Redfish Kids Clothing Opens Flagship Vancouver Store

Founded by two Vancouverites, Redfish Kids Clothing has finally set up shop in its hometown

Credit: Redfish Kids Clothing

He’s wearing Redfish’s Bowie shirt ($38), Redfish scarf ($24), Simon Says vest ($44), and the unisex Simon Says bicycle pants ($44). She’s wearing the Lucky Dress in Newsprint, with a print featuring newspaper articles from the New York Times

Redfish Kids Clothing has established a cult-like following that includes many Hollywood celebrities

Blue Lucky Dress for Koi
 This generously cut dress allows for
room to move, room to grow, and
most importantly, room to twirl. The
accent sash ties in front or back
and accommodates different body types. 
100% preshrunk cotton;
sizes 1-14; $75
(Image: Redfish Kids Clothing)

Just when you thought Vancouver’s kids’ clothing scene couldn’t get any more delicious, Redfish Kids Clothing has come home and opened its flagship store.

Founded in 2005 by two Vancouverites, Redfish Kids Clothing had previously only been available online and in select boutiques worldwide. Despite the seemingly modest exposure, Redfish has established a cult-like following, enchanting a growing number of loyal fans, including many Hollywood celebrities. And now, you can see it all for yourself in their new gorgeous showroom at 851 Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver.

Elevating adorable clothing to a new level, Redfish Kids Clothing is beyond a fashion statement. Its clothes are locally made in Vancouver, 100% sweatshop-free with zero in-house wastage. And practical parents will rejoice in their pre-shrunk fabrics, hand-picked from around the world, and made-to-play designs.

Designed and constructed for growth, movement, and versatility, the simple lines of Redfish Kids Clothing are easily layered and worn together.

Understanding that busy parents need their kids’ clothes to multitask, Redfish pieces transform and endure with growing boys and girls – pants become shorts, a swing dress becomes a smock. Ingenious! These will be clothes that younger siblings will be vying for as hand-me-downs.

Salma Hayek and her daughter, Valentina
Salma Hayek’s daughter, Valentina,
wearing the Redfish “Butterfly” dress
(Image: Redfish Kids Clothing)

Redfish Goes to Hollywood

Or, rather, Hollywood goes to Redfish. Co-founders Lorraine Kitsos and Kristy Brinkley were at the movies one day, watching Eat, Pray, Love, when, during the “hope chest” scene, they suddenly noticed something oddly familiar on the screen. Items were being pulled out of the hope chest and – there it was – their signature black and white swing Redfish dress, held by Julia Roberts.

And off-screen, celebrities have been spotted dressing their children in Redfish designs; Salma Hayek favours the bold and whimsical designs for her own daughter. Shown here, Salma and Valentina are on holidays in Venice, Italy. Valentina is wearing the Redfish “Butterfly” dress in bright pink and red featuring a playful motif of flowers and birds.

The Redfish Philosophy

Redfish Kids Clothing designer and co-founder Lorraine Kitsos says, “Our designs are inspired by the street fashions of cities like Hong Kong, Paris, Tokyo and Milan. The strong patterns, expressive colours and crisp architectural lines are easily layered and worn together to encourage a sense of individuality and playfulness.”

Co-founder Kristy Brinkley explains, “The philosophy that fuels Redfish Kids Clothing is courage. We are continually inspired by the courage of our children – courage to try new things, courage to live with a strong confident voice, courage to live life with gusto.”

The new Vancouver store echoes the Redfish design aesthetic with clean white lines and an oversized glass-topped counter filled with colourful trinkets. A curated selection of toys and books complement the distinctive clothing line including time-honoured brands such as Petit Bateau, Steiff Germany, Raplapla from Montreal and Playsam Toys from the UK.

Redfish Kids Clothing’s first Canadian store is located in Vancouver at 851 Hornby Street, and is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12-5 on Sundays.

Redfish Tshirt and PantsPink Poppy Lucky DressFiore Dress in Yellow (with white dots)
Left: T-Shirt made of super soft and comfy cotton with “courage” tab. Available in pink, white, ivory, black and navy. 100% preshrunk cotton; sizes 1 to 12; $24. The unisex Simon Says bicycle pants feature a comfy elasticised waist for free movement and roomy pockets for found treasures. Trimmed in black. 100% preshrunk cotton denim; sizes 1-8; $44.
 
Middle: This slim-cut dress features an elasticised front to ensure comfort and movement. 100% preshrunk cotton; sizes 2-14; $75.
 
Right: This sweet ensemble features the Pink Poppy Lucky dress and unisex Fisherman jeans. This dress is cut generously for growing girls, with a zipper in the back. 100% preshrunk cotton denim; sizes 2-8; $46. (Images: Redfish Kids Clothing)