Nia is a sleek, compact travel companion that’s as chic as it is revolutionary.
We catch up with Silver Cross' Senior Fabric Designer, Cassie, to go behind the design of our game-changing stroller.
Can you tell us about the fabrics used on Nia and what makes them ideal for busy parents on the move?
The Silver Cross design team truly understands the immense joys and everyday chaos that come with parenting. With so much to juggle, we believe the products we develop should help make parent life a little easier. That’s why every fabric quality used on the Nia stroller has been meticulously developed to deliver high performance, functional benefits, and long-lasting durability, all while remaining stylish and modern.
How did you balance durability with comfort and style in your fabric choices?
Good question. Balancing durability and comfort are key. Different fabric qualities on Nia serve a different purpose. We carefully developed specific fabric qualities for different functions and properties. For example, the main outer fabric on Nia is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant – ideal for everyday use and exposure to changing weather. In contrast, the seat liner features a plush, ultra-soft jersey fabric designed for maximum comfort and gentle contact with your baby’s skin. Honestly, we often find ourselves wishing we could make our cosy seat liners in adult form!
Were there specific parenting challenges like spills, weather, or wear and tear that influenced your design decisions?
Absolutely, always! For instance, we intentionally designed the Nia seat so that the seat liner fabrics can be removed quickly and easily for wipe cleaning because let’s face it, we all know how messy snack time can get!
What kind of testing goes into developing fabrics that can handle everyday family life and travel adventures?
Testing is a major part of our development journey. Fabric testing is both complex and essential, and we dedicate a lot of time to it because getting the quality right is non-negotiable. Our goal is always to make sure the materials we use are the best they can be.
We run a wide range of tests, from UV and fade resistance to allergen safety and stain and water repellence. Each fabric goes through rigorous checks before we feel confident enough to use it. It’s all about making sure the final product not only looks great but performs brilliantly in everyday life.
How does the fabric design reflect the lifestyle of modern families – who want products that are both practical and beautiful?
Our fabric design is all about blending beauty with practicality. The fabric is durable, easy to care for, and thoughtfully engineered to meet the needs of busy families while still looking stylish. We want parents to feel confident that they’re choosing something that performs brilliantly – and looks great too!
Were there any unexpected discoveries or breakthroughs during the development process?
One that really springs to mind was the challenges we had to overcome perfecting the fabric fit for the Nia carrycot. Fabric tends to have a mind of its own, truly! Especially when the goal is to create a material that folds down compactly and springs back with minimal creasing. It was a real challenge, but one we tackled head-on.
Striking the right balance between stretch, softness and durability was key. Once we were confident in the fabric’s performance, the next hurdle was precision pattern cutting. Think of it like crafting a tailored jacket, it needs to contour perfectly around the frame. Our fabrics must wrap seamlessly around the hardware while maintaining a sleek, crease-free look so that style and design are never compromised.
We truly believe this level of fabric performance is a game changer and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved!
What do you hope parents feel when they first see the stroller – comfort, confidence, something else?
With Nia, I really wanted it to feel like an extension of your personal style. Think of how you’d choose a staple winter coat or an everyday handbag. Yes, they serve a purpose, but you also fall in love with the design, knowing you’ll make it your own as you will use it every day. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with Nia, something that’s beautifully considered and stylish, but also incredibly functional and useful for everyday life.
Are there any future innovations in textile design you’re excited to explore for baby gear?
Future innovation for Silver Cross! Where do I start? Fabric innovation is constantly evolving, and we’re deeply committed to staying ahead. We invest time in close collaboration with our suppliers to research and develop emerging innovations. This proactive approach allows us to continually enhance the quality of our fabrics. We’re passionate about staying informed on the latest developments so we can adapt and refine our materials accordingly, we regularly attend fashion textile and trend forecasting events to ensure we remain at the top of our game.
Recently, I’m especially excited about smart textiles, temperature-regulating yarns and natural fibre blends that offer new benefits and properties both functionality and comfort.
