Meet Brooke Sumpter, the 11-year-old who learned to sew at 4 and has now become the first child to design an American Girl fashion collection

Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) and Mattel have joined hands to launch the American Girl x Harlem’s Fashion Row Cherry Blossom Couture Collection, a new fashion line designed by 11-year-old designer and Brooke LauRen Children’s Brand founder Brooke Sumpter.According to the Toy Book, the collection brings Sumpter’s distinctive design aesthetic to American Girl’s 18-inch dolls, featuring bows, denim, accessories and cherry blossom embroidery. It also includes a matching dress for children, allowing young fashion enthusiasts to coordinate their looks with their dolls.Brooke Sumpter brings her signature style to American Girl dollsThe Cherry Blossom Couture Collection features four outfits created specifically for 18-inch American Girl dolls. Each look incorporates elements associated with Sumpter’s designs, including oversized bows, denim and pastel tones.The Cherry Blossom Couture Bow Shirt & Jean Skirt features a white puff-sleeved shirt with an oversized pink satin bow, paired with a denim skirt decorated with cherry blossom embroidery.The Cherry Blossom Couture 2-in-1 Ruffle Dress & Jacket includes a blue knit dress with gradient pink-and-blue mesh, a detachable skirt, denim booties and an embroidered varsity jacket finished with a pink satin bow.The Cherry Blossom Couture Embroidered Jean Set offers a full-denim look featuring a double-breasted jacket, pink satin bow, pink booties and flared jeans.The fourth doll outfit, the Cherry Blossom Couture Buttoned-Up Bows Top & Skirt, includes a denim puff-sleeved top, denim Mary Janes and a pastel-pink layered mesh skirt.Matching look lets girls style alongside their dollsThe collection extends beyond doll fashion with the Cherry Blossom Couture Ruffle Dress, created for girls to wear while styling their American Girl dolls.The dress features gradient pink-and-blue mesh, ruffled shoulders and a blue bodice, bringing the collection’s signature aesthetic to children's fashion.American Girl celebrates the next generation of creativesPamela Velarde, Vice President and Head of American Girl at Mattel, said the collaboration reflects the brand’s commitment to encouraging young girls to express themselves and explore their creativity.“For 40 years, American Girl has been dedicated to celebrating girls’ stories, encouraging self-expression, and inspiring girls to believe in their potential,” Velarde said.She added that as American Girl celebrates its 40th anniversary, the brand is continuing to find ways to support the next generation and encourage young girls to embrace their creativity.HFR founder praises Brooke Sumpter’s journeyBrandice Daniel, Founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row and ICON360, highlighted Sumpter’s journey as a young designer and her growing creative career.“Partnering with American Girl for a second time is incredibly special,” Daniel said. “I’ve watched Brooke design since she was about six years old, so seeing her now, at 11, create for such an iconic brand is truly full circle.”Daniel added that American Girl’s focus on girls’ stories and imagination makes the collaboration particularly meaningful, saying she was proud to show young creatives that their ideas matter “right now.”Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.