Irene Nedkova, Founder of EIRENE

“Upon entering the EIRENE studio, you step into a world of magic that inspires each and every one of our dreamlike designs.”

As soon as you see the EIRENE studio you’re greeted with a sense of wonderment. Even without the pretty Christmas decorations that glisten in every corner, the space is impressive. Large sash windows fill the rooms with light and intricate mouldings decorate the high ceilings, including a smattering of stars, which Irene tells us are the brand’s signature element: “The star really captures the fairy-tale essence of our identity.” Dressed in her festive best with a bright red bow in her hair, Irene welcomes us into her world of beautiful childrenswear. “Christmas is the busiest time for us,” she says, her team bustling around the studio with swathes of shimmering fabric and sketches of the latest designs, “as we roll up our sleeves and tackle the impossible in the lead-up to the holidays, we remain grateful for the unique opportunity we have to transform girls into real-life princesses.” 

With the festive season approaching, the arrival of EIRENE’s showstopping Christmas dresses is always a much anticipated event in the Childrensalon calendar. When asked how she dreams up such imaginative designs, she says, “The making of our Christmas pieces is a truly fun and joyful experience, from creating the prints, filled with intricate details, to choosing the fabrics. There’s no greater joy than seeing our designs worn by children all across the globe at this most special time of the year.”

“At Christmas, all roads lead to home. It’s a season that takes us back to our childhood, and we can feel like kids again.”

EIRENE (pronounced eye-ree-nee, an ode to the Greek goddess of peace) joined the Childrensalon family in 2019 and has since wowed us with season after season of stunning occasionwear for girls. But how did the story begin? Recognising a gap in the childrenswear market, Irene set to work creating a brand that catered to the growing demand for girls’ occasion clothing that blended exceptional craftsmanship with supreme comfort, a notion that Irene and her team especially hold in high regard when designing the Christmas collection. “We are mindful of creating clothes that are magical but at the same time feel soft and comfortable to wear,” she says.

And what better time to get all dressed up and feel your very best than Christmas? “We want little ones to feel a sense of transformation when they wear an EIRENE outfit, as if stepping into the magical world of a fairy tale,” explains Irene when asked what she hopes every girl feels wearing one of her creations. We start to reminisce about our own memories of Christmas as children, and the outfits that still stand out in our minds. “Everyone in our family dresses up specially for Christmas,” shares Irene, “I believe that wearing something new at Christmas is like bidding farewell to the past year and welcoming the new one.”

“Our Nutcracker dress was a truly standout piece last Christmas. This year, we've reimagined the dress in a dazzling pink.”

There’s nothing we love more than seeing EIRENE’s festive creations arrive in the lead-up to Christmas. And this year is no different! Back by popular demand, the Nutcracker dress that stole everyone’s heart last Christmas has been reimagined in pink; “an all-time favourite colour among our customers,” Irene tells us. Crafted in satin twill with a soft cotton lining, the dress is every little girl’s dream. Colourful baubles decorate the skirt while red hearts twinkle on the cuffs and waistband alongside mini grosgrain bows. And taking centre stage, a pirouetting ballerina, twirling to the beat of two festive drums. It’s these intricate details that make these pieces so special, something that Irene is especially proud of. “All our dresses are handcrafted and embroidered in-house at EIRENE. We devote a considerable amount of time to choosing the perfect threads, sequins, intricate prints and other dazzling details of each piece.” Sifting through a cloud of tulle on the rail, Irene pulls out a few more wonderful pieces from the collection: “And another absolute showstopper this festive season is our red glittery dress,” she says, “as well as this striking puff-sleeve organza dress, which has a shimmer finish that beautifully catches the light.”

Thanks to the love and exceptional craftsmanship that goes into each design, an EIRENE dress is not just for one Christmas. These festive designs can be worn, loved and handed down to younger siblings to be cherished long after the first wear, a sentiment that both Childrensalon and EIRENE share. Talking of passing on Christmas traditions, Irene rounds off our interview with her own story. “A cherished tradition in our family is decorating our tree with beloved toys that have been handed down through generations,” she says. “The most treasured ones come from my great grandmother, and they hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of her each Christmas when I put the tree up.” And with that, we say our goodbyes and begin the countdown to the big day with visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing in beautiful dresses.

Images by EIRENE