AN AMERICAN HEART IN PARIS: APRIL OF LIVY LOU COLLECTION ON CHILDHOOD, MEMORY, AND THE CITY OF LIGHT

When April of Livy Lou Collection arrived in Paris for the Fashion Week, she came not as a mere visitor, but as a kindred artist seeking connection. What began as a photoshoot collaboration with her exquisite bow and our dresses evolved into something far more profound : a true friendship based on the mutual belief that childhood accessories and clothing are never just about fabric and thread, but about preserving fleeting moments and honoring these precious years.

For April, a mother and designer from Michigan who founded Livy Lou with her daughter Olivia during the pandemic, Paris represented both a longtime dream and a creative pilgrimage. As someone who has built a brand around handcrafted beauty, creating bows and headbands that blend vintage sensibility with modern charm, she found herself profoundly moved by a city that has elevated craftsmanship to an art. 

This conversation explores Paris through April's eyes: what she discovered, what surprised her, and how the city's timeless elegance has influenced her understanding of her own work. From the quiet poetry of neighborhood rituals to the grand philosophy of French art de vivre, April shares her perspective as both an American entrepreneur and a mother seeking to create beauty that endures. 

What was your very first impression when you arrived in Paris for this trip? Was there a specific moment when the city took your breath away?

When I first arrived in Paris, I immediately noticed its rich architectural history. It felt like stepping into an old world. The intricate details of the buildings, the grand doors, the courtyards, the overall vibe. It was all so fascinating to me. The specific moments that truly took my breath away were seeing the historical landmarks, especially the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. I didn’t get to explore much beyond that because we were busy with Fashion Week, but even that was an experience in itself. Watching the designers at work, the parties, the events… It was all so exciting! 

As an American, how would you describe the difference between the way French culture approaches childhood and beauty versus what you've observed at home? 

I’ve observed that in Paris, especially in couture brands like Charlotte Sy Dimby, children’s fashion deeply honors classic, elegant styles. There’s such an intention behind every piece, not only making sure the dress is beautiful, but also ensuring it’s comfortable for children to wear. I also noticed that the French truly believe that anything good takes time. In America, everything moves very fast. But in Paris, people slow down. Every gesture, every detail feels intentional, and there’s a quiet appreciation for beauty in the everyday. 

Tell us the story of how Livy Lou began and your philosophy

Livy Lou began as a creative project that my daughter and I started during the pandemic, while I was homeschooling both my kids. Olivia, who has always been obsessed with hair accessories and wore a different one every day during Zoom, inspired the entire brand. “Livy” comes from her name, and “Lou” is in honor of my mom, Lourdes, who is now in heaven. 

At its heart, my philosophy for Livy Lou is creation and connection. As the brand grows, one of my greatest joys has been connecting with like-minded creatives and seeing little girls and their mamas create moments together. It reminds me why we started, to embrace the whimsy of childhood, to stay curious, and to be present in the moment. 

I’ve loved fashion and art since I was a child, and creating within the children’s space feels incredibly meaningful. It’s where my love for creativity, motherhood, and storytelling all come together. 

You use Liberty of London fabrics extensively in your work. How does Europe influence your vision and aesthetic? 

I’ve always loved Liberty of London prints. I’m naturally drawn to them, partly because of their history and the storytelling behind each design. I love that many of these prints originated generations ago and still feel timeless today. There’s something about European fashion that just oozes elegance and a richness in design…it feels both classic and artful. 

I’ve also always been fascinated by culture and heritage. My husband is of European descent—English and Polish—and I’m Filipino, a culture already rooted in Spanish and Chinese influences. Our children are a beautiful blend of all these backgrounds, and in many ways, that diversity mirrors the way I see and appreciate design. Even as a child, I was exposed to different cultures, so gravitating toward something with history and global influence feels very natural to me. 

From a craft perspective, Liberty’s Tana Lawn cotton is wonderful to work with. It is soft, silky, and perfect for creating delicate hair accessories. I also love how effortlessly it pairs with European children’s brands that use Liberty fabrics as well. In today’s world, where everything feels more connected and diverse, Liberty prints represent a bridge between past and present, tradition and modern creativity. 

Livy Lou's motto is "hair accessories made for sweet moments." In a fast-paced world, how do you create pieces that slow time down and make moments feel more intentional? 

For me, creating Livy Lou has never been just about the product, It's about the community, especially the moms who love fashion, art, and creating meaningful moments with their children. Our pieces are really an invitation to slow down and connect with our daughters. That intention comes from my own experiences. I was very close to my mom before she passed away. She was an entrepreneur too, and I remember going with her everywhere as she handled her business. I learned from her how to connect with people from all walks of life. She loved people, and she passed that love on to me. 

In many ways, Livy Lou continues that legacy. Beyond my relationship with my daughter, I also work with other moms, and the brand has brought us even closer. There are so many memories woven into this journey…layers of motherhood, creativity, community, and shared moments. That’s why our pieces feel intentional: they’re created from real stories, real relationships, and a desire to make time feel a little slower and more meaningful. 

Handmade items carry the maker's intention and care in ways machine-made things cannot. What do you think your hands put into each piece beyond the physical materials? 

Beyond the materials, I feel like my hands put intention not just into creating a bow, but into shaping something that becomes an extension of a child’s outfit and personality. We want each piece to feel classic, versatile, and truly well made. The way we craft in our little studio is so different from how things are produced in a large manufacturing plant. There's a slowness, a level of care, and a personal touch that only handmade work can hold. 

We’re not focused on growing quickly or becoming big overnight. Instead, we’re committed to growing with purpose by honoring quality, creativity, and the heart behind why we started. For us, it’s always been about creating something meaningful and lasting, something with story and legacy. 

If you could give one piece of advice to other mothers or makers trying to create something beautiful, what would it be? 

If I could give one piece of advice to other mothers or makers, it would be to begin with intention and keep your heart at the center of what you’re creating. You don’t need to have every step mapped out. You just start with what you have and let your story unfold naturally. So much of creativity comes from the quiet, everyday moments with our children and the memories of the women who shaped us. 

Don’t feel pressured to rush or grow quickly. Honor your own pace. Build something that feels true to you. Something that reflects your values, your heritage, and the season of motherhood you’re in. That authenticity is what people will connect with. 

And most importantly, trust that when you create with love, purpose, and presence, your work will reach the hearts it’s meant for. Legacy is built slowly, through intention and through moments that matter.