I just read that one of my favorite children’s brands (other than A Little Indulgence) is no more. Alas, Papo d’Anjo has closed its doors after 17 years in the business. First Best & Co, and now Papo. Oh Dear!
I can’t begin to tell you all the fabulous outfits that my children have worn from the brand. They made gorgeous children’s clothes that were dressy, but not too dressy. My girls wore the clothes to church, to the restaurant, for Thanksgiving dinners with the grandparents, to summer barbeques. I have quite a few memories tied up with the brand. The luxurious quality of the children’s clothes inspired me when I was developing my line of children’s special occasion clothes.
Fortunately, Woman’s Wear Daily just reported that the owner and designer Catherine Monteiro de Barros will be designing a line of children’s clothes for Oscar de la Renta. I hope that I can still afford the children’s clothes.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Mrs. Miller – I think I know which coat you are referring to. It was prominently featured in their catalog. I’m sure your daughter looks adorable in it. I’d be happy to make you a purple velvet hat if you run out of patience. Send me an email: blog@alittleindulgence.us.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have shared their stories! I, too, have my own Papo problems which began almost a year ago at a Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Trunk Show.
I attended this show with my daughter, AuberJean, a precocious 8 year old with an eye for fashion! Not surprizingly, AuberJean ADORES all things purple and was immediately drawn to the scrumptious lilac cashmere cardigans and liberty leggings (thank you Catherine for this fashion-forward nod to the trends). I was enchanted with a bordeaux (in the purple family-right?) velvet dress that would be just-right at the club’s Santa breakfast!
The trunk show hostess had AuberJean try on a tweed and velvet tailored coat that was reminiscent of a beautiful Rothschild I had as a little girl. The coat came with a matching and, you-guessed-it, purple hat with a precious bow! Well, a thousand dollars and almost a year later we are STILL waiting on that hat! Sloooowly, piece by piece, (Papo must have deep shipping pockets) we did receive the majority of our Trunk Show order. Everything is just beautiful and certainly lives up to the brands steller reputation. Although, the velvet dress did need a good pressing and kept one of my gals busy for quite some time!
Still, the tweed coat hangs alone seeming waiting on the hat it needs to feel complete. Certainly I could pair it with something “off the rack”, but AuberJean had her heart set on the total look. Of course, I contacted customer service repeatedly but to no avail. Who knows, maybe I can snatch one up when Oscar unveils his Winter collection. Plus, a friend told me that ebay is LOADED with Papo products. Either way, I will continue to attempt to complete the outfit…Maybe we can wear it to the 2012 Santa Breakfast!
On a more positive note, with each and every shipment I received a new Papo-trademark bag! I plan to hang them on hooks in the mudroom of the Hampton house. They will perfect for stashing wet swim suits and the like!
I wish all of you the best in your pursuits of refunds and in finding a replacement for Papo d’Anjo. Naomi, I feel your pain with regard to the pituitary gland struggle. My oldest daughter went through the same unfortunate stage. She was able to preserve her modesty by wearing the cutest little underpinnings that I ordered through Papo. I am sorry you will not have that opportunity!
I’m feeling very inconvenienced today. Several months ago I returned an evergreen Papo d’Anjo duffle coat and black watch plaid dress that were two sizes too small for my daughter, Sophia who is going through an unfortunate struggle with her pituitary gland.
We have been away in Singapore for the past month and as of this morning, I have learned that the company has filed for bankruptcy, which seems so 2009. I’m starting to feel anxious about the status of my return.
In the past I have ALWAYS been able to return the majority of my children’s clothing for a FULL refund even if it had been worn extensively, out-grown and/or damaged. Even shoes. What a unique option that was and I will surely miss that. Does anyone know if Catherine Monteiro de Barros will continue to offer that customer perk at Oscar de la Renta?
That would be extremely appreciated, because Sophia has her pre-kindergarten interview and aptitude test at Brearley in a few weeks, and I was counting on her wearing that ensemble, but in a slightly larger size. I don’t necessarily need evergreen and black-watch, but I do need something classic, traditional and modestly cut. Nothing trendy or bourgeois.
I contacted American Express to see if these charges might be reversed, but they were not particularly helpful, even though we are Centurion Card level and have been since 2006! More disappointment and inconvenience. Sigh!
I simply do not understand how Catherine could allow this to happen to such a high-end business.
I know that the company has been dissolved, but surely SOMEONE is still responsible? This is America, and the customer is always right in America!
I’m not upset for me. I’m upset for Sophia and my son Liam and the children at their upcoming play-dates who have to brush against the scratchy, low-quality wool I’ve been forced to purchase until I can find another high-end children’s line to take the place of Papo d’Anjo.
The late, high end, children’s clothing came to an end December 2011 and ended with liberty prints, tafetta dresses and boys linen pants flying off the shelves in greed. The owner, hosted a warehouse sale to liquidate her inventory and pocket all profits. News just surfaced that she will be starting with a polished gold plate working for Oscar de la Renta. Little does he probably know, the amount of money she owes her former clients. Will these clients purchase from her again, if they are still due a credit from a previous Papo d’Anjo season? Can papo customers contact oscar de la Renta customer service, to request a credit on merchandise returned in 2010 to Papo d’ Anjo? Are you due credit from papo? If so, will you purchase from her in the future knowing that your stolen monies was used to lure Oscar with a collection that you funded? IF she owes money to all of her customers, who else did she steal services from?
Papo d’Anjo owed me a refund of $113 as well. I did love their clothes, but I was extremely disappointed as well in the way they basically stole from me.
I wonder, Liz, if some of the fiscal problems can be traced at all to Bergdorf Goodman. Papo was the premiere children’s brand in the NYC store and the retailer is infamous for ridiculous payment terms. I’ve heard 90-120 day payment terms which don’t even take into account discounts or charge backs. Hmmm…food for thought.
Unfortunately Catherine Monteiro de Barros has left 4 million euros owing in Portugal, where she started the company, including 400,000 euros owed to 30 employees. It seems a bit unfair that she just shuts the door and starts over at Oscar de la Renta.
http://economia.publico.pt/Noticia/marca-portuguesa-que-chegou-aos-emmy-fecha-portas-e-deixa-quatro-milhoes-por-pagar-1528936#
Hi Betsy – That’s disappointing. I wonder if Catherine is moving to NY and maybe things became lost in the transition? Thanks for pointing out how critical customer service is.
Papo d’Anjo has also been one of my favorite brands. However, they have closed their business, and left owing me a refund of $218.00. I realize this is not a life-changing amount of money to loose, but it is very disappointing that they did not honor this obligation. All phone numbers, email addresses, etc. have been disconnected, and no one will return any calls or correspondence. When I read that Catherine Monteiro de Barros is now moving on to work with Oscar de la Renta, it hope that she will take better care of her business. I just wonder if there is anyone else out there that has had a similar experience….A very disappointed customer!