Molo is a brand that needs no introduction—recently honored with the Best Kids Fashion Heritage Brand award at the Junior Style Awards, it has long been a beloved favorite in children’s fashion. Renowned for its unique prints, exceptional quality, and effortlessly cool style, Molo consistently delivers standout pieces that captivate both children and parents alike. Each item is thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with cutting-edge fashion, making Molo the go-to choice for those who want their kids to look and feel fantastic. We had the honor of sitting down with Mogens Jepsen, the founder of Molo, to discuss the brand’s past and future, the children’s fashion industry, and some of his cherished childhood memories. Whether you’re new to Molo or a long-time fan, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the creativity and vision behind the brand.
JS: Thank you, Mogens, for taking the time to speak with us! Can you share your journey with us? How did you begin designing clothing specifically for children, and what inspired you to focus on this niche?
MJ: Molo started with the idea of changing children’s fashion, which was less than vibrant and colourful back then. Instead, the idea was to create a brand with a strong personality, many colours, and a playful expression.
Molo was created in an apartment in Copenhagen, with a small team doing everything. Initially, we designed only a small collection for ages 2 to 8, and then we expanded the range to include garments for babies, accessories, outerwear, and swimwear covering up to 16 years. The marketplace has also changed enormously. Molo started with a few markets worldwide and is now an internationally known kidswear brand.
JS: Molo is a standout name in the children’s fashion industry—what do you believe sets the brand apart and contributes to its enduring success?
MJ: Since the beginning, Molo has had a strong storytelling and brand vision. We believe that children come first, and our clothes have always reflected this. I think our mission to empower children in a responsible and playful way really speaks to both parents and children.
From early on in our brand history, we have also been focused on the importance of transparency and certification when it comes to responsibility, which I believe has made us stand out in the market. I am incredibly proud that Molo is now GOTS*, GRS*, and OCS* certified.
JS: What are some unique challenges and joys you’ve encountered in working with children’s fashion?
MJ: As Molo has grown over the years, one thing that stands out as both a challenge and a joy is incorporating different cultures and climates into our brand. We work hard to ensure that Molo is a brand kids love to wear and explore wherever they live.
JS: Could you tell us about a favourite piece from new collection? (SS25)
MJ: Having the platform and brand that we do, we take the job of speaking to children very seriously. That is why we put a lot of care and attention into our storytelling and the message we send out worldwide. With the new collection ‘You Matter,’ we tell children their voices and actions matter. Naturally, this makes our new cardigans, Burt and Gilly, some of my favourites from the collection. The cardigans are decorated with important messages like ‘courage,’ ‘equality,’ ‘diversity’, and ‘you matter.’ True statement pieces.
JS: How would you describe your personal style, and does it influence the brand?
MJ: At Molo, we have an incredibly talented design studio with amazing designers working hard to continue creating the ‘best collection ever’ each season. As much as I am involved in the collections, I don’t think my personal style significantly impacts their work.
JS: What is your favorite place in the world?
MJ: At our headquarters in Copenhagen, but if I could choose more than one place, I love traveling the world with Molo. I am so fortunate to meet our amazing sales representatives, new customers, and new markets worldwide.
JS: What is your favorite childhood memory?
MJ: I am privileged to have grown up on a farm. It was a fantastic upbringing with the opportunity to often be close to my parents, lots of animals and the nature around us. When I encounter the wonderful smell of freshly cut grass from the meadows in the summer, it gives me a unique flash back to my childhood. It’s magical.
JS: Horses often feature in your collections—is there a personal story behind this recurring motif?
MJ: From raising my kids, I have experienced their love for all animals, so naturally, the animal kingdom is a big part of all Molo collections. Horses are magnificent creatures, highly intelligent, very social, and just so beautiful, and I love seeing them featured in our collections. They fit right in.
JS: As someone with a successful brand, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs aspiring to enter the children’s fashion industry?
MJ: The business has changed so much since we started. What I have experienced as essential is being mindful, respectful, agile, and constantly open to change.
JS: Looking ahead, where do you see Molo in the next five years? Are there any exciting projects or developments on the horizon?
MJ: I am incredibly excited about the adventures that Molo will embark upon in the next couple of years. We are looking to expand globally and work constantly to improve and evolve our responsible practices.
JS: How do you envision the future of the retail and fashion market, particularly in light of recent trends and changes?
MJ: Despite having to repeat myself, I believe that retail and fashion brands need to work on ways to improve themselves in terms of responsibility. It is necessary to make it in this industry, and I believe we owe it to future generations.
JS: Do you see social media as a source of love, hate, or a mix of both?
MJ: Social media can foster both hate and, fortunately, much love. At Molo, we have been blessed with a solid and supportive community of people who truly support and love our brand.
JS: Finally, what do you think about Junior Style?
MJ: Junior Style has been on the frontier of creating a community for kidswear fashion enthusiasts. I enjoy following your take on innovative and kidswear and being a part of your lovely network. The way you encourage playfulness and colours makes Junior Style a perfect match for Molo.
*Certified by Ecocert Greenlife, Lic.No. 197496.
More Interviews with Leaders in the Kids’ Fashion Industry here
