I was 8 years old when I proclaimed to my parents I wanted to be a fashion designer and nothing else! All through school I had teachers trying to put me off and advising me to change career. With determination, hard work and a sprinkling of stubbornness I focused on achieving my dream. My parents came over from Cyprus as refugees with hardly anything and worked hard to create a family pleating business that flourished. My late mother taught me to sew and all about construction of garments. My father taught me to pleat and pattern cut.

I studied at Central Saint Martins at the old Charing Cross branch where my idols McQueen & Galliano graced the halls years before me. A real pinch me moment, as I couldn’t quite believe I made the cut. Fast forward two decades later and I’ve been lucky enough to work for some amazing British brands, celebrities and Retailers such as Jenny Packham, Matthew Williamson, and Miss Selfridge. My whole career has been focused on designing Womenswear collections.

Then my life changed as I had my beautiful little girl, Olympia. I became obsessed with dressing her in the prettiest outfits. Suddenly everything looked much cuter in small, mini sizes. Our first holiday abroad and I couldn’t find anything I truly loved that was special in my eyes to dress her in...so off I went to cut and sew her a dress perfect for her first ever holiday. I soon realised my ideas and energy had shifted to her and creating a perfect special occasion wardrobe like no other. Friends started to ask me to make something for their little ones. 

Wish + Wonder was finally born in early January 2019 after my lightbulb moment of wanting to create the most perfect dresses for girls to cherish and love. It’s important to me that the garments are comfortable and flexible as I know first hand from dressing Olympia how much they wriggle, climb and need to feel free.

A year down the line and we have now celebrated our first birthday which was an exciting milestone to reach during a Pandemic! As the brand continues to grow, I am so proud to now also include more casual wear, knitwear, separates, baby rompers and accessories which will offer a more rounded collection. These pieces are hand selected and carefully curated for their quality and design to compliment and sit alongside the Wish & Wonder LUXE range.

I hope your little ones have magical adventures while wearing our pieces. Feel free to tag us @wishandwonderlondon when wearing our collections as I love to see all the special moments you all create with them.

My first collection was dedicated to my late mother Eleni. Without her support, love and knowledge I wouldn't be who I am today. 

Cristina

xx