From gifts to a Brand – The Story of CHIO MI
Sometimes, it all starts with a simple question:
"What should we gift our friends' kids for Christmas?"
The search for something special and original sparked the beginning of CHIO MI. Julia and Marilena – two friends with an eye for style and a heart for fashion, family, and unique little characters – found themselves asking that exact question back in 2021. They didn’t want mass-market gifts. They were looking for something real. Something joyful. And memorable.
A Patch. A Sweatshirt. A Smile.
So how did it all begin? In 2021, Julia, a designer, was traveling a lot – especially through Italy – when she stumbled upon a handful of charming, vintage-inspired patches: mini works of art featuring ice cream cones, popcorn boxes, teddy bears… playful, cheeky, a little retro, a little pop.
Back home, she stitched them onto plain sweatshirts. A few simple threads turned basics into truly personal pieces – gifted to kids on special occasions. The reaction? Pure excitement.
From both the children and the parents.
Suddenly, these little ones were wearing sweatshirts with character – soft, cool, different. Casual enough to play in, special enough to wear to a family gathering.
From Idea to Brand
It didn’t stop with one gift. The questions kept coming:
“Hey, those are awesome – can you make one for us too?”
That’s when Julia and Marilena decided to team up. They brought together creativity and a sense of purpose and began pouring time, energy, and a whole lot of love into something new:
CHIO MI – a label for kids with character, and for the grown-ups who support and celebrate them.
Our mission? To create meaningful moments and favorite pieces that spark memories of childhood and family – the kind you cherish when you stumble upon them years later.
Fashion with a Purpose
At CHIO MI, we believe in fashion that means something.
Fashion with a Purpose means creating garments that are not only beautiful and unique – but also give back.
That’s why for every sweatshirt sold, we donate to a children’s school for orphans in Namibia, supported by the non-profit Grund für Gutes. A heartfelt mission we’ve supported since day one – for kids full of imagination, potential, and joy.
With every CHIO MI piece, you’re not just buying a sweater – you’re sharing a little hope.
→ Learn more.
Yesterday’s Idea – Today’s Label
What started as a gift is now a carefully curated, independent brand – led by two founders with a clear vision:
Children’s fashion can be comfortable and cool. Emotional and intentional. And above all: special.
CHIO MI is now sold online and in select boutiques and concept stores. Each piece tells part of the journey – from the first patches in Italy to the sweatshirts worn today by kids with spirit and style.
And the best part?
We still love doing what started it all: bringing joy to others.
CHIO MI was founded by Julia Wallner & Marilena Funck
Curious?
→ Discover our latest favorites here.