Sandra Makarem found a gap in the childrenswear market by traveling.
Growing up in Venezuela and working in the fashion industry, Sandra Makarem realized that U.S. children’s wear had developed into an overwhelmingly one-note market. It was a struggle to find classic, versatile styles (not just sports for boys and pink bows for girls)—especially ones that boast both high quality and non-designer price points.
So, she created The Collective Child, a luxury children’s wear subscription box service that focuses on international brand discovery and bringing emerging, overseas designer labels to her member community. To do this, Makarem travels the world to find these global brands and provide them to U.S. customers. And it’s already proven to be a hit.
Though the company launched just three years ago, it had a near instant 1,500-person waitlist that went on for nearly two years. Makarem recently sat down with me to share how her nomadic lifestyle inspired her business and what it’s taught her about the differing children’s clothing styles around the world.
Q: How did you become such a world traveler?
A: Well, it really starts with my family; one that is both nomadic and culturally diverse. In only three generations, my family held direct ties to Venezuela (my home country), Lebanon, Egypt, Ecuador, Colombia, and Spain. Consequently, my childhood was filled with family trips around the world, where the emphasis was the absorption of our family’s diverse culture. From this foundation of exploration, I was always eager to experience a more permanent life outside of Venezuela and, consequently, moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology.
You can't find children's clothes like this easily in U.S.
Q: How did that inspire your business?
A: I see many parallels between travel and fashion. For me, each can be a form of personal expression, exploration, and adventure. As a child, my travels fortified my curiosity to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and values. Merging this curiosity with my love of design, I found myself exploring how these new cultures, perspectives, and values were reflected through the local architecture, craftsmanship, and fashion.
Q: What did you notice about children’s clothing in other countries compared to the U.S.?
A: The first thing that always stood out to me about U.S. childrenswear was the one-note saturation of “loud” designs from prints to sequins to tulle. Conversely, the international childrenswear market provides a wider breadth of styles – with each country’s designers expressing their cultural personality – that emphasizes more timeless designs that do not appear intended specifically for a child.
Q: What are your top tips for shopping for kids’ clothes abroad?
A: Just like most people, one of my best sources to find anything in a new city is the internet – travel blogs, fashion blogs, Pinterest, Instagram. I always emphasize finding boutiques that feature local designers or craftsman – that is where you find the personality and spirit. Also, it sounds simple, but go where the locals shop – sometimes that will take you to a neighborhood that is more residential than commercial.
