Alumna’s children’s eco brand nominated for design award

Project Panda, an environmentally-conscious children’s clothing line known for its distinctive and vibrant animal prints, has been nominated at the Junior Design Awards.

The esteemed Junior Design Awards, now in their 10th and biggest year yet, run a host of awards that celebrate the best brands, labels and products designed for children.

Project Panda, launched by BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Brand Management alumna Abeni Carvalho, was kickstarted with the help from Ravensbourne’s Incubation programme, which provides extensive tailor-made support to help develop and support fledgling businesses.

Abeni first developed the brand as part of her Final Major Project before she graduated with a first-class degree in 2018. Each product sold is accompanied by a ‘Cub Card’, made from recycled offcuts, that provides information and facts about the animals featured on the clothes.

Project Panda has been shortlisted in the ‘Best Children’s Eco Fashion Brand’ category and is one of seven brands in the running. The final winners will be handpicked by the Junior editorial team and its industry judges.

Abeni still personally designs and creates all products in its unisex ranges. Business is booming, and buzz has been building around the brand. We heard from one customer, mum of two Fabienne, who said: “I was gifted a romper from Project Panda for my new-born and I love the brand. Baby clothes can be really boring, but these bold prints are wonderful. Knowing that they are eco-friendly is a huge bonus.”