Meet Genna Weiner | Design Director & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Genna Weiner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As an Interior Design Director, my job became more about the bottom line and less about creativity. I found myself looking for other ways to be creative and reignite my drive and passion. In a moment of clarity, I decided that it was time for me to explore my love for fashion in a real way.

I would look to buy kids clothes for my niece and nephew and always noticed that none of the kid clothing brands had clothes I would wear as an adult. Over time I would hear the same feedback from my friends and felt that there was a hole in the market that I was ready to explore.

What should our readers know about your business?
My brand was born out of a “edgy kid clothes” hole in the market but also because I had never designed clothes before and they were small/easier to work on (being realistic). My bespoke clothing brand has a more urban and hip vibe to it. Not only would I wear all the clothes myself but one of our mottos is “You should be jealous of your kid’s clothes.” There is nothing wrong with fire trucks and unicorns, but you won’t see that on our clothes. We are upcycled, handmade/handpainted in New York and are gender neutral/inclusive- so the entire line is fluid and we don’t label by gender.

One thing that has changed over the last few years in terms of consumer behavior is that people like to support small, support a cause, have something unique or buy something that somehow contributes to society’s growth. We address that in terms of social acceptance of gender- your kid can be anything, wear anything, no judgement. Environmentally, we currently don’t manufacturer any clothes from scratch- we use new clothes that already exist so we don’t add to waste. Lastly, all of out pieces are handmade so no two pieces are exactly alike, giving that real bespoke and personal feel. What started out as a kids specific brand has grown to include select adult sizes and accessories in response to the excitement and demand for our designs.

While starting this brand from nothing but an idea (in the shower) has been amazing and rewarding, running a business is significantly more work than I think people realize- it’s honestly 24/7. It’s about connections, hard work and consistency, having a healthy sense of fear, good ideas and also luck. The best advice is always ask yourself with every move or idea, “Is this what my brand/business is about?”

One of the best feelings is when the kids that model don’t want to take the clothes off!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

-The Polo Bar- it’s like fall in a warm and cozy cottage (all year round) with the nicest group of people

-Aire Ancient Baths- an underground oasis that is incredible and rejuvenating

-The McKittrick Hotel (which isn’t a hotel) for whatever special event they are having- right now it’s a magic speakeasy

-Philippe Downtown for the best chicken satay- ever

-The Blue Note for a live jazz session

-Yankee Stadium- just a magical place

-Museum of Ice Cream for treats and great Instagram photos

-Restoration Hardware Rooftop for a glass of wine and view at sunset

-A walk around the west village to explore and grab a Magnolia cupcake

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout? My Mom- Who has that fighter spirit and always encouraged me to do and be more always with her love and support as a safety net.

Instagram: @blackandgoldnewyork