Living in a Shell SS’23
Interview with Adriana Esperalba

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Bobo Choses celebrates their 15th anniversary and we got to have an exclusive interview with Adriana Esperalba, founder and creative director of Bobo Choses, who gives us an inside look at the brand and their new kids, baby & adults Spring-Summer 2023 collection, Living in a Shell. It’s never too late to have fun!

The new SS23 collection is called Living in a Shell and comprises 327 references, including Kid, Baby, Adults, Accessories, and Home products.

To convey the fresh summer nights, they give a playful-chic look to the collection from their water- repellent color block raincoat to their great selection of swimsuits.

Their summer collection is a tribute to colors. Some pieces are in their cool usual color-block combinations, which they say is a must in every collection.

They also use different special washings to give our garments more personality. Their fun and bold prints include funny characters, such as Mr. Birdie, a Pelican, the Starfish, the friendly Squid with a hat, and the hermit Crab.

As Bobo Choses always does, this season, they redesigned the most popular items for the little ones of the family. Colors, prints, and shapes are adapted for the baby collection to better suit the little ones.

Hello, Adriana. Nice to meet you!

How did it all start 15 years ago? the inspiration and story behind the creation of the brand

It all started when I was working as a graphic designer in an advertising company. After six years, I decided that I wanted to work for myself, so I founded my own graphic design studio in 2005. Two years later, I became pregnant and realized that I couldn't find any kids' clothing that I loved.

I've always been attracted to kids' clothing, and in 2008, after giving birth to my first child, Teo, and in the middle of the economic crisis, my partner and I decided to design a mini collection for kids with a minimal budget, needing to learn about sales. With time, patience, and teamwork, the brand evolved into what it is today, present in 50 countries worldwide through 900 stores.

Adraina Esperalba - founder and creative director of Bobo Choses

Looking back after 15 years, what would you say was your favourite part of the process/ adventures of running Bobo Choses?

I look back on those early days with great affection and nostalgia. I vividly recall traveling to Playtime Paris to present our first collection. It was freezing, and we stayed in a tiny apartment where my brother was studying at the time.

Taking our first orders and gaining new clients was cause for celebration. It's been wonderful to see this project grow and become more like a family. The team we've built is incredible, and I couldn't be prouder.

Which collection/story in the past 15 years was the closest to you? What did the story mean to you?

Every collection has a unique concept that we've worked hard to bring to life, so it's tough to pick a favorite.

Since we come from a Mediterranean climate, our summer collections tend to be more vibrant and cheerful. So those are always special to me, and "Neverending Summer SS19" is particularly close to my heart. It reminds me of my childhood and those summers that seemed to stretch on forever, moving in slow motion.

Another collection that I'm particularly proud of is "Dear World AW17," which focuses on sustainability and the legacy we want to leave for our children. I really can't decide between them all; each one is special in its way.

Are you preparing a special event for the occasion? Or a special piece / collection?

Absolutely! We're still in the process of planning our 15-year celebration, but we're really excited about it. Our goal is to do something special to thank all the people who have been a part of the Bobo Choses family since the beginning, from our customers to our employees, suppliers, and media partners. Updates coming soon!

What is the most exciting stage of creating a new collection?

For me, the most exciting stage of creating a new collection is the very beginning. It's when the initial idea is still taking shape in my head and starting to come to life in a tangible way. I love the creative and conceptual part of the process - it's my favorite part!

You just released your SS 23 kids & baby collection, what inspired the story of Living in a shell?

Living in a Shell is an ode to those of us who are shy, sensitive, and have rich imaginations. We often build up a shell around ourselves as a way to protect our emotions and put on a brave face to interact with others.

The collection is really about celebrating people like us and encouraging us to embrace our unique personalities and creative minds!

Within your new collection, what is your favourite piece/pieces?

It's always a tough choice, but if I had to pick just one, I'd say the Sail Rope Green Shirt. It's a great combination of fashion and comfort, and it always brings a smile to my face when I wear it.

When did you launch the adult collection? Tell us a bit about the new adult collection

It all started with a simple idea, someone from our team and some clients said "I like this t-shirt, I want it in a big size." That was back in 2015 and we only had 7 or 8 garments in the adult collection. But with each new collection, we added a few more pieces, and by 2017, we were proud to say we had an adult line.

If you could open another Bobo Choses store anywhere in the world, where would be your next location?

Seoul. We love the city, the culture. It's full of life!

What was the best advice you were ever given, that truly has helped you throughout the years?

I'm not much for giving people “advice”. The most important thing for me is to surround myself with good people.

Favourite city? Why?

That's an easy one: London. It's such a vibrant and bustling city, and I find it to be a huge inspiration for my creativity. I've visited many times, and it always manages to surprise and energize me.

What’s your everyday life like?

I have a pretty set routine for my mornings. I get up, get ready, and then my husband and I enjoy our morning coffee together. The four of us always have dinner as a family, and I love cooking, but we also enjoy ordering take-out once in a while.

On Fridays, I like to focus on new projects and be creative. I try to stay active, and I like to hit the gym during my lunch break.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing to do to have fun?

One of my favorite things to do is to meet up with my childhood friends. We usually have lunch or do some activity together, and it's always a blast. We end up laughing until our stomachs hurt, and it's a great way to reconnect and make new memories.

Are you ready for 15 more years?

I'm up for whatever new adventures come our way, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and learning for another 15 years or more.

Thank you Adriana, here are some of our favourite pieces from all of Bobo Choses collections over the 15 years: