THE PARTY PLANNERS
Our friends, Hooligans Magazine, got the party team together in its October issue to capture an imaginative world in the life of go-to party throwers Les Enfants.
Photos by Hannah Coates Styling by Ashlyn Gibson Hair & Make Up: Rachel Jones
Party On Trend
The evolution of children’s parties and events, from colorful, character led sugar rushes, to Elle Décor worthy styling and pinterest perfect ideas leaves design savvy parents breathing a sigh of relief. On the one hand, the creative ef- fort that goes into creating celebrations worthy of Instagram feature pages, whilst keeping the kids happy (and a nod to your own skills as host too) is a pressure many modern parents could do without. On the other, interior and fashion led trends in themes and party styling are making it much easier to achieve. Les Enfants create stunning children’s parties and events in London and beyond. With a stellar clientele from actual Royalty to pop culture Royalty, Katie Burnett and team specialize in bespoke creativity – parties with a difference.
www.lesenfants.com
Hooligans: Katie, what is the essence of running an events business for children?
Working with a client wish list & imagination, or indeed without! Such discerning customers, young and old demand the best, and originality is key. We are essentially engaged to help busy people, not only with organization and time, but to make young peoples party dreams true. Pinterest means that many parents are very switched onto visual trends, this means we work harder to exceed expec- tations for a visually stunning event.
Hooligans: Staying on top of a busy market isn’t easy, what is the Les Enfants key to stand out parties?
Predicting party trends, creating party trends and collaborating with suppliers who share the same ethos is key. From décor to food, activities to entertainment, every party stands on it’s own. Stand out elements are sourced from experts in paper craft, bakery, balloons and more.
Hooligans: Your latest shoot feels very ‘ interiors’ led – is this something you strove for?
Again, it’s about party trends, and pushing them to the next level. In the UK market trends filter down from Australia, the US and South America mainly –essentially we are seeing a more ‘ grown up’ approach to kids events.The décor is more fashion led, or ‘ elegantly tasteful’ color wise, and when it comes to food and drink – visual presentation and actual taste is key – it is no longer an afterthought to a children’s party!
Hooligans: Do you prefer styling for photography, or actual events?
Working on an editorial shoot such as this, gives us an opportunity to showcase new ideas for those who may need that bit of further inspiration for their own gatherings. Sourcing collaborators for such a shoot is a rare treat – we are working towards our own visions and ideas, as opposed to the clients. Our clients always know what they want, but it’s our job to showcase the originality and creativity of those who work hard on their events, and give them a few extra ideas to really make a celebration their own.
Hooligans: There are some amazing collaborators on this shoot – where did you find them?
I am addicted to Instagram – It’s a window for talent and I regularly find many new suppliers there. It’s the most exciting content on the web. For this shoot I wanted to collaborate with new to the market suppliers with fresh ideas. I found the amazing Annemarieke Kloosterhoff, a brilliant ‘ paper artist’ who created our ‘ crystal wall’ and Dutch Dolls House house for the shoot, Laura from ‘ Cutter & Squidge’ produced the fabulous cake, and Sally from Bubblegum Balloons as well as ‘ Maid of Gingerbread’ – did I say how important taste and flavors were to kids parties these days?
For the rest of the Q&A with Hooligans and Katie Burnett - check out the October issue here!