The Story of Zutano

How does a new baby change the lives of two successful artists living in New York City? For designer & art director Uli and professional photographer Michael Belenky, the birth of their first child fostered a wholly new sense of artistic purpose and creative desire. Suddenly aware of the meager offerings in the children's clothing market in 1989, Michael and Uli came to a well-researched conclusion: even in the Big Apple, choices of style, fit, originality and color when dressing their new baby Sofia left much to be desired. Surely there was more to being a baby than pink and blue...

And so it was with desire and determination that Uli set out on her own sewing machine, amid fabric swatches and color chips in the couple's New York City apartment, hand- stitching prototypes for the very first Zutano clothing line. One small production run later, Zutano was officially in the market. Colorful and comfortable basics - jackets, leggings, overalls and hats - became the first styles of Zutano's now classic Baby Basics. In a rainbow of just 6 colors, the styles became an instant favorite in many New York City boutiques: Orders were hand-delivered by Michael himself from the seat of a bicycle.

It didn't take long before the creative team outgrew their New York City space and began searching for a location to lay permanent roots. For Uli and Michael, now with their second little girl Ella, the calm, quiet countryside beckoned; where a family, and a company, could grow strong and healthy on green hills & fresh air. In 1991, the Belenky's packed up Zutano and headed up North to an old farmhouse in Cabot, Vermont.

Colorful new stripes, polka dots, and playful patterns were introduced to the Zutano program from this rural new location. With room to spread out - and serious customer demand - Zutano increased production, expanded its product line and turned full attention to its principle goal: to stand out in the children's marketplace with clothes that are supremely comfortable, utterly fashionable and uniquely fun. After all, babies deserve to be stylish too.

Comfort and originality; sweetness with sophistication; classic structure with a modern flare. Zutano's Baby collection has matured beautifully since those first 4 styles and 6 colors were chosen. Produced today in the absolute softest 100% cotton, in over 90 solids, dots, patterns, ginghams and stripes, Zutano is, as it always has been: designed to be mixed and matched. Grand introductions and gentle retirements keep the line consistently fresh and invigorating while offering countless opportunities for coordination. Constantly tailoring and streamlining the essentials, the Baby Interlock line has grown to include more than 15 body styles. Coordinating accessories like reversible blankets, booties, and even a striking plush bunny named Hip Hoppy (dressed in Zutano's finest miniature outfits) can now be combined to create the most lusciously colorful and truly unique layette set - custom matched to reflect the individuality of any baby.

Zutano's collection now includes a variety of fabrics such as the ever-popular Cozie fleece, French Terry and many Woven options. In the nearly 15 years since that first handful of Baby Basics rolled into a few Manhattan boutiques, Zutano has maintained a purity of image and conceptual consistency that ranks among the highest in the children's clothing industry. The brightest colors, the most sumptuous, high-quality fabrics, patterns and prints that embody the whimsical, and a tireless love for everything BABY: Combined, these elements have allowed Zutano to create some of the most diverse and outstanding children's product on the market.

New babies really do change lives, and from day one Zutano has been committed to giving every new baby the opportunity to express themselves: colorfully, comfortably, and with an individuality all their own.

Zutano, clothes unique as your baby.

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