About

I make Fun, Fashionable, Functional baby gifts and accessories.

Here’s what I’m about 

I have been sewing since I can remember. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I studied costume design. I followed my passion around the world fulfilling my dreams working and managing the Costume Department on some of the most exciting first class Broadway shows in the world like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Walt Disney’s The Lion King, Phantom of The Opera, Blue Man Group, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Rocky Horror Picture show, and Once, to name a few.

But (there is always a but) I always fostered ambitions of designing my own line of clothing and using what I learned to creating a label of my own. Like every aspiring entrepreneur I decided to start with what I knew. Being a mother I always found kids clothing somewhat lacking in some way or shape (more on that below). 

So began Chilula Rose. When the COVID pandemic hit Australia in 2020, I, like many of my compatriots in the arts were out of work. So I got my hustle on and it was the final push I needed to begin this journey.

 My approach to design

Years in costume design taught me so much about creating durable apparel. I learned first hand the tricks of the trade designing and sewing garments to handle leaps, falls, fires, magic and so much more. 

So when it came to clothing my little man Hunter, I always found myself wanting more. 

With Chilula Rose I've made it my mission to not only create kids products that is unique and fun, but durable and comfortable. Kids deserve to have fun, and parents deserve to not have to worry about kids clothes not going the distance.

My design philosophy 

I started the Chilula journey while I was still living in Melbourne Australia, but have since moved back to vibrant South Africa to take the journey to the next level. All my designs are 100% locally produced (by yours truly). I design fun and vibrant patterns to remind us all to have fun. 

Quality of the fabric, stitching and snaps is simply top notch. I can see the apparel having multiple lifespans as they are passed on to siblings, cousins and friends as your child outgrows them.

I select fabrics that are lightweight and soft to maximise comfort. My designs are where quality meets function and most importantly you can throw them in the wash (I know you feel me).  I take inspirations from the beautiful colours and patterns unique to African fabrics, a homage to the country of my birth South Africa.