Meeting with Paulina Atkinson, founder of Organic Zoo
Meet Paulina Atkinson, creator of the children's clothing brand Organic Zoo, which we love: simple, well-thought-out, durable... She tells us about her childhood in Poland, her daily family life in London, and her collaboration with Charlie Crane on the "Olive Garden" print.
Could I ask what’s the story behind Organic Zoo ? From your childhood in Poland to your life in England…
Organic Zoo is deeply rooted in my childhood. I grew up in communist Poland, where life was simple and often challenging, but also incredibly rich in imagination and freedom. We didn’t have much, so we created our own worlds, playing outdoors, inventing games, and finding joy in small things.
That sense of simplicity, creativity, and connection to nature stayed with me. When I later moved to England, I found myself coming back to those values. Organic Zoo became a way of expressing them, creating clothing that feels gentle, practical, and allows children to move and explore freely.
What gave you the idea to create your own brand ?
It came very naturally. I couldn’t find clothes that reflected what I believed children really needed- simple, practical pieces made with care from natural fabrics. I wanted to create something honest and useful, guided by instinct.
I read that you are very attached to producing clothes respectful to the environment, could you tell us a little more about this ?
Yes, this has always been at the heart of Organic Zoo. From the very beginning, our commitment was simple: always organic. We only use natural, pure materials, without synthetic blends, and we constantly look for ways to improve how we work. But sustainability goes beyond fabrics. It’s also about how things are made and how long they last. We work closely with small, family-run factories, which allows for care, transparency, and real relationships. We also focus on timeless design and durability, creating pieces that can be worn, washed, and passed on.
Are you still working with a factory in west Ukraine ?
Yes, we are. Our main factory is based outside Lviv, in west Ukraine. It’s a place we chose very carefully because it aligns with our values. There is a strong sense of community there, and the level of craftsmanship is exceptional. The care and skill of the people working there are truly part of every garment we create.
How do you find inspiration for your prints ?
Our prints are very personal. They come from my experiences, travels, and interests. Sometimes it’s nature, sometimes objects, sometimes a feeling or memory. For example, after visiting Japan, I became inspired by ceramics, which led to one of our prints. I like to think of them as small stories- simple, but meaningful.
What’s a typical day with you between work and family ?
I like to start my day early, before everything begins. That quiet time helps me reflect and set intentions. From there, the day flows between different parts of the business- creative work, decision-making, and connecting with the team. Afternoons are reserved for family life, friends, and time outdoors. It’s a constant challenge to balance the two, but over the years I’ve learned how to navigate it more naturally.
Do you have any Charlie Crane furniture and if so, could you tell us a little bit about it in your daily life ?
Yes, we have a Levo chair in our photo studio, and we use it all the time. It’s one of those pieces that just works beautifully- babies are always so content and calm in it, which makes such a difference during shoots.
How was your collaboration with Charlie Crane built, how did you work ?
The collaboration felt very natural from the beginning, as we share similar values around simplicity, quality, and thoughtful design. Our “Olive Garden” print was at the heart of it, and seeing it translated onto furniture felt really special. We are so excited about this collaboration.
Any future projects in 2026 you want to talk about for Organic Zoo ?
We are focusing less on constant newness and more on refining what we already do well.That means developing our core pieces, expanding areas like knitwear and wool, and continuing to respond to what our customers truly need. Everything is approached in a thoughtful, considered way.
Have you been to Paris or France in general and what’s your favorite thing or place ?
I love Paris and visit regularly for work and it’s always great fun. I also really like the Midi-Pyrénées for its beautiful open spaces and connection to nature. It’s calm, grounding, and feels very aligned with the way I like to spend time.
