Baby Steps {Lola’s Classic Babies}

Lolita Rodriguez of Lola’s Classic Babies

Words Codi Chen | Photos Eric Morales

Lola’s Classic Babies has carved a niche in the world of retro and vintage baby wear, blending pop culture charm with a solid commitment to sustainability. Lola’s not only offers a stylish range of baby clothing and accessories but also addresses the pressing issue of waste in the garment industry. By changing the way we shop, we have the power to make a change in our community and beyond. 

The company’s dedication to eco-friendly practices took a significant leap forward through its partnership with Austin Creative Reuse Center. Initially, Lolita Rodriguez, founder of Lola’s Classic Babies, began participating in the Reverse Pitch Program when faced with the challenge of dealing with textile waste. Lolita proposed a solution: transform excess material into beautiful, functional products like baby bow ties. “I wanted to create something unique and interesting from the donated clothing and scraps. These accessories are classic and don’t require a lot of outside material,” Lolita explains. 

Through this collaboration, Lola’s Classic Babies has significantly reduced its waste, cutting it down to just 5% by utilizing scrap fabric in innovative ways. The process involves matching recycled fabric with new materials to create a variety of items, from bow ties and burp cloths to diaper clutches and onesies. The remnants of these projects are not discarded but repurposed into other products, such as patchwork blankets and teething toys.

“A lot of parents struggle to spend money on something that their child will outgrow so fast. I wanted to fill the void by creating something lasting and re-purposed,”

For Lolita, sustainability in her business is crucial. Working with children’s clothing means dealing with items that are quickly outgrown. “A lot of parents struggle to spend money on something that their child will outgrow so fast. I wanted to fill the void by creating something lasting and re-purposed,” Lolita says. As a mother herself, she wants to create a more sustainable future for her son and aims to positively impact her community overall.

Since its inception, Lola’s Classic Babies has grown its presence beyond Austin, with wholesale orders reaching boutiques in California, New York, and Dallas. Locally, you can visit Lolita’s studio in East Austin during designated hours or find her at a booth throughout the year at various markets around the city. 

For those looking to make their own businesses more sustainable, Lolita’s advice is clear: integrate materials across your products and ensure that waste from one item can be repurposed into another. “It takes some planning, but I’ve been able to create entire collections across several product lines using this strategy,” she encourages. By being intentional about excess waste and continually finding new uses for goods, businesses and individuals can significantly affect the environment. By adopting this type of mindset, consumers have an opportunity to make vast impacts on the future. Lolita hopes that it includes a community rallying together to make greener choices that last for generations to come.

Mosaic Art
Along with Lolita’s passion for creativity and sustainability, she is also a celebrated mosaic artist, workshop instructor, and studio assistant with East Austin’s Mosaic Works  Her work is displayed in The Legends Project, an ongoing series of public art portraits depicting cultural leaders across various industries.

ATX Artist Social
Lolita Rodriguez is the executive producer of ATX Artist Social, a podcast and event curator for artists in the Austin area. This organization enhances creatives’ visibility by promoting them on the podcast, social media channels, and events, giving them a platform to showcase their work. 

Contact:
2324 E Cesar Chavez St.
studiosatx.com
@lolas_babies