Inspired by our drawing drive, we decided to interview our designer Christina Berger, who is the creative mastermind behind our WORN TO BE WILD fashion label. In the interview, Christina tells us what makes the woom clothing collection so special and what she focuses on when coming up with the designs. We also chatted with her about the development process. But that's enough from us – have a read for yourself... 

Christina, you've been working as a textile designer at woom since 2017 and have since created the first cycling label that kids can wear both on and off their bike. You and your team even dug up some British army secrets along the way...

For WORN TO BE WILD by woom, we wanted to use a fabric made from natural materials that wouldn't make kids sweat yet would keep them protected from the rain. After all, our collection features everyday items that can be worn both on and off the bike. We've even put our cotton jackets under the shower to test them.

So what's the secret behind this cotton?

When conducting our research, we came across an English company that developed a special cotton-based fabric for pilots in the British army during the 1930s. And then we managed to find a company that still produces that fabric to this day. Long staple fibres are spun and twined in a special process and woven with the density as high as possible. This production process turns the cotton into a functional material that is water-repellent and windproof yet highly breathable without relying on any coating or lamination. There aren't many other companies out there using this particular material.

Why was the choice of material so important to you?

We didn't want any of our clothing to be waxed because childrenswear needs to be machine washable.

What is your vision for woom as a children's bike brand as far as clothing is concerned?

woom bikes have a timeless design and boast extreme attention to detail. We follow the same principles when it comes to designing our childrenswear. Think timeless basics for everyday use that also feature cycling-friendly functions and details upon closer inspection. It's important to me that the designs aren't predictable. They need to excite and surprise.
For example, the design of our everyday T-shirts and longsleeve tops is inspired by cycling jerseys. They feature typical bike-fit tailoring and so are shorter at the front and longer at the back. That way, there's no chance of getting a chilly back! And our classic jeans have a special material insert in the groin area to allow more freedom of movement when cycling. 

The CINOTERRA Adventure Jacket is the centrepiece of the collection, having already been awarded multiple design prizes.

It goes without saying that we are delighted that our ideas are so well received within the industry. We built our entire label around this very jacket. It has a helmet-compatible hood and detachable straps so that kids can carry it on their back like a rucksack. It even comes with gloves that are attached so there's no chance of them getting lost. And once you look a little closer, you'll find a whole host of other clever features.

The unisex design of the WORN TO BE WILD collection is noteworthy too.

Right now, woom is running a drawing drive to give kids the chance to become designers...

That's right! Our drawing drive is calling on designers of all ages to draw bikes that may end up featuring on one of the tops in our new collection. We are so excited to see what creative ideas people come up with! No doubt we will see some fantastic designs come out of the initiative. What's really cool is that the drawings will be printed on the tops in a reflective material for added safety when kids are cycling in the evening. 

Christina, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions and providing our readers with some fascinating insights!

Have you and your kids been inspired to get creative? Then why not sit down together and take part in our drawing drive?