Meet Paulina Atkinson, founder of the Organic Zoo brand
Meet Paulina Atkinson, creator of the children's clothing brand Organic Zoo, which we love dearly: simple, thoughtfully designed, sustainable… She tells us about her childhood in Poland, her family life in London and her collaboration with Charlie Crane around the "Olive Garden" print.
- What is the story behind Organic Zoo? From your childhood in Poland to your current life in England…
Organic Zoo is deeply rooted in my childhood. I grew up in communist Poland — life was simple and challenging, yet rich in imagination and freedom. We didn't have much, so we entertained ourselves by creating our own worlds, playing outside, inventing games, finding joy in the little things.
That sense of simplicity, creativity, and connection to nature stayed with me. When I moved to England, I found myself returning to those values. Organic Zoo became a way to express them, by creating soft, practical clothes that allow children to move and explore freely.
- What gave you the idea to create your own brand?
It happened very naturally. I couldn't find clothes that matched what I felt children truly needed: simple, practical pieces, carefully crafted from natural fabrics. I wanted to create something authentic and useful, and I let my instinct guide me.
- I've read that you place great importance on making environmentally responsible clothing — could you tell us a little more about that?
Yes, it has always been at the heart of Organic Zoo's philosophy. From the very beginning, our commitment was simple: always organic. We only use natural, pure materials, with no synthetic blends, and we constantly seek to improve our working methods. But sustainability goes beyond fabrics: it also concerns the way garments are made and their longevity.
We work in close collaboration with small family-run factories, which fosters care in craftsmanship, transparency and a genuine human connection. Finally, we place emphasis on timeless design, creating pieces that can be worn, washed, and passed down through time.
Do you still work with a factory in Western Ukraine?
Yes, absolutely. Our main factory is located near Lviv, in Western Ukraine. It's a site we chose with great care, as it aligns with our values. There is a strong sense of community there, and the artisanal craftsmanship is exceptional. The care and talent of the people who work there is reflected in every garment we create.
- Where do you find inspiration for your prints?
They are very personal. Often drawn from my experiences, my travels, my interests. Sometimes it's nature, sometimes certain objects, or a particular feeling or memory. For example, after visiting Japan, I was inspired by ceramics, which gave birth to one of our prints. I like to think of them as little stories: simple but full of meaning.
- What does a typical day look like for you, balancing work and family life?
I like to start my day early, before the house comes to life. That quiet moment helps me to think, to set my goals for the day. From there, the day flows between the different facets of the business: creative work, decision-making, interactions with the team. Afternoons are reserved for family life, friends, and outdoor activities. Finding a balance between the two is an ongoing challenge, but over the years I've learned to manage it more naturally.
- Do you have any Charlie Crane furniture? If so, could you tell us a little more about how you use it in your daily life?
Yes, we have the LEVO bouncer in our photo studio and we use it all the time! It's one of those pieces that works wonderfully: babies are always very relaxed and calm in it, which makes all the difference during photo shoots.
- How did your collaboration with Charlie Crane come about, and how did you work together?
The collaboration came about very naturally from the start, as we share the same values around simplicity, quality and thoughtful design. Our "Olive Garden" print was at the heart of it, and seeing it transposed onto furniture gave us a very special feeling. We are delighted with this collaboration!
- Do you have any upcoming projects for 2026 that you'd like to tell us about?
We place less emphasis on constant newness and more on perfecting what we already do well. This involves developing our hero pieces, expanding our offering in areas such as knitwear and wool, and continuing to meet our customers' needs. We approach each project thoughtfully and with careful consideration.
- Finally, last question — have you ever been to Paris or France? Do you have any favourite places?
I love Paris, I go there regularly for work and it's always a real pleasure! I also enjoy the Midi-Pyrénées region for its magnificent wide open spaces and its connection with nature. It's a calm, soothing place that perfectly matches the way I love to spend my time.
