Cuore Baby is more than just a label—it’s a labor of love. Founded in 2015 by visionary designer Jessica Balocchi, the brand redefines baby clothing by blending timeless beauty with impeccable craftsmanship. Jessica transformed her passion for high fashion into a brand that reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the unique charm inspired by the innocence of childhood. From its origins in Valencia to its blossoming presence in Florida and beyond, Cuore Baby continues to captivate with its dedication to creating meaningful garments. We sit down with Jessica Balocchi to explore the story behind Cuore Baby, her inspirations, and the vision that drives her to create garments as beautiful as they are heartfelt. Join us as we delve into the world of Cuore Baby, where every stitch tells a story, and every garment is crafted with love.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your brand, Cuore Baby. I founded Cuore Baby in 2015 in my hometown of Valencia, where my atelier still operates, even though I moved to Florida in 2019. I continue to design all the collections myself. My journey began when I graduated from high school at 16 and moved to Spain to study at MBA Business School. After earning the best project award there, I completed my final year at Northumbria University in England, where I received a BA Hons in Business and was honored with the highest grades at graduation. I then pursued a Master’s in Marketing at the European School of Economics in Florence, graduating at the top of my class.
While my studies focused on business and marketing, my work experience has always been deeply rooted in fashion. In Spain, I owned a high-end boutique called Balocchi, which is my last name. We featured brands like Dolce & Gabbana, La Perla, and Swarovski, among others. During my time in Italy, I interned at Conte of Florence, one of the oldest and most respected fashion brands in Florence, where I presented collections to foreign agents and Italian stores. Following this rich experience, I founded Cuore Baby, my “atelier of dreams,” which remains my happy place to this day.
2. Tell us about Cuore Baby. What sets it apart in the world of kids’ fashion? Cuore Baby is all about heart—literally, as “Cuore” means “heart” in Italian. Every piece we create is handmade in our atelier, with a focus on the baby’s safety and comfort. From using natural fabrics to ensuring labels don’t touch the skin, every detail is considered. Our pieces often feature hand-sewn laces or embroidered crystals, making each garment unique. We started with christening gowns and now offer outfits for boys and girls up to size 7 years. We are also committed to sustainability, with a zero-waste policy and recycled paper for all our patterns.
3. How did Cuore Baby come to life? What inspired you to start this journey? The idea for Cuore Baby came before I even became a mom. I’ve always found children, especially babies, to be the purest and cutest beings. They inspire me to create designs that reflect their innocence and charm. My atelier, which I lovingly call “the atelier of dreams,” is where I channel this inspiration into reality. It’s my happy place, where every design is born from a place of peace and joy.
4. Where do you usually source your design inspiration? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently influence your creations? Are there unique challenges or joys in working with children’s fashion? My inspiration comes when I am at peace, both in my heart and mind. I find that children themselves are the greatest source of inspiration. Their purity, joy, and the way they see the world motivate me to create designs that are just as innocent and beautiful as they are. I aim to capture that sense of wonder in every piece I create. Designing for children is the best part of what I do. Children are the reason I started Cuore Baby. There’s nothing better than seeing them in my creations—pure joy, and the best models, clients, and inspirations one could ask for. Working with children’s fashion comes with its challenges, like ensuring comfort and safety, but the rewards far outweigh them. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love for the most special little people.
6. Can you tell us about a favorite piece from your brand? My favorite creations are my daughters’ christening gowns. Each is unique and was made entirely by hand, with fabrics that hold sentimental value. Naomi’s gown was crafted from heavy embroidered lace that was originally meant for my wedding dress. For my second child, Nara, I used organdí fabric from Florence and a lace trim gifted from Spain. These gowns are incredibly special to me and hold a cherished place in my heart.
7. How would you describe your personal style? Does it influence your designs for Cuore Baby? My style is very specific—classic children’s wear with a twist, inspired by the old world but reinterpreted for the modern American market. I use the highest quality fabrics and classic silhouettes but avoid overly traditional elements like ruffled collars for boys or floral lace. My designs reflect my personal style, which is modern, elegant, and timeless, much like the fashion icons I admire.
8. Who are your style icons, both past and present, and how do they inspire your work for Cuore Baby? Carolina Herrera, with her impeccable taste and international success, is a major influence for me. Her timeless elegance inspires my approach to design. Olivia Palermo, with her refined and modern fashion sense, is another icon whose style aligns with my own. For baby clothing, of course, Cuore Baby is my favorite, as it embodies everything I believe children’s fashion should be.
9. What is your favorite place in the world? My atelier, where I create and find inspiration. My home, where I love and play with my husband and daughters. And Italy, where I travel to eat delicious food, visit family, and one day hope to retire.
10. Where do you envision Cuore Baby in five years? Any exciting plans or developments on the horizon? I see Cuore Baby expanding its presence in high-end boutiques around the world. We currently sell in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and various Latin American countries, but I want to reach even more markets. We’re also planning to expand our online sales beyond our website, Instagram, and Etsy. We recently showcased our Spring/Summer 2025 collection at The Children’s Show in New York. Next year, we’ll participate in shows in Italy and Spain. In the future, I might consider opening my own retail stores, but for now, with small children, it’s not the right time.
11. What message do you hope to convey through your brand? I want to leave the world more beautiful. Why should kids wear leggings and cartoon-printed T-shirts when they can be just as comfortable and look stunning in a cotton eyelet romper? Childhood is so fleeting, and all we’ll have left are those tiny, gorgeous clothes to cherish and maybe pass down to their own children one day.
12. What do you like about Junior Style? I love everything about Junior Style. The fact that it’s a media platform dedicated solely to kids’ fashion, which is quite rare, is something I truly appreciate. I value that we share a similar perspective on elevating children’s clothing and accessories to the level of high fashion—it’s crucial to me. I also admire your editorial work. Keep up the magnificent work, dear Alex!
More interviews here
