Carmen West

Background

About Carmen West

I'm Carmen West, and my adventure into business began after I graduated from UFV in 2007 with a diploma in Fashion Design. After graduation, I delved into an array of ventures, dabbling in screen printing, upcycled clothing design, and custom projects. I’ve always been relentlessly creative and full of ideas but it wasn’t until I had my own children that the idea of designing for babies and kids really landed for me. Since I started my clothing business, Little & Lively, my work and designs have been recognized and featured on platforms like CBC News, BuzzFeed, Vancouver Magazine, The Birds Papaya, International Kids Runway, Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, and Vancouver Eco Fashion Week. As a Garfield Weston Scholarship recipient, my academic and professional achievements reflect my commitment and passion for fashion design. Currently, I am deeply passionate about creating clothing for children that is bursting with personality, emphasizing sustainability, and making ethical fashion choices accessible to moms and families. I strongly believe in contributing to a circular economy and promoting sustainable fashion choices, especially for children’s apparel. My focus is on designing soft, breathable products that are not only comfortable and gentle on the skin but also made from sustainable resources and earth-friendly fibers. I developed SootheKnit™, a proprietary fabric blend that combines the softness of bamboo with the durability of cotton, resulting in a premium material that's luxurious, resilient, and Oeko-Tex certified. This fabric has quickly become a favourite among parents and caregivers of kids with eczema or sensory concerns. Our customers praise SootheKnit™ for its exceptional quality reporting that their children are much more comfortable and less irritable when wearing clothes made from this fabric. Another aspect of my work involves collaborating with artists I admire to create unique prints and designs. These collaborations resonate deeply with our audience of young moms. We specialize in offering matching outfits for parents and their little ones, inspiring joy and creating cherished memories. My business interests lie in continuing to innovate in sustainable fashion, bringing personality and ethical choices to the forefront of children’s clothing. I strive to keep pushing the boundaries in sustainable fashion, making it a desirable and accessible choice for families who want to invest in clothing that is kind to both their children and the planet.