For SS26, the Copenhagen-rooted brand presents Citizen, a collection shaped by childhood, curiosity and a subtle sense of belonging.
Not the loud, slogan heavy kind. More like the feeling of being part of something before anyone has named it.
There is everyday ease, but it comes with a sharp, contemporary calm. Oversized silhouettes bring that slightly borrowed, slightly independent feeling children wear so well, while subtle workwear details add structure without making anything feel too serious.
The palette stays beautifully grounded: dusty hues, timeless checks, tones that feel sun-faded in the best way.
Nothing screams. Everything settles. And then, beneath it all, the mushroom print appears, a small symbol of hidden worlds, underground communities, and quiet magic growing where no one is looking.
It is a fitting emblem for a collection that does not chase attention.
The clothes feel relaxed but intentional, designed to move with the child rather than style the child into stillness. They are pieces for pavement adventures, slow mornings, imaginary kingdoms and the very specific drama of refusing to wear anything uncomfortable.
“SS26 is a reflection of how we see children; curious, intuitive and deeply connected to their surroundings,”
says founder and Creative Director Cecilia Bruno Jessen.
“The mushroom became a symbol of that quiet magic and sense of community that grows naturally.”
That idea runs through the whole collection. brunobruno nation blends Scandinavian minimalism with contemporary South Korean influences, but it never feels like an aesthetic exercise. It feels personal. Familiar, but evolving. Cool, but not trying too hard. The best kind.
At a time when children’s fashion can sometimes feel like it is dressing kids for someone else’s gaze, Citizen feels refreshingly different. These are clothes for tiny people with inner lives. Tiny citizens of their own worlds. Curious, stubborn, tender, slightly chaotic. Exactly as they should be.
And because Lil Lemon, our magazine kid with excellent questions and zero patience for boring answers needed to know more, we asked founder Cecilia Bruno Jessen to step inside the world of brunobruno nation.
Lil Lemon: First question… if your brand was a world, what would it look like? Like colours, music, people… everything.
Cecilia: It would be a world where nothing is too perfect. Colours slightly faded, like they’ve been out in the sun. Music that makes you want to move without thinking. People who carry a sense of ease and curiosity. A place where you can explore, but also feel at home.
Lil Lemon: When you design clothes, do you imagine real kids wearing them or just cool ideas in your head?
Cecilia: There’s always a balance. You need ideas to push things forward, but I keep coming back to reality. I design with movement and use in mind, otherwise it’s just a concept, not clothing.
Lil Lemon: Be honest… are your clothes made for running, jumping and getting a bit messy, or more for looking cool on Instagram?
Cecilia: I like the idea that clothes look better once they’ve been worn a bit. So yes, they’re made for everyday moments – not just for standing still.
Lil Lemon: What makes your brand different from all the others? Like… why should I pick yours?
Cecilia: We’re not chasing attention. The focus is on making things properly so they last, and still feel relevant over time. Pieces you come back to and not just wear once.
Lil Lemon: Do you ever get inspired by things that are not fashion? Like food, places or even cartoons?
Cecilia: All the time. I try not to look too much at fashion when designing – I find inspiration in everyday things like spaces, textures, and colours you wouldn’t immediately connect to clothing. It keeps the process natural and gives the work a bit more depth.
Lil Lemon: If I opened your wardrobe right now, what would I find the most of?
Cecilia: Mostly simple staples. Good trousers and jeans, soft knits and tshirts that have been washed many times. Pieces that have earned their place by being worn again and again.
Lil Lemon: Let’s talk about the new SS26 collection… what’s the mood?
Cecilia: It’s rooted in childhood and curiosity. Dusty hues and classic checks set the tone, while small elements like the mushroom print, add a sense of quiet storytelling. A symbol of magic beneath the surface and communities rising. A new nation growing, and new stories being shared by many little voices. The pieces feel relaxed, a little worn-in, and easy to move in.
Lil Lemon: Is there a piece that you LOVE but think kids might not understand straight away?
Cecilia: I love our trench coat. It’s a slightly more grown-up piece, but it still feels right for independent little ones. It works really well with the looser, more casual silhouettes. Because it’s made in washed organic cotton, it keeps an easy, worn-in feel and doesn’t come across too formal.
Lil Lemon: What would be your dream kid to wear your clothes? Like personality, not famous… just vibe.
Cecilia: Someone independent, who dresses for themselves without overthinking it. A bit curious, a bit stubborn, comfortable being exactly who they are.
Lil Lemon: Last one… if I started my own brand tomorrow, what’s the first thing I should do?
Cecilia: Begin with what you know and what feels natural to you. Don’t try to do everything at once – build it step by step. And be patient! Good things tend to take longer than you expect.
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