Blabla, an Atlanta-based handmade toy company, is exhibiting its dolls and apparel at the Maison&Objet trade show in Paris this week.
The show, which is being held at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, draws buyers and sellers from around the world.
Susan Pritchett and Florence Wetterwald, who have a store and design studio in Virginia Highlands, founded the children’s label in 2001 following a trip to Peru.
Visiting rural villages, they were impressed by the skills of master knitters who fashioned sweaters, ponchos, cardigans and other items according to traditions handed down for generations.
The Peruvian knitters made finger puppets from leftover wool, inspiring the Atlantans to hire them to produce their own designs.
Their company now also produces rattles, blankets, mobiles and backpacks.
They opened their store in 2007 with Ms. Wetterwald producing the designs and Ms. Pritchett handling the marketing. Their handmade dolls are now sold in more than 35 countries.
According to a press release, new for the fall show are “Lucky” and “Perchance,” two black “cool” cats; bears, including one named Berlioz after the composer and a lady fox named “Suzette.”
In addition, they are presenting a collection of cards and notebooks featuring the dolls, which have grown out of their collaboration with illustrator Rachel Ortas.
The company’s unusual name is whimsical and has no particular meaning, according to its webside, which says it “means nothing and everything.”
To learn more about blabla, go to www.blablakids.com or call (404) 875-6496. Ms. Pritchett may be reached by email at susan@blablakids.com.