Back to School with Brooke’s Closet
We got to chat with Brooke’s Closet, founder, Tineal Richards about creating Brooke’s Closet, named after her daughter, and how the line went from an idea to reality in New York City. This season, Brooke’s Closet showed at SwimShow unveiling its latest collection made from recycled plastic bottles. While the kids are Back to School, it doesn’t quite mean that summer is over - so perhaps you want to snag one more suit for the last few weeks of summer - and a couple more beach days or moments by the pool.
SS: Tell us about Brooke's Closet and how it got started.
BC: Brooke’s Closet is a children’s swimwear brand that keeps kids in mind with styles and colors that stays true to its Caribbean roots. We launched the first collection in 2019, with the idea that kids just want to have fun in swimwear that are both fun and appropriate. Since then we have added to our purpose the need to make a positive impact on the environment for our children. So to keep the ocean clean in which they will swim in. We are now creating our swimwear with recycled plastic fabrics. The idea for the brand started in 2015 when Brooke herself was only 2 years old. I took her back to my homeland, Trinidad, where she experienced the beach for the very first time. Picking a swimsuit for her back then was challenging. I felt like there was something missing and everything looked the same. I decided then and there to design and have swimsuits made for Brooke that later developed into a business.
SS: School is back! What are some must-have pieces as the mini's get ready for Back to School?
BC: Some must have pieces for me would be white turtleneck, button down shirts and sweater vest for both girls and boys. Shoes are another must have. Get them some really cool sneakers or shoes that are cool but uniform, and have some character to it, like zips or glitter to express their personality.
SS: What are some trends some parents can look out for when shopping for their kids?
BC: I think when it comes to trends when shopping back to school for their kids, I like to look for statement pieces. For me, if your kids go to school where they are required to wear a uniform, my personal favorite is an oversized blazer. You can also personalize it by adding patches. For kids not required to wear uniform oversize denim jackets are great trends to look out for and also expressive backpacks.
SS: Do you have a special memory with your mini from this summer?
BC: Special memories with my kids for me would be taking little photoshoots for them at home. I enjoy taking pictures of products for other small businesses but for me, taking pictures of my little ones is most enjoyable.