TANE Organics: Caring for the next generation
When Sheree Lee made a decision to launch her organic baby clothes brand, Tane Organics, there was no question in her mind about where she wanted her new business to be located. As a 30-year resident of NoMad, Lee knew the neighborhood — family-friendly, great location with plenty to see and do — was the ideal place to set up shop.
Tane Organics’ showroom opened in 2010 at 1123 Broadway, and today, as it celebrates 15 years of business, you might say the unique concept has come into its own. Born out of a blank space in the market, Tane Organics has crafted a variety of collections that are not only made from organic materials but handcrafted in Peru by fair trade artisans.
After years in the ready-to-wear space, creative director and founder Lee saw that organic clothing was not offered in children’s wear, and with studies confirming that infants develop allergies in the first six to 12 months of life, she understood that what young children wear matters. Chemical free, naturally grown organic fabric is at the heart of Lee’s offerings, from onesies to dresses to mittens. “Plus we support sustainability in our manufacturing and our pieces have longevity, which is the most sustainable option,” she said. “I know a family of five who has passed the same baby clothes down from kid to kid. The styles are timeless and the products are well made.”
The ethos of Tane Organics allows parents to feel good about the clothing they are putting on their children and also to feel good about the practices they are supporting — Tane provides employment options to women in Peru while also helping to lighten the impact on our planet. Its handmade well-crafted products can be passed on, shared, and treasured intentionally. And because Tane purposely cuts and makes items in small batches, more attention can be focused on detail and perfection. For example, when Lee heard new parents talk about their fear of pulling a onesie over their infant’s head, she created one of the brand’s most coveted pieces — a kimono-inspired onesie that ties in the front.
Tane translates to the word “seed” in Japanese and that’s exactly what the brand has been doing for the last 15 years — planting a seed into the health of all the children who wear their designs. Each collection has a unique theme, often centered around nature, and is designed to mix and match in ways that extend the longevity of each item.
“We started doing gender-neutral pieces and then expanded based on what our buyers and customers wanted. Now we have a vast boys collection and some ruffles and dresses for the girls,” noted Lee. The brand has gained a cult following and found its way organically (pun intended) into the wardrobes of celebrity offspring.
Tane Organics works with temperature-regulating and easy-to-care-for baby alpaca wool for cold weather pieces, including handknit sweaters, hats, mittens, and more. The brand is also known for toys and accessories; its rattles, featured in a variety of shapes, including a seashell and a squirrel, have become a go-to gift. Another popular go-to: the complete newborn set which includes everything a new parent might need — the kimono onesie, mittens, booties, a hat and more.
Inspired by her nephews who were born prematurely, Lee and her organic baby clothing power- house have become known for preemie offerings. Core collection sizing runs newborn to 18 months, handknit sweaters up to T3.
Make an appointment to shop in Tane Organics’ stunning showroom or visit the brand online at taneorganics.com. And don’t be surprised if you run into Lee around the neighborhood, either at Soul Cycle or stocking up on groceries at Eataly.