This working mom tapped into a market that moms and daughters totally needed! Mothers everywhere love dressing their girls up in sparkles and frills, almost as much as the little ones do themselves! So we are hardly surprised at the success of Tutu du Monde. Success undoubtedly owed to founder and designer Andrea Rembeck. We were able to catch working mom, Andrea, for a few minutes to chat about her family and the fairytale story of her business. You are about to see just why we love these ‘French ballerina’ inspired pieces so much!
Tell us a little about Tutu Du Monde and how it started!
Upon the birth of my daughter in 2005, I took some time out to enjoy being a mother, not realizing that this very act would blossom into the birth of a brand too. I discovered that little girls love to lose themselves in make-believe worlds and, more than anything, cherished beautiful tutus. When my daughter asked me for one, I embarked on a quest to find one that was not mass-produced, hot pink and polyester. I couldn’t and decided there was a gap in the market for tutus made from natural materials, cottons and silks. That’s how Tutu du Monde was born in 2009.
The dresses are a dream for moms with daughters and little girls everywhere! What is the inspiration behind your designs?
I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ideas for my tutus. I travel the world, scouring vintage stores and markets for exquisitely crafted pieces that lend inspiration for new designs, either in color or embellishment. However, I usually take elements and put them into a new more modern context. I work with amazing artisans in India and they have the skills to then transform my vision into reality.
Each piece is so special and unique! What can we expect to see for the holidays?
The Tutu Du Monde Holiday collection ‘At the Midnight Soiree’ embraces glittering bells, dancing lilies and sugar plum fairies. It transports little girls into a wondrous Christmas wonderland. It is a joyous bustle of golden silks and embellished jewel tones with a sense of dynamic build up.
At the midnight soiree, the Tutu du Monde girl dances until the stroke of midnight. She marches to the beat of her own drum. Here’s a girl with a heart full of wonder.
Tell us about your family! How do you balance work with your personal life?
I grew up in Germany and was classically trained as a fashion designer but I decided to leave my home country and immigrate to Australia in my early twenties. The relaxed life-style, pleasant climate, and can-do attitude sold me on the move. After working for various local fashion labels I started my own, which was represented in Australasia and the U.S. When I met my husband – he’s from New Zealand and my daughter was born a couple of years later – I decided to re-prioritize and have a break from the all consuming fashion life – at least for a short time before I started Tutu du Monde.
Having a young daughter who’s growing up fast always reminds me of what’s most important. So I mostly get my work done during office hours so I can have the morning, evening and weekends with my daughter/family. Having great staff that help take the pressure off, yoga, and soft sand running at the nearby Bondi Beach does the rest.
What’s the hardest part of owning your own business?
Owning your own business can mean long hours and few days off. However, probably the hardest part is that you can never really go home and completely switch off, your brain keeps going over a million things…
What’s the best advice you would give to someone looking to start their own business?
Keep it lean and nimble when you start up and grow it organically and manageably.
Her office is too perfect!
These dresses are beautiful!
Love this space!
so cute