Kid’s Stuff [Trucs d’enfants] is a child clothing company based in Montreal. The brand specialises in producing high-quality, environmentally friendly, and gender-neutral children’s apparel. We spoke with Mary-Jo Dorval, designer and owner of Kid’s Stuff [Trucs d’enfants], to learn more about them.
![Kid's Stuff [Trucs d'enfants]](https://montrealguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Mary-Jo-Dorval.jpg)
What is your business called and what does it do?
Kid’s Stuff [Trucs d’enfants] is a Montreal-based children’s clothing brand founded by Mary-Jo Dorval. The brand specializes in creating high-quality, gender-neutral, and eco-friendly clothing for children. One of its standout features is the “grow-with-me” design, where the clothes are adjustable and can expand as children grow, making them last longer than typical garments.
The brand focuses on sustainability, using environmentally friendly materials like bamboo and lyocell, and aims to break away from traditional gendered clothing norms. By avoiding stereotypical colours and patterns, Kid’s Stuff encourages children to choose what they like freely, promoting individuality and comfort.
While Kid’s Stuff is primarily known for children’s wear, it has also expanded into offering a small range of adult clothing. Their products are sold online through their website, in pop-up stores, and in select retail locations across Canada.
What made you want to do this work?
My passion for children’s clothing began in my own childhood when I would create unique outfits for my friend and I using fabric scraps and other materials around the house. This early love for design carried through into my adult life. After studying fashion and working in various areas of the industry, I decided to focus on children’s fashion because I saw a gap in the market. I wanted to create high-quality, gender-neutral, and eco-friendly clothing that avoided the typical logo-heavy, gendered styles prevalent in kids’ fashion. My goal was to provide parents with functional, sustainable clothing options while sparking conversations about gender stereotypes.
My brand, Kid’s Stuff [Trucs d’enfants], grew out of this vision, and it has been redefining children’s fashion since its launch. My approach focuses on making timeless, “grow-with-me” designs that expand with the child, promoting longevity and sustainability
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Kid’s Stuff (Trucs d’enfants) addresses several key problems in the children’s fashion market; short lifespan of children’s clothes, lack of gender-neutral options, poor quality and unsustainable materials, limited focus on comfort and practicality. In summary, Kid’s Stuff solves issues related to sustainability, quality, practicality, and gender inclusivity in children’s fashion.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Kid’s Stuff (Trucs d’enfants) targets parents who are looking for high-quality, eco-friendly, and gender-neutral clothing options for their children. Their primary demographic includes: eco-conscious parents, parents seeking gender-neutral clothing, parents of children aged 0-12 and families who value quality over fast fashion. This demographic also values functionality, comfort, and timeless style in children’s clothing.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We distribute our products primarily through the following channels; our online store, through pop-up and sales market and selected independent boutiques in Canada and in the USA.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
My studio is located in the Chabanel neighbourhood, recognized as Montreal’s fashion district. This area is home to numerous ateliers and serves as the headquarters for a wide range of small and large fashion businesses
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Where is it made? While many children’s clothing brands are based in Quebec, their products are often manufactured overseas. It’s crucial for customers to fully understand what they’re supporting when they buy from a ‘Montreal brand.’ Does the label reflect the actual place of production? For those who value local craftsmanship and sustainability, it’s important to look beyond the brand’s location and consider where and how the clothing is actually made. Our products are proudly designed, sewn, packed and shipped in Montreal.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of my job is the creative process: selecting the perfect colour palette, sourcing high-quality fabrics, and sketching new designs that bring fresh styles to life. The worst part is accounting!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
It’s not exactly a joke but something I hear over and over again at pop-ups and markets: ”Do you make this in my size?!”
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I have deep admiration for my studio mate, Madeleine Beaulieu, the owner of Partoem. She designs handbags and is currently undergoing a creative transformation, reinventing her product with new materials that resonate more with who she is today. It’s inspiring to witness how our work can evolve, becoming more aligned with our personal growth and values.
