect time of year to have family adventures. We recently all hopped on the subway and journeyed to Coney Island. We loved walking on the boardwalk and I got to experience their child like joy on amusement rides like the Wonder Wheel. I love the way being a parent re-awakens your childhood and makes you do things you would never normally do otherwise. On the subway ride home we hopped off in Brooklyn to visit our favorite hot dog spot,  Bark. This restaurant has great style–cool people, clever visuals and of course the best hot dogs. It was the perfect end to a fun day. I hope you and your families are having wonderful fall adventures of your own and I look forward to sharing more Baby CZ news soon!
Best,
Carolina

Autism Speaks Event

September 29th, 2009

BabyCZ
We are happy to announce that we are having a special breakfast at our Madison Avenue location this Thursday from 9:30 to 11:00.

Autism Speaks is a wonderful organization whose goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to their concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is their firm belief that, working together, we theyl find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Please come and join us for shopping and breakfast at 820 Madison Avenue

Thursday Oct 1st 9:30 to 11:00
820 Madison Avenue
New York, NY

10% proceeds will benefit Autism speaks

Autism Speaks

For more information please visit the Autism Speaks Website.

Baby CZ on Madison

September 4th, 2009

It has been a long time since my last post but it has been a very busy summer! Between my children being out of school and developing our Spring 2010 line, we also opened our first retail store in Manhattan on Madison Avenue.

BabyCZ Madison

BabyCZ Madison


820 Madison Avenue (between 68th and 69th Street)
New York, NY 10065
(212) 288-8030
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

We are excited to be first time participants in the CFDA’s Fashion Night Out on September 10th from 6pm-11pm. Please join us to shop our kids and womens fall collections. At the event, you can enter to win a $500 shopping spree at BabyCZ! Look forward to seeing you there!

Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend!

Best,
Carolina

BabyCZ Fall is coming soon

July 2nd, 2009

The new Fall line will be launching at BabyCZ.com on July 6th! I love the new colors of our cashmere styles, especially the soft silver. A wonderful color for boy or girl. There are great new styles in baby and kids to pick from. We also added a lot of wonderful prints and great Pima styles for layering.
Pom Pom Hat

We also will launch our Women’s Fall 2009 Collection. Choose from all of our colors and pr-eorder the styles you love.
Split Waterfall Cardigan
There are many old favourites and a lot of new Cardigans and Sweaters for all of us. These pieces are great for dropping the kids off at school paired with jeans and will take you into the evening dressed up with a pair of slacks or skirt.

Happy 4th of July
Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Carolina

Swim

May 6th, 2009

cz_beach2_1591When we started Swim, we found that it is very difficult to find simple great bathing suits in great colors and simple prints with a nice fit. We have gotten a great response and are eagerly working on next year’s collection, which will be fabulous. Whether for the sunbathing princess or the sporty type, we will have your children covered.

We suggest that babies wear a suit as it is hard to get a two piece and a wiggly body. For the toddler girl we love it all, two pieces or one piece. It seems that the older girls like to have a beach cover as an option, check out the beach dress or short. Boys just need to be comfortable with some styles and our graphic print shorts cover all of that. Don’t forget your sunblock!

I would love to hear from you all.

All the best,
Carolina

Spring is finally here

April 16th, 2009

CZ-735 Talida dress & CZ-720 Cardiagnw ith swarowski crystals

It has been a long winter and we are all excited to dress in our spring wardrobe.
My children cannot wait to lose their socks and jackets and be able to run out of the house in their light clothing.

The tulips and crocus are slowly coming out. Little bare feet running in the new green grass, for me that marks the true beginning of spring.

Here at Baby CZ we are already working on spring 2010. It is always a lot of fun as we choose the new colors and design our new prints.
Soon we will start seeing our first samples, when they arrive it is always a like a birthday!
I love designing children’s clothing as it always puts a smile on your face.

The Talida dress is a wonderful staple in any girl’s wardrobe and our Cardigan with Swarovski crystals is my daughter’s favorite.

Central Park is just getting into bloom; make sure to go for a stroll!

I would love to hear from you all.

Best Regards,
Carolina Zapf

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