EHLOH, the reversible jacket moms want for themselves!
(By Charlotte Burgoyne)
When you're on the go and your little ones need to eat, the chance that part of his meal will end up on him is pretty high. What if he was wearing a reversible jacket - wouldn't that be awesome? You would not have to look at his dirty top for the rest of the trip AND you would not need to pack an extra top. We've dug out some unique reversible jackets to take with you on your next trip. Sewn in San Francisco, each has a killer look - an amazing cut and incredible fabrics - 100% wool on one side and 100% washed denim on the other. We've talked to Celine Monget, the mom of two behind these little wonders. Originally from Bordeaux, France, she lives in San Francisco with her Spanish husband and her two children, Milo and Valentina, who were born here. She worked as an environmental engineer before deciding to take a break and start Ehloh two years ago.
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The story behind Ehloh.
Ehloh was born from daydreaming about a creative endeavor that would revolve around children. Eventually, the idea of making clothes emerged. I took Ehloh as an opportunity to create something on my own terms. It has been an apprenticeship; it has been fun and challenging to control each element of the process (prototyping, product design and development, website, photography, etc.) while also collaborating on many different levels. Ehloh is a twist on the most familiar greeting in the English language - hello. Only that it is pronounced in the characteristic French way - eh-loh.
Why reversible jackets?
A reversible garment is like having two pieces of clothing in one. Of the two sides, one is a bit more formal (the wool) and the other one a bit more casual (denim). When you have had enough of one side you can wear the other one. It is a play variation on a piece of clothing.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
The inspiration came from the local landscape and weather. It never gets really cold in San Francisco but it never gets too warm either. The vest is the ideal warm-wear for this micro-climate and people wear a lot of vests around here but the kind that are made of polyester and filled with down or synthetic fiber. I wanted to make a vest that would be warm, with natural materials and bright colors, hence the choice of wool and cotton.
Do your kids influence your business?
I make pieces with the idea that my children will wear them. I want these pieces to be beautiful, durable and practical but I also want them to be sustainably and ethically made whether it is by using eco-friendly fibers or factories who treat their workers well. Also, my children are very honest testing agents, always ready to criticize what they do not like or suggest improvements. They influence me in more ways that I can think of.
At Little Voyageurs we have a crush on the convenient aspect of your jackets - what else makes them travel-friendly?
Because they are made of wool, they actually require little cleaning. The best way to clean them is to spot-clean stains with a wet cloth. They can also be hand washed in cold water or dry cleaned when they get too dirty. The wool makes them breathable and perfect for mild climates where temperatures are not too hot or cold. They are lightweight, do not take up much space in a suitcase and they are two-in-one. That makes them a perfect travelling companion.
Any new « travel friendly » items for the new collection?
I am currently working on the adult version of the vest. This summer I made a collection of reversible sweaters with recycled cotton. I am planning to make a small batch of wool sweaters for the winter. There are many models I have in mind for the future and I am looking forward to starting work on them!
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