Meet Brooke Sumpter, the 11-year-old fashion designer who went from learning to sew at four to creating an American Girl collection. (Photo: Mattel)
Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) and Mattel have joined hands to launch the American Girl x Harlem’s Fashion Row Cherry Blossom Couture Collection, a new fashion line designed by 11-year-old designer and Brooke LauRen Children’s Brand founder Brooke Sumpter. The collection brings Sumpter’s distinctive design aesthetic to American Girl’s 18-inch dolls, featuring bows, denim, accessories and cherry blossom embroidery, according to the Toy Book. The Cherry Blossom Couture Collection features four outfits created specifically for 18-inch American Girl dolls. Now, at 11, she has designed a collection for one of America’s most iconic doll brands. (Photo: Mattel) The Cherry Blossom Couture 2-in-1 Ruffle Dress & Jacket includes a blue knit dress with gradient pink-and-blue mesh, a detachable skirt, denim booties and an embroidered varsity jacket finished with a pink satin bow. From her first stitches at four to an American Girl collaboration at 11, Brooke Sumpter is making her mark in fashion. (Photo: Mattel) The Cherry Blossom Couture Embroidered Jean Set offers a full-denim look featuring a double-breasted jacket, pink satin bow, pink booties and flared jeans. 11-year-old Brooke Sumpter turns her childhood passion for sewing into a landmark American Girl fashion collaboration. (Photo: Mattel) The fourth doll outfit, the Cherry Blossom Couture Buttoned-Up Bows Top & Skirt, includes a denim puff-sleeved top, denim Mary Janes and a pastel-pink layered mesh skirt. “I’ve watched Brooke design since she was about six years old, so seeing her now, at 11, create for such an iconic brand is truly full circle.
Pamela Velarde, Vice President and Head of American Girl at Mattel, said the collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to encouraging young girls to express themselves and explore their creativity. “For 40 years, American Girl has been dedicated to celebrating girls’ stories, encouraging self-expression, and inspiring girls to believe in their potential,” Velarde said. “Partnering with American Girl for a second time is incredibly special,” Daniel said.
It also includes a matching dress for children, allowing young fashion enthusiasts to coordinate their looks with their dolls. Each look incorporates elements associated with Sumpter’s designs, including oversized bows, denim and pastel tones. The Cherry Blossom Couture Bow Shirt & Jean Skirt features a white puff-sleeved shirt with an oversized pink satin bow, paired with a denim skirt decorated with cherry blossom embroidery. Brooke Sumpter started sewing at four. Young designer Brooke Sumpter proves age is no barrier to creativity with her Cherry Blossom Couture collection for American Girl. (Photo: Mattel) The collection extends beyond doll fashion with the Cherry Blossom Couture Ruffle Dress, created for girls to wear while styling their American Girl dolls. The dress features gradient pink-and-blue mesh, ruffled shoulders and a blue bodice, bringing the collection’s signature aesthetic to children’s fashion. She added that as American Girl celebrates its 40th anniversary, the brand is continuing to find ways to support the next generation and encourage young girls to embrace their creativity. Brandice Daniel, Founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row and ICON360, highlighted Sumpter’s journey as a young designer and her growing creative career. Daniel added that American Girl’s focus on girls’ stories and imagination makes the collaboration particularly meaningful, saying she was proud to show young creatives that their ideas matter “right now. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
