weare the happysads
ADRIANA ESPERALBA, DESIGNER FOR
SPANISH KIDS’ LABEL BOBO CHOSES,
TALKS US THROUGH THIS TEMPER
TANTRUM-INSPIRED COLLECTION.When did you start Bobo Choses and how has it developed since
then?After working for several years as an art director at an
advertising agency in Barcelona, I decided to create a graphic
design studio with a friend. In 2008, with the arrival of our children,
we realised we couldn’t find nice clothes for kids. So, we created
a mini collection of t-shirts, without having any idea how to sell
it. Next January it will be 10 years since we presented our first
collection. We still love creating fun clothes for kids to play with;
writing crazy children’s books that give meaning to our collections;
and designing beautiful objects that lift our feet off the ground.What is the concept behind The Happysads collection? The
Happysads is inspired by kids and their way of expressing
contradictory emotions. They might have hard times identifying
their feelings; they might not even know what to name them.
Instead, they express themselves by throwing temper tantrums
or having meltdowns. My favourite band is The Cure – I find their
lyrics quite ‘happysad’ – so we decided to create a kids’ band
that sings about children and their rollercoaster-like feelings.
Talk us through the items we can find in the range. British-inspired
shapes and carefully selected colours go along with bold prints
that reveal the contradictions of kids’ emotions: bittersweet candy;
Mr Clearly Confused; a funny half-pig-half-elephant; cars that go in
both directions at the same time. Some key items are faux-fur coats,
padded trousers and velvet dresses.
What kind of stuff were you listening to or watching while making
this collection? Indie, pop and post-punk music are part of my life.
There’s also a movie called Sing Street that shows children growing
up and looking for their own identity. It made me think about
bringing a children’s music group together.
What are your top priorities when creating clothing for children?
Design-wise, we want the garments to be comfortable and
easy to care for. I would say I design more for kids, although our
references and imaginations belong to our childhood, so parents
can also relate to them. Our colours and prints are the distinctive
features of Bobo Choses – we try not to lose our personality.Where do you find inspiration? Folk, tribal and traditional textiles,
mainly – I’m obsessed! I like how they’re embellished for the sake
of being beautiful; that the craftsmanship is truly valued.
Please describe the studio where this collection was made. We love
working in an old toy factory two blocks away from the Mediterranean
Sea, learning from the local manufacturers’ know-how. It’s a magical
place with a lot of light, and all of us are very happy to spend a lot of
hours there. At Bobo Choses, we love to have fun!
You also produced a Happysads music video. Could you tell us more
about that? I’m fortunate to have a wonderful and talented team. Our
graphic designer Luciano Torres is also a musician, and he wrote
the words and music for The Happysads. My eldest son Teo plays the
drums and sings, and the rest of the band members are friends of his.
The Bobo team’s children recorded the backing vocals. Our idea is to
record a couple more songs and present them by the end of the year.
Where can we see more of your cool clothes? bobochoses.comlooks we like