November 3 2013

Jennifer Vallez of Sophie & Lili

MoPa began with the goal of curating on-trend events for growing families. Of course it took no time at all before I found Sophie & Lili. I remember landing on the website, and simply wanting to purchase every single doll – for myself.

Since then, I’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to collaborate with Jennifer. First it was an invitation to be a featured guest at one of our events – I had fingers crossed, but a schedule conflict made it impossible. It is true what they say about good things & those who wait, because it was an invitation to design for the launch of the MoPa Shop that finally marked our first collaboration. One word: CARTWHEELS!

Jennifer rocks, and is a true industry gem. Read on to learn more about one of our all-time favorite designers.

Tell us about Sophie & Lili? Sophie & Lili, named after my great grandmothers, started as a little girls clothing company. I was inspired by a vintage wrap skirt pattern that I found at Brimfield Flea Market in 2004. I made the skirts out of new & vintage fabrics and sold a few to a local store. With the encouragement from friends and family, I created a website where people could create their own skirts. It kind of snowballed from there…I hired a seamstress and then shortly after, a factory. By 2007 Sophie & Lili was in over 500 boutiques worldwide including Saks Fifth Avenue. All the time I was working full time as an Art Director at an ad agency. When I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter, I needed to make the tough decision to put things on hold. In 2007 I discovered a company that could print digitally on fabric. I was really interested in the idea of turning my artwork into dolls. I made a few as gifts for my daughters and their friends. I resurrected my website and got in touch with my old customers. The dolls became a hit. I was sewing nights & weekends. I sewed over 4000 in the 4 years since I started. I just recently licensed my doll designs to North American Bear Company. Now that I am spending less time sewing, I have found another creative outlet in watercolor painting. I offer original watercolors as well as commissions for portraits.

Where do you turn for inspiration? I find inspiration everywhere. My children, fashion, children’s books, interior design, pinterest, blogs, magazines, etc.

Best designer moment so far? The moment my sales rep called me, asked if I was sitting down, and then told me that Saks Fifth Avenue just placed a 26 store order for my little girls clothing line.

Describe your brand in three words? Classic, playful & back-to-basics

Hot chocolate or cider? Cider! Fall is my favorite.

Holiday Must-have? A vacation!

What are you most excited aboutin 2014? I am really excited about what is to come with North American Bear. I also have a few partnerships in the works that are a dream come true for me. Top secret, but will be launching early next year!

Shop Jennifer’s exclusive MoPa Shop designs here.