Mary Katrantzou Unveils Vibrant New Collection With DockATot

The Greek fashion designer has partnered with DockATot to create a print-centric collection that captures a child-like sense of wonder

When Mary Katrantzou presented her first ready-to-wear runway collection at London Fashion Week in 2009, no one could have predicted the stratospheric success to come. Over the last 15 years, the Greek fashion designer’s unique print-focused aesthetic has become instantly recognisable and inimitable in equal measure, leading to partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Bvlgari, where Mary became the first creative director of leather goods and accessories earlier this year.

Her latest design endeavour? Mary has paired up with Lisa Furuland Kotsianis, founder of DockATot, to mastermind a collection of chic parenting accessories dressed up in her signature design codes. “When you become a mother, your perspective on your surroundings shifts dramatically, especially regarding what you want your newborn to experience as they grow,” says Mary. “I immediately recognised the gap in the market for bold, graphic designs that not only serve a purpose but also bring joy to both the parent and the child, and as the Deluxe+ dock quickly became one of the most used items with my son, Michael, I knew I wanted to work with DockATot.”

Intended to grow with your child, the collection includes newborn essentials, such as the award-winning DockATot Deluxe+ dock and nursing wedge pillow, through to pieces that will delight children well into primary school, including oversized floor cushions, soft blankets and a ‘Tent of Dreams,’ all bearing Mary’s trademark Rainbow Ribbon stripe print. The Athens-based designer, who says her favourite colour is “rainbow,” wanted to create a collection true to her archives, while adding little beasties – enchanting bug and butterfly prints – to stimulate young minds. “From the moment children are born they are always drawn to contrasting colours which evolves into an awareness of bright hues that evoke positive emotion, which is crucial in sensory development,” she explains.

The inspiration behind the flora and fauna motifs stems from her son’s christening, which took place on the island of Spetses in Greece, while the colour palette was inspired by his primary colour puzzle mat. “I believe that the items we surround ourselves with, especially during such a transformative time, can have a profound impact on our mindset. Stylish, detailed and thoughtfully designed pieces can help us feel more put-together and empowered, which in turn positively affects our headspace and overall well-being as new mothers,” she adds.

Lisa Furuland Kotsianis founded DockATot (formerly Sleepyhead of Sweden) in 2006, on a mission to find a versatile and safe alternative to a cot that would enable her to keep her baby close while all over the home, without disrupting harmonious interior design. “Aesthetics and visual experiences have a huge impact on our mood, and babies and all their gear can take over the carefully curated adult space,” she explains. “Additionally, a staggering amount of baby gear is mass-produced and destined for landfills after a short period of use. We want to combat this trend by thinking sustainably and providing exceptional quality that will last for generations to come. DockATot creations are heirloom pieces.”

Available from September at dockatotmiddleeast.com.

From Harper’s Bazaar Junior’s Autumn/Winter 2024 issue.